Heart of Darkness Presentations
Consider this: a revised final exam; an oral essay; a gift?
Working in groups of 2 or 3 students, choose one of the topics below and prepare a
well-developed and seamlessly organized 10-minute presentation. The presentation
should be organized like an essay: set the stage, articulate your thesis, and
persuasively argue the thesis through distinct aspects or points, culminating in a
compelling conclusion. Many of the topics require close reading of the text. In
addition to gathering relevant quotes, be prepared to analyze diction, tone, imagery,
allusions, syntax, etc., in making your case.
You will be graded on the 9-point AP essay scale; the project is worth 20 points. Due
the day of the final exam. Include a Works Cited if appropriate.
Options:
1. The Lie
Marlow has revealed at several points during the narrative that he ends up
lying for Kurtz. What is the lie? Why does he lie? What do you make of his
reflections on lies throughout the novel? Does he tell other lies? Do you find
his final lie noble? Just? Merciful? Heinous? … ? What is the relationship
between storytelling and truth?
2. The Frame
Analyze the exposition of the novel (up until Marlow begins his journey to
Africa) in relation to the end of the novel. What techniques do Conrad and
Marlow use to set up their stories? By the end, what has changed? What is
Conrad saying about the purpose or effect of stories?
3. Marlow/Meursault (/Merlot? jk)
Is Marlow an existential hero?
4. “The Hollow Men”
T. S. Eliot uses a line from Heart of Darkness as an epigraph to his poem “The
Hollow Men.” Analyze and interpret the poem and discuss its connection to
HoD.
5. Time after Time
Is Heart of Darkness a Victorian or Modernist novel?
6. Vlaminck’s Mask
Chinua Achebe briefly discusses the impact of African art on European
modern art (260). Examine the relationship between African art and modern
art movements such as cubism. How does this relationship compare or
contrast with the European/African dynamic in HoD?
7. White/Black/Gray
Is Conrad racist, or does he hold racism up for irony and criticism?
8. This Pure Brow
Examine the characterizations of the female characters in the novel. How do
the characters and Marlow’s attitude toward them relate to the meaning of
the novel as a whole?
9. Choice of Nightmares
Propose your own topic and question(s). Please get it approved by me before
you embark.
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