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Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness"
What does Marlow learn about Kurtz from the accountant at the first station?
Kurtz is a first class agent, in charge of a post in the true ivory country, and sends in a ton of ivory to the company
To what does Marlow attribute the Central Station manager’s three terms over three years?
He has never been sick
What connection does the brickmaker make between Marlow and Kurtz?
He says that the same people who sent Kurtz also sent Marlow (he believes)
What does Marlow learn about his steamboat when he arrives at the Central Station?
It was at the bottom of the river - it was sunk
What does Marlow need to complete the repairs on the steamboat?
Rivets
In this passage, the use of the word, “sedentary” (line 4), to describe the typical sailor’s life is paradoxical because?
Most sailors do not learn much about the world
The analogy between the British and Roman empires suggests that both?
Penetrated barbarian darkness in an attempt to civilize native populations
An insight into Marlow’s character is provided by his suggestions that the exploitation of colonial people?
Can only be justified if there is at least some idea that some good can be done
The narrator prepares the reader for ambiguity by suggesting that Marlow’s stories?
Raise more questions than they answer
The phrase, “sleepless river” (line 61), is an example of?
Personification
In the passage, Conrad employs concrete imagery of physical details to contrast at its most extreme the gap between?
African natives and civilized Europeans
It is ironic that the poor condition of the native workers brought from the coastal areas is caused primarily by?
Unfamiliar living conditions
The “bit of white worsted around his neck” (lines 31-33) suggests?
Another mystery that cannot be explained
The chief accountant provides comic relief in contrast to the pathos of the dying workers primarily through his?
Incongruous (out of place) attire
Marlow claims to admire the accountant because he represents?
The ability of humans to resist the effect of their environment
What does Marlow learn about Kurtz when he overhears the station manager talking to the manager’s uncle?
He learns that Kurtz is alone and possibly sick
What does Marlow call the agents who are on his steamboat?
Agents = Pilgrims ; Crew = Cannibals
Who reportedly said, “Each station should be like a beacon on the road towards better, a center for trade of course, but also for humanizing, improving, instructing,” ?
Kurtz
What is unusual about Marlow’s native crew?
They’re cannibals
Who writes the note that Marlow finds that warns, “Hurry up. Approach cautiously,” ?
The russian trader
Marlow and the managers on board the ship fear an attack from natives on the shore, but they decide to stop in the river eight miles from the Inner Station at dusk. What keeps them from moving the steamboat in the morning?
The heavy white fog - can’t see to move
What comment was added as a postscript to the report Kurtz wrote for the International Society of the Suppression of Savage Customs? (You can paraphrase)
Exterminate all the Brutes - kill the natives
How do the agents on board the steamboat react to the natives’ attack?
They are fearful, grab their guns, and fire aimlessly
Why, according to the young man who greets Marlow at the Inner Station, did the natives attack the steamboat?
They don’t want Kurtz to go, but Kurtz told them to attack
WHat trait does Marlow attribute to his crew that he says Kurtz lacks?
Restraint
An insight into Marlow’s character revealed in this passage is that he?
Sense an uneasy connection with the savages on the shore
Marlow says that the only defense people have against the destructive power of darkness is?
Their character
The fireman is “an improved specimen” because he?
Has learned how to operate a simple machine
The “shackled form of a conquered monster” (lines 1-2) refers to?
The taming of nature by civilized man
Marlow feels a certain bond with the fireman because they both?
Are concerned about the engine
The first person point of view enables the reader to understand that Marlow does not go with the pilgrims to see Kurtz because he?
thinks that Kurtz’s physical body has no significance
The recurring symbolism of light and dark is expressed in Marlow’s brush with death by?
Impalpable grayness
The metaphor used for the act of dying is?
Stepping over a threshold
The final sentence of this passage is an instance of?
Foreshadowing
Marlow suggests that Kurtz’s final words represent a victory because he?
Had something significant to say
When Marlow asks what Kurtz had traded for ivory, what does the Russian reply?
Did not trade anythin but raided fellow natives
After rushing at Kurtz’s stretcher with a piercing cry, why do the natives withdraw and allow the party to pass?
Kurtz told them everything was alright
What are the knobs on the posts by the building, and what symbolic meaning does Marlow assign them?
Heads on the stakes (heads of native rebels) and they symbolize Kurtz’s brutality
Why does the Russian decide to depart quickly and quietly?
He fears the manager - the manager said he wants to hang him
After rescuing Kurtz, why does the manager say he disapproves of Kurtz’s actions?
Said his method was unfound
What were Kurtz’s last words?
“The Horror! The Horror!”
When Marlow returns to the sepulcher city, how does he feel about the people?
He resents them because they have no true knowledge of life (greedy without knowing the dark truth of what’s happening in Africa)
Who are the three visitors who try to get Kurtz’s papers from Marlow when he returns to Europe?
Someone from the company, his cousin, and a journalist
When the “Intended” extends her arms as if after a retreating figure, what or who does Marlow think of?
Kurtz’s African Mistress (on the shore, calling out for Kurtz)
What did Marlow tell Kurtz’s “Intended” that Kurtz’s last words were?
Marlow said that Kurtz’s last words were her name
Which character resembles a hair dress dummy?
Accountant
Which characters resembles a paper mache?
Brickmaker
Which character resembles a butcher in a poor neighborhood?
Manager’s Uncle
Which character has a passion for pigeon flying?
Mechanic
Which character resembles a gingery beggar?
Red-haired pilgrim
Which character had a cushion and rug on the yawl (ship)?
Lawyer
What was the trade of the foreman in the company?
Boilermaker
What does Kurtz think of the district manager?
Obnoxious fool
Is Marlow tenderhearted?
No, he’s logical and takes things as they come without lots of emotions
Do the company agents trust the brickmaker?
No, the brickmaker is a spy for the manager (doesn’t make bricks)
What does Marlow say he will find inside the brickmaker?
He’ll find a little loose dirt
Russian trader: Father’s Occupation?
Arch Priest (works in church)
Does the Russian trader ask Marlow to take care of Kurtz’s health?
Take care of his REPUTATION; not his health
What nationality was Kurtz’s mother?
Half-English
When Marlow was eavesdropping on the manager and uncle, do they realize he was there?
Yes, they know
Did Marlow enjoy the natives?
He did attempt kinship
What does “Kurtz” mean in German?
Short
Who was the captain of the yawl (ship) before the very beginning of the story before Marlow tells the story?
Director of the company
What does the accountant bring on the yawl (ship)?
Dominos
Note
Flashcard