Creativity Blog #1: Complaints

I believe social educational institutions like schools and universities attempt at conforming a student to their personal standard of a model student; students have to sometimes cross the line of "rule breaking" in order to reach the goal and objective of the institution. FOR EXAMPLE, at Buckley, if students were unable to study for a different class (for a test/quiz) while in a different class, how good would your grades be? Their is simply so much work, that majority of the students usually study for a test or quiz during the previous class of the class which the test is in. Also, students are technically not allowed to bring their cars back onto campus until after 3:45. Imagine how many things we would be unable to do if we actually followed this rule. The Basketball team would not be able to leave after shootaround on gamedays. If someone has class G period, and have f free, or any afterschool commitment, students would not be able to bring their cars back. This can also affect all sports, tennis, baseball, golf, even Monotones. This could also affect performing arts and set-work. Thus finding a ride afterwards would be terrible. What if you don't have your g-card and NEED to go off campus to eat because you are starving… and their is only a uneven number of 7 people who have c period free for instance. 3 people will get left out. Simply unfair. Their are many many more. 

Class Discussion

I thought today's exercise was very helpful in understanding both pieces of works; Heart of Darkness and Metamorphosis. When we do student-led discussions, without the help of a teacher, every student is more engaged in the conversation. Also, a unknown leader is exposed. For our class period yesterday, i thought everyone contributed equally. Both groups had very intrinsic discussions following very smart posted questions. 

Working Intro Paragraph

    As Marlow embarks deeper into his voyage through the promiscuous darkness of Africa, he becomes more obsessed with Kurtz's personality and life and exemplifies his need to find Kurtz in order to become his savior. Marlow's determination to locate Kurtz drives him past his fears of everything he encounters. For instance, as Marlow travels through the unknown jungle, he completely filters out any anxiety the unfamiliarity of land can bring. As Karl proclaims, the jungle is supposed to play the role of the "repository for our fears". In Karl's mind, he believes Conrad creates the unethical jungle to represent a symbol of fear. Individuals are supposed to fear all of the jungles surroundings; however, Marlow clearly exhibits an indestructible demeanor. He is able to withstand any obstacles existing in his path and overcome the bitterness of the jungle.

Worksheet: Question One

In Heart of Darkness, the river which Marlow travels on significantly impacts his behavior throughout the story. The river more or less represents a transportation mechanism for Marlow. It enables him to actually make his journey through the jungle and into Africa. However, the river also has many other purposes. At first, the river acts as a divider for Marlow. It separates him from the natives and the evilness of Kurtz. He is able to take on one challenge at a time without any distractions. Marlow is able to distinguish the good and bad of both sides and make well advised decisions. The river also has negative characteristics. Even though traveling on the river is the fastest method of transportation, it did make traveling a lot harder for Marlow and his crew. As a result of high winds and currents, they had accomplish twice the work load to travel. In essence, the river in someway was holding and restraining Marlow from getting to his ultimate interior goal.

Marlow's Psychological Journey

Marlow's obvious lack of morals presented while traveling through the Congo River is a result of his condescending subconscious. As Conrad illustrates the purpose of the "heart of darkness", we the readers can establish that Marlow at first obtained human morals but later loses his own personal humanity. Marlow's journey is meant to represent confusion and obliviousness to his surroundings. The river and the jungle exemplifies Marlow's inability to grasp on and maintain his everyday morals. 

"A woman, draped and blindfolded, carrying a lighted torch"

The lady holding the torch exemplifies her obliviousness of Africa. It could also play as a warning for others who pass this painting. It represents how what is to come is undocumented and new to everyone. The entire photo is also ironic because she is holding the torch but clearly cannot see the light because she is blindfolded. It can play a role as hope for new travelers to wish to explore the new world. It creates enlightenment for others as well. I also believe Marlow does agree with the paintings meaning. He has learned that Africa is filled with darkness and that the painting foreshadows his journey.

Pg. 429 #2

Marlow intends to compare and contrast the similarities of the "old times" of London to the new attractions in his voyage into Africa. He points out the impurities of London being uncivilized. Marlow also depicts that London is filled with untamed individuals filled with all sorts of diseases. It is obvious through Marlow's explanations of London that he disagrees with the English motives of conquering Africa.