Tanmayee Yenumula: Class Notes (2.7.11-2.18.11)

Heart of Darkness: arguably the most complex literary work we have read this year in AP English.
Here are a few blurbs from our discussions in-class. Note, that these are only opinions and that there is not one correct answer.
- Characteristics of a Frame Narrative

• Started by the frame narrator
• The second narrator, however, is actually who tells the story
• This would be Marlow
• Their story is different
• Connection: The only example I can currently think of about a frame narrative is Samuel Coleridge's Rime of the Ancient Mariner, in which the Wedding Guest tells the story.

- The mythoi is irony


- The Idea of Fates in this Story

• The women at the beginning of the story. There is the witch (with the wart on her face) and in the background, the old women are sitting and knitting with black wool (which refers to the Africans' hair)

- The Connection to the Land

• Conrad makes sure to make full use of his extensive imagery to create the anima
• Kurtz's mistress is portrayed to be the soul of the land, as seen through the allusion of "being born" from the land. 
• This goes to show that Kurtz never intended to return to The Intended. His heart always belonged with the African wilderness.

- The Russian Trader

• He is portrayed as a jester who can say anything he wants (speaks his mind)
• The "no-filter" comments also cause the readers to be unable to trust the Trader
• Connection: This reminds me of an Indian tale that talks about a boy who is portrayed as a jester and his "no-filter" comments which were taken for the truth without hesitation, which caused many difficult situations