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Heart Of Darkness Chapter 1 Analysis

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While waiting for the tide to change on the River Thames, which is located in England, the Nellie (a British ship) anchors near London and waits. On the Nellie are five seamen: the narrator who is unnamed, an accountant, a lawyer, Marlow (the only one who is named), and the Director/Captain. Though everything is calm in this chapter there are references to an “ominous gloom in the west”. After the sun sets Marlow begins talking to the other members aboard the ship. He starts of by talking about and ancient Roman seaman first coming to Britain, his experiences with the land, and the conquering of the "natives”. Marlow, during his childhood had a love for looking at maps especially Africa, because of its abundance of blank space. The Congo River reminds Marlow of a snake hypnotizing a bird. Marlow applies to "the Company” which is a Belgian ivory trade firm. When the Danish Fresleven, another captain, dies at the hands of the native Africans, Marlowe seeks this opportunity. Marlow goes to the office in Brussels.There are also two women manning the door giving him meaningful looks. Marlow signs the document, however Marlow cannot shake an ominous feeling that heading into the …show more content…

The brickmaker questions Marlow for information that could possibly benefit him. Marlow learns that the brickmaker wants use him for his connection with his Aunt. The brickmaker wants to be the assistant manager, but Kurtz is in his way. He wants Marlow and his Aunt to help him. Marlow allows the brickmaker to think that he has some influence in Europe to get more information about Kurtz. While the brickmaker continues to talk, Marlow stops listening and looks around the forest before him. He feels small in comparison. Marlow explains his astounding hate for lies. At this point, Marlow his story to tell his audience (the men aboard the Nellie) that everything seemed unreal or somewhat dreamlike at this point in

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