1). Get into your groups!

2). Discuss your findings of allusion, symbolism, irony and foreshadowing in Chapter 2.

3). Collectively choose your groups best example of each literary device.

4). Be prepared to share!

Let’s get to work!

Google image of a

“young Joseph Conrad”

Yesterday, we discussed literary devices!

Today, we will be discussing motifs!

What is a motif?• Motifs are recurring themes, images, or elements that help to develop the text’s major themes

This again?!

Think of them as...

Checkpoints or Alarm Clocks

Types of motifs in Heart of Darkness

-Interiors vs. surfaces (kernel/shell, coast/inland, outer station/inner station)

-Images of misuse (rotting hippo meat, wasting bullets)

-Journeys (upriver versus downriver, toward and away from Kurtz, away from and back to civilization)

-Eavesdropping/Observation (manager and uncle, the harlequin)

-Sounds (the sounds of the jungle, the voice of Kurtz)

But, there is one motif that stands out above all others!

That’s right,

Light

Vs.Darkness

(truth, clarity, civilization, enlightenment, etc.)

(ignorance, death, confusion, greed, etc.)

What’s the procedure?

When encountering a motif, ask the questions:

-What is the context?

-What is the quote?

-What is the significance?

-What does it mean?

Examples from Chapter 1

When describing the director of Companies (on page 1) “It was difficult to realize that his work was not out there in the luminous estuary, but behind him, within the brooding gloom.”-The Company’s work is done in the darkness, not in well lit areas (its purpose is shady).-Here, “brooding gloom” arouses suspicion.

When speaking with the brick maker (on page 22) “’You are of the new gang—the gang of virtue, The same people who sent him specially also recommended you. Oh don’t say no. I’ve my own eyes to trust.’ Light dawned on me.”-Marlow begins to “see” the true purpose of the brick maker’s questions (to discover if he is being replaced).-Here, “light” means illumination.

Practice this with your group!

1). Take a few minutes to go through the handout.

2). Analyze the motifs of light and darkness in these quotes.

3). Write an interpretation.

4). Be prepared to share.

(BTW, did anyone notice the motif?)

For homework:

Discover and analyze the literary devices of allusion, symbolism, irony and foreshadowing as well as the motifs of light and darkness in Chapter 3. (Take notes in your book)

Also, have a wonderful weekend!