FlashKeepers

Classic Novels · College · College and University

Heart of Darkness Study Deck

Marlow's narrative, Kurtz, colonialism, narration, symbolism, and critical debate about the novella.

About this set

40 basic cards for College Classic Novels. It opens with "Who is the primary narrator of Heart of Darkness?" and "What job does Marlow have when he arrives in Congo?". Study it alongside the other College sets below.

40 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.

Study this set free Look inside first Get FlashKeepers for iPhone

Opens in your browser, no account. Get the iPhone and iPad app · Android app

Who is the primary narrator of Heart of Darkness?
Show answerMarlow, a riverboat captain
What job does Marlow have when he arrives in Congo?
Show answerRiverboat captain for the trading company
Which African river is the setting of Heart of Darkness?
Show answerThe Congo River
Who is Kurtz?
Show answerA highly successful ivory trader and station manager whom Marlow is sent to retrieve
What is the company's main trade good in the Congo?
Show answerIvory
Describe the narrative frame of Heart of Darkness.
Show answerMarlow tells his story to fellow sailors aboard a ship anchored in the Thames
What is Marlow told about Kurtz before meeting him?
Show answerThat he is a god-like figure to the natives and remarkably successful at gathering ivory
What does the title 'darkness' primarily symbolize in the novella?
Show answerMoral corruption, colonialism's destructive force, and the darkness within human nature
In what physical condition does Marlow find Kurtz?
Show answerIll and dying
What does Kurtz attempt to do when Marlow reaches him?
Show answerCrawl back to the natives and their encampment
What lie does Marlow tell at the end of the novella?
Show answerHe tells Kurtz's Intended (fiancee) that Kurtz's last words were her name
What is the Intended?
Show answerKurtz's fiancee in Europe who waits for his return
How does Conrad portray the relationship between colonizers and Africans?
Show answerAs exploitative and dehumanizing, with Africans voiceless in their own narrative
What is the company's stated purpose for colonizing Congo?
Show answerTo bring 'light' (civilization and trade) to the darkness (Africa)
What conflict exists between Marlow and the company manager?
Show answerThe manager is jealous of Kurtz's success and authority

25 more cards in the app

Study this set free