Heart of Darkness Part 1 Reflection

In Part 1 of Conrad's Heart of Darkness, characters such as Marlow are portrayed not only by their initial descriptions but by their actions as well. These characters set the mood of the book by expressing their feelings toward scenarios described.

When Marlow is introduced, he is described thoroughly by the narrator which suggests that Marlow is an important character. He is described as not only a seaman but also as a wanderer. Marlow is not only described in great detail but also begins telling stories of his seaman life. The author does not break off from Marlow’s story telling often to almost give Marlow the title of the narrator. Through this, there is a steady mood that is suggested as Marlow explains his thoughts. Marlow often tells about are his encounters or viewings of black slaves being treated harshly. He describes the black men in great detail and how he “could see every rib, the joints of their limbs were like knots in a rope…” He also describes the a black man “…being beaten near by…” and how he “saw him, later on, for several days, sitting in a bit of shade looking very sick and trying to recover himself…”  By using these details, the author suggests that Marlow does not see these people as unimportant but as something interesting.  Marlow also describes them as “…not enemies, they were not criminals, they were nothing earthly now, -- nothing but black shadows of disease and starvation, lying confusedly in the greenish gloom” and how he “found nothing else to do but to offer him one of my good Swede’s ship’s biscuits…” Through these things, the author suggests that Marlow feels a bit of compassion towards these black people and how he “…stood horror-struck…” when viewing how the bad treatments effected them. Not only does Marlow observe the black people, but he also observes a painting in the manager’s room. He describes the painting in great detail and explains that it “arrested” him. Marlow spends time pondering on both the black people and things such as details in a house. Through this the author suggests that Marlow is not just an adventurer but a thinker and that he has a compassion for other things other than the material lifestyle.

By Marlow describing his past experiences and his feelings towards them to the four men with him, an observant yet sympathetic mood is illustrated. While Marlow describes his experiences in great detail, he also describes the way these experiences made him feel while they were taking place. Marlow does not end his complete thought until he expresses his reaction to what is going on around him. Whether it be the black salves, people talking about Mr. Kurtz, or how he felt when the boat sunk, he does not fail to describe his emotions in detail and how he outwardly expressed them. It’s almost as if Marlow forgets he is talking to four people and is just freely expressing his thought processes during his experiences. Through this, Marlow is seen as an observant yet sensitive person and therefor sets the mood of the first part of Conrad’s Heart of Darkness.

Chapter 9- It's More Than Just Rain or Snow

    Most people view rain or muggy weather as a low or sad scene. Although rain can be used to create this kind of scene, rain has other meaning when used in literature as Foster expresses in this chapter.
    People associate rain with gloom because of the way rain makes people feel, but rain also has a positive effect on people and in nature. Its positive effect is growth. Whether it be portrayed by plants becoming greener or growing taller or people getting a day to reflect on their lives.
    In literature rain's effects depend more on the character's reaction to the rain rather than the fact that it's just rain. One could dance in the rain while another might hide in their home all day. For example, in the movie Singing in the Rain, Don Lockwood sings and dances in the rain after being with Kathy. He dances and sings to express his joy for a new found love between Kathy and himself. Don is also excited about being a singing and dancing star now. The rain in this movie represents a new beginning. It represents Don's fresh start on achieving what he wants like singing and dancing and getting the girl. This rain in this film definitely doesn't represent sadness or gloom but instead represents happiness and newness. What one considers as bad weather, another could consider wonderful weather therefore weather does not just define the scene but also sets the characters in the scene.
    Like Foster said, rain also carries the plot along. It adds a little drama to the story and forces characters to come together through need or realization. Rain represents washing or cleansing. This could mean physical cleansing through the fresh water or mental cleansing. Rain causes people to think. Most people enjoy the sound of rain and love to fall asleep to it. Why? It means calmness, a new beginning just like the great flood that takes place in the bible.  In Daniel Marois’ article over biblical symbolism of rain, she describes that rain was seen as harsh and deathly in the story of Noah’s Ark but also represents new beginnings. This is portrayed by God telling Noah to build an ark for his and other’s safety. Noah follows his command and builds the ark. Shortly after, God wipes out the earth with a massive flood. Noah, his family, and other animals survive the flood. After the flood ends, God shows a huge rainbow. This rainbow represents the newness of the land and that God will always give one a fresh start or chance. The rainbow represents a promise, a finishing statement. It is the figure that people look forward to. It’s the light at the end of the tunnel, a signal saying everything will be okay.
     Rain doesn’t only represent bad or gloomy scenes but can also represent happy times or new beginnings. Rain can mean a variety of things in literature and is commonly used for setting the mood, characters, and plot.


   
http://www.examiner.com/article/the-biblical-symbolism-of-rain

Chapter 2- Nice to Eat with You: Acts of Communion Reflections by Glenna Loughlin

Chapter 2- Nice to Eat with You: Acts of Communion

                In this chapter, Foster describes that communion is not restricted to a religious meaning but that is can be used simply to describe a coming together of people to share a meal. He explains that “Eating with another is a way of saying, ‘I’m with you, I like you, we form community together.’” Foster uses examples from other pieces of literature such as Raymond Carver’s story “Cathedral” and James Joyce’s story “The Dead.” Through these examples, Foster points out that eating together isn’t always by choice and may be awkward in the beginning. He describes that eating together can change one’s perspective on those eating with them. One may already have an idea about a person, but when they eat together both parties open up and realize they are more alike than they originally thought. In these stories and others like “Jane Eyre,” the scene at the table is used to bring the characters together to form a sense of community. In the novel “Jane Eyre” the girls at Lowood School have to eat every meal together at the table. Although the meals were short and typically unpleasant, the girls and teachers had to eat together as one. Due to the quality of the food, the ladies expressed their disgust or admiration towards the food. During this time of eating, everyone had to be together therefore no one was left out of the picture.  Being at the dinner table with others opens conversational doors with everyone. Most of people’s days revolve around eating schedules. Eating is a time to rejuvenate and relax which most people look for after a hard day of work or school. Through sharing this time, one can also share feelings and thoughts they had throughout their day which relieves extra stress. By venting to one another, people feel more comfortable and start to trust those around them. This creates a bond that cannot be formed through just talking on the phone because the physical act of being with one another and talking face to face makes things real.  Meals are something that bring people closer together because they realize that they have similarities with one another. Eating together can form strangers into best friends and friends into families. In Anne Fishel’s FAQ the importance of dinner is expressed. Fishel, a clinical psychologist, explains that eating meals together have many benefits. It is proven that children who eat dinner at the table with their families are more confident and make better grades in school. There are many personal and social benefits that come along with eating meals together. People are more pleased with themselves and the people around them so they have a more positive attitude. This reflects on their everyday performance. Foster’s examples and statements along with both Jane Eyre and Fishel’s FAQ support that coming together as one to share a meal has benefits for people therefore writers use it as a way to bring their characters together in a story.

 http://thefamilydinnerproject.org/resources/faq/