Monday, October 13, 2008
Ms. Smith's Entry on Part III of Heart of Darkness
Great comments, everyone! Perhaps we'd get more out of this book if we looked at it as a philosophical statement, rather than a traditional plot-driven story. Even if we're not entertained by or totally satisfied with the novel, we can't argue with the fact that it makes us think! I'm really interested in Conrad's idea that we must face the darkness (in the world/in human nature/in our own hearts) in order to reach true enlightenment, but in doing so we put ourselves at risk. We see Kurtz completely giving in to the darkness, Marlow facing the darkness and reaching some level of enlightenment, and Kurtz's intended living in a world of oblivion. She never faces the darkness, nor does she have any connection with reality. Can one really be happy if, albeit unknowingly, he/she is living a lie? Even if the truth hurts, does it ultimately make us better people? How do we find a balance in our own lives?
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I agree with you Ms. Smith. I believe that in order to see life for what it truly is, one must experience various sides. This means taking the good with the bad. While it was definitely a noble choice for Marlow to spare Kurtz's intended’s feelings by not telling her the truth regarding his last words, it is sad that she only saw one side to him. They say ignorance is bliss, but is it realistic? This woman apparently lived in a dream world. In order to live happily ever after, even in fairy tales, one lives happily ever, after they experience a negative situation.
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