WFB- Initial Impressionss

The first, probably most, noteworthy stylistic element in the novel is the use of ellipses. I think this stylistic element only adds to the entertainment of the book. The plot moves rapidly since within every chapter there are multiple changes of setting, characters etc. The length of these shifts is varied. At certain times, these shifts in time are longer, whereas other times they are only one page long. Waiting for the Barbarians has easily been the simplest book––in terms of readability––all semester. Although the novel has the occasional three-syllable word, the text is largely understandable without any assistance. The first person narrator seems to be pretty reliable; he is able to describe in detail what he perceives is happening and how it affects him.

The most interesting aspect of the novel so far––for me–– is the Magistrate’s opinion of the barbarians and how that frames the context for the other elements of the story. His view of the differences between the people from the Empire and the barbarians certainly differs from the norm. First, he tells us of his distaste when the barbarians try to deal with the people from the empire: “…the settlers litany of prejudice: that barbarians are lazy, immoral, filthy, stupid.” Furthermore, the Magistrate has a memorable discussion with the young, arrogant graduate from the War College. Here the Magistrate defends the barbarians, much to the disgust of the army conscript. However, his respect for the barbarians translates in an odd manner with the barbarians’ women. The almost blind woman that is his concubine is the most striking example. Also, he has a mistress (or whatever you want to call her) in the motel. His behaviors with respect to these relationships do not seem to be that respectful. Although he respects the woman that lives with him, he is not faithful to her.

Short Summary of Literary Criticism

"Heart of Darkness and Racism"
By Hunt Hawkins

This article responds to a series of statements and comments made by Chinua Achebe (a modern scholar).

-Achebe has repeatedly called Conrad a racist
-thinks he's racist because of the focus on racism and the portrayal of the Africans, while simultaneously not including them in the story

However, the author disagrees.

-Conrad doesn't talk about Africans because of his ignorance about their culture––Congo
-He's staunchly anti-imprerialist––Belgians
-His discussion was concomitant with the birth of evolution as a theory
-He shows the hypocrisy of the "civilizing mission"and how it's a "sham"
-Shows that evolution leads to evolutionary regression for Europeans––Kurtz
-Conrad didn't recognize the link between imperialism and racism
-Blames Kurtz for making the Africans "evil"
-Marlow doesn't exploit the Africans
-Racism inherent at this time
-At least Conrad isn't "extreme[ly] racist"

Part 3 of Darkness

Mr. Kurtz––man, myth, total beast. Part III of the story seems to focus exclusively on him. However, we learn about him through the eyes of his peers. The reviews seem to be mixed.

On the one hand, Kurtz has a number of positive attributes. He clearly commands the respect and admiration of those whom have spent time with him. For example, the Russian defends Mr. Kurtz for wanting to shoot him; he says, "You can't judge Mr. Kurtz as you would an ordinary man." Then, Marlow is told that: "You don't know how such a life tries a man like Kurtz." At this point, Marlow says, "I suppose it did not occur to him that Mr. Kurtz was no idol of mine." However, this attitude changes. Marlow later says, "I affirm that Kurtz was a remarkable man." For instance, we learn that "Kurtz had been essentially a great musician." Furthermore, even the natives hold a vigil for him.

On the other hand, Kurtz has a variety of idiosyncrasies. The Russian describes one such situation: "I don't mind telling you, he wanted to shoot me too one day––but I don't judge him for that." We learn this was all over a small amount of ivory. He is also described as "contemptibly childish" because of his desire to meet kings at railway stations. Also, he has allegedly hurt the company. The Manager bluntly says, "He is very low, very low... Mr Kurtz has done more harm than good to the company." Shortly thereafter, we learn that "Kurtz had ordered the attack to be made on the steamer."Yet Mr. Kurtz is supposed to be the future of the company.

How much of the Manager's complaints do you buy? What is your opinion of Kurtz? Is he more crazy than he's worth?