Heart of Darkness

1. Heart of Darkness A brief understanding of Joseph Conrad

2. Joseph Conrad (1857-1924)

3. Conrad: The sailor • Joseph Conrad was born JózefTeodorKonradKorzeniowski in Dec., 1857 • Born to Polish family, grew up speaking Polish • By age 11, both of his parents had died – went to live with an uncle • At the age of 16, left home and joined the merchant navy • Spent a significant part of his adult life on the ocean • Had many experiences which were later material for his writing • In 1889, he was the captain of a steamboat going up the Congo River; what he saw, experienced was foundation for Heart of Darkness • Retired from the sea in 1894; married in 1896 and spent the rest of his life living in England • Dies in August, 1924 and is buried in Canterbury, England under his Polish name

4. Colonialism in Africa (circa 1914)

5. Colonial Africa • During the late 19th/early 20th centuries, European powers looked to Africa as a way of expanding influence, gaining access to resources • Carved up Africa, often with little regard to residents or areas, etc. • Berlin Conference of 1885 created spheres of influence for major European powers, way to limit conflict between nations • Africa defined by new territories, run by colonial governments who reflected western culture, ideas • Built railways, bridges, roads, schools, etc. but also created disconnect between native culture and introduced culture • After WWII, age of colonialism begins to end, areas granted independence • 1951 - Libya (Italy) • 1956 – Tunisia and Morocco (France) • Following decade saw most of Africa achieving independent rule