Course Hero Heart of Darkness Video

What is a central theme of Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness?

• The importance of family

• The benefits of education

• The beauty of nature

• Racism and imperialism

What does ivory symbolize in Heart of Darkness?

• Peace and tranquility

• Freedom and independence

• Love and harmony

• Greed and corruption

How does Joseph Conrad's personal history relate to the themes in Heart of Darkness?

• His career as a teacher

• His experience with political oppression

• His interest in science

• His love for sailing

What was the main purpose of the company in Heart of Darkness?

• To educate the native people

• To explore uncharted territories

• To gain power and money through ivory

• To establish a new government

Who was Kurtz in Heart of Darkness?

• A Russian sailor

• A teacher

• A British consul

• A company agent collecting ivory

What event marked the beginning of Joseph Conrad's full-time writing career?

• His trip up the Congo River

• His first sea voyage

• His marriage

• His graduation from university

What was the critical reception of Heart of Darkness in the 20th century?

• Universally negative

• Universally positive

• Mixed, ranging from accusations of racism to high praise

• Indifferent, with little to no recognition

What does the darkness symbolize in Heart of Darkness?

• The beauty of the night

• The unknown

• Hope and redemption

• Greed and moral corruption

What was the fate of the indigenous people under Belgian rule in the Congo?

• They were relocated to Europe

• They became wealthy from ivory trade

• They were enslaved and many were killed

• They were educated and integrated into European society

What is the significance of the setting on the River Thames in Heart of Darkness?

• It highlights the contrast between civilization and the 'dark places' of the earth

• It symbolizes the characters' desire for adventure

• It represents the peaceful nature of European society

• It is merely a backdrop for the story and has no deeper meaning