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Essay Topic 1

“Heart of Darkness” is not divided into chapters, as a traditional novel might be. Why might this be the case? How is its form significant, and how doesit help – or hinder – the reader?

Essay Topic 2

The title of the book, “Heart of Darkness” uses the term “darkness,” which appears repeatedly throughout the book. What are the possible meanings of this title? Why might Conrad have chosen this title, rather than something else?

Essay Topic 3

Everyone seems to view Kurtz as needing to be ‘rescued’. Why is this the case? What choices were available to him? To what extent are his misfortunes his own fault?

Essay Topic 4

Marlow ends the novel with a lie. If the novel were to continue, what would the next chapter look like? Use the ending as the basis for your fictionalized version.

Essay Topic 5

Though the novel is a work of fiction...

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