Imperialism Within the Heart of Darkness - 1143 Words

Imperialism within the Heart of Darkness A phenomenon, The Heart of Darkness, is a classic novel by Joseph Conrad, who reward individuals with their dark nature. The darkness that the characters face within themselves is the anchor towards the main theme of imperialism. Native Africans, around the early 1900s, were victims of imperialism in the novel. The Europeans saw themselves as prodigies and felt everyone redundant wanted to be like them for they perceived themselves as extraordinary. The Europeans thought so highly of themselves that they wanted to civilize what they perceived the Native Africans to be—savages. Ironically, the process of civilization became imperialism, and the Europeans were the definition of savage while the†¦show more content†¦This quote states that humans are fascinated with their abomination because they have not yet experienced it; but once they have, they feel powerless and yearn to escape, but the abomination overtakes them. This certai n curiosity of evil and darkness is what reigns over Europe. They are so curious of their own darkness that they themselves get lost within it and become the culprits of imperialism. Thus, through the moods and tones Conrad implants at the very beginning of his novel, he brings forth the coming of events which evolve into the realization of imperialism. Conrad uses symbolism in The Heart of Darkness to heighten the approach towards imperialism. For example, the reader’s encounter with the Accountant of the ivory trading Company in the outer region of Africa. Marlow describes him as an elegant dresser: â€Å"†¦I met a white man, in such an unexpected elegance of get-up that in the first moment I took him for a sort of vision† (16). Here, Marlow enters the beginning of his journey to the heart of Africa, and seeing the Accountant dress beautifully makes him seem like some kind of â€Å"miracle† (16) since their setting at the particular moment is in contrast. The Accountant symbolizes the Company and its excellence, professionalism, and perfection. Despite the blazing heat and his surroundings of poverty, he always dresses well. This is the professionalism ofShow MoreRelatedThe Heart Of Darkness By Joseph Conrad1293 Words   |  6 Pagesdifferently as an adolescent. In the Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad ex poses the psychological change that Marlow goes through by coming to Congo for the development of his experience and self through his confrontation with Kurtz, encounter with European imperialism, as well as his newfound awareness of the unknown and unfamiliar.Marlow’s confrontation with Kurtz was the beginning of his psychological development and awareness of himself in Heart of Darkness. The book starts off with Marlow desiringRead More Glorified Colonialism and Imperialism in Heart of Darkness Essay1202 Words   |  5 PagesImperialism Glorified in Heart of Darkness      Ã‚   Conrads Heart of Darkness is, as Edward Said states a story about European acts of imperial mastery (1503)-its methods, and the effects it has on human nature. Furthermore I hold the presumption that Conrad incorporates much of his own experience in the Congo and his opinions about imperialism. Another recent critic also suggests: he seems to approve of Marlow, the narrator (Achebe 1492). These revelations of the author are conveyed toRead MoreThe Journey In â€Å"Heart Of Darkness† Spans Not Only The Capricious1222 Words   |  5 PagesThe journey in â€Å"Heart of Darkness† spans not only the capricious waters extending our physical world, but also the perplexing ocean which exists in the heart of man. Through Marlow s somewhat overenthusiastic eyes, we perceive the mystery that is humanity, and the blurred line between darkness and light. It is an expedition into the deepest crevices of the human heart and mind bringing on an awareness, and finally descendi ng into the abyss of hell abiding in each of us. Conrad’s use of wordplayRead More Colonialism and Imperialism in Conrads Heart of Darkness Essay1016 Words   |  5 PagesImperialism Exposed in Conrads Heart of Darkness      Ã‚   Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness is a novel about European imperialism and its far-reaching effects. Conrad relates his personal opinions through the protagonist, Marlow, who learns a great deal about imperialism while on a journey to the African Congo. Although Heart of Darkness seems to be an anti-imperialistic work, this is not entirely true. Conrad condemns the overly idealistic nature of imperialism, but does not attack BritainsRead MoreConrad s Heart Of Darkness1138 Words   |  5 PagesThe modernity of Heart of Darkness is exposed/reflected through the growing belief/awareness of new anthropological and psychological theories with unprecedented insights into the human condition. Conrad shocks readers out of their complacency as he addresses his fascination with dark psychology through modernist inclinations of the rendering of consciousness, the narrator s stream of consciousness and ambiguity. Heart of Darkness as a Modernist novel draws upon/gives prominence to the developmentRead More Colonialism and Imperialism in Heart of Darkness and A Passage to India1683 Words   |  7 Pages It is best to analyze the works, Heart of Darkness and A Passage to India, applying the historical and cultural conditions of the society in which they were produced. The relations between groups and classes of people that imperialism sets up, and that these two works explore, starkly reveals the contradictions within capitalism in a way that a similar piece of fiction set within one culture and dealing with characters from that culture alone cannot. Prior to the analysis however, I would likeRead MoreEssay on Imperialism- Conrads Heart of Darkness1162 Words   |  5 PagesImperialism and its oppressive processes have affected societies as well as individual lives for centuries. In Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, oppression through imperialism demonstrates how a certain civilization, the Congolese, is affected negatively by imperialism. By focusing on Africa, it allows for a graphic recount of the many years spent reigned by foreign oppressors and tyrannies. In Heart of Da rkness, the Congo is oppressed by the imperialists economically and geographically. As wellRead MoreShakespeare s Heart Of Darkness1424 Words   |  6 Pages Relevance of Heart of Darkness Alexander Spirovski LITR 211 Professor David Auchter â€Æ' Joseph Conrad s Heart of Darkness contains both relevant and irrelevant elements to today s society. Issues present in the text such as imperialism, racism, and moral ambiguity are still present today but their formats have changed enough in society that Heart of Darkness approaches obsolescence in perspective. Concurrently, the characters and theme presented in Heart of Darkness are scarce in fictionalRead MoreHeart Of Darkness, By Joseph Conrad1306 Words   |  6 PagesWhat is the â€Å"horror† in Heart of Darkness, and what particular literary images develop that idea of horror in the novel? In Joseph Conrad’s, Heart of Darkness, there can be many literary images found within that develop the idea of horror. Heart of Darkness is noted for its horror within the Congo between the Africans and the Europeans. The horror in Heart of Darkness is a contribution of many ideas that are formed and contributed from the European colonists. The purpose of this essay aims to argueRead MoreExamining Themes in Heart of Darkness Essay844 Words   |  4 Pages Joseph Conrad wrote the book, Heart of Darkness, in 1898. He wrote this book touching on many different themes such as imperialism and commerce, darkness imagery, dream and nightmare, isolation, mental and physical illness, truth, and journey. Although all the themes are important to make Heart of Darkness complete, three prevail overall: imperialism and commerce, truth, and journey. Being the author of the book, Joseph Conrad had a personal connection to it. He took his own journey down the Congo

Fast Food And Childhood Obesity - 1166 Words

â€Å"Childhood obesity is a serious epidemic, affecting children across the world. In our country alone, 17% of all children and adolescents are now obese, triple the rate from just a generation ago† (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2011). This drastic increase leads researchers and ordinary citizens alike to speculate about possible causes. Fast food consumption is one potential cause that has received widespread attention. Many researchers have looked at the relationship between fast food and childhood obesity from different angles. Some of these include the influence of family, the media, the proximity of fast food restaurants to schools and homes, and the nutritional impact. Examining the interconnection of these angles can lead to a better understanding of the relationship between childhood obesity and fast food, and from this multi-angle viewpoint, we can see that no single aspect is solely to blame. FAMILY INFLUENCE It is no secret that children learn their first eating habits from home. For the parents who are often being tugged in many different directions, having an endless amount of responsibilities and obligations, fast food can become an alternative to cooking at home. Though it may be convenient for the parent, it may not be the healthiest for the child. Even though fast food restaurants have kid-friendly options on the menu, the nutritional value may not be the best. Parents may not realize it, but they haveShow MoreRelatedFast Food and Childhood Obesity Essay1335 Words   |  6 PagesAdvertisement and Childhood Obesity ENGL/101-B25 Would you feed your children lard? The answer for most all of us is â€Å"No Way†. Most parents can safely say that they want healthy choices for their children and would never want to give them something that is bad for them. However, with many of the foods on fast food menus this is not far from the truth. We have all heard the statement that childhood obesity is on the rise, and has been for quite some time now. We have seen the heartbreaking storiesRead MoreChildhood Obesity Is The Consumption Of Fast Food970 Words   |  4 Pages Childhood obesity in the United States has been increasing for the last thirty years. Obesity is defined as an excessive amount of fat located in the body and it varies with the individual s height and age. For example, what is considered obese weight for someone may be different to another person. In addition, some of the causes of obesity are excessive junk food, lack of motivation to exercise and lack of knowledge about nutrition and fitness . Often times, children do not consider the nutritionalRead MoreFast Food Advertising and Childhood Obesity1870 Words   |  8 PagesFast Food Advertising And Childhood Obesity A rise in obesity has been observed in the United States in the last two decades. Obesity is one problem that gives birth to numerous fatal diseases, including but not limited to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a survey and found that, â€Å"More than one-third of U.S. adults (35.7%) and approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2-19 years are obese†Read MoreFast Food and the Risk of Childhood Obesity Essay1774 Words   |  8 PagesThe fast food industry promotes childhood obesity by manipulating the young mind, putting them at risk for health complications such as hypertension and diabetes. The super-sizing of America is been a frequently talked about subject lately. Especially since it is seem to have negative effects on the health of children and adults alike through massive consumption of fast food. Health providers and other authority figures are now concerned abou t children’s obesity rates shown during the past 3-4 decadesRead MoreLinking Childhood Obesity to Fast Food Essay1699 Words   |  7 Pagesin the world. Our nation has slowly gravitated towards fast food, allowing for a new industry to explode and expand over the past few decades. This monumental fast food industry has become a symbol of America and our diets. Fast food is convenient, quick, and cheap, requiring hardly any effort. It is the perfect formula for our fast-paced nation and suffering economy. The problem is shown through our sky-high rate of obesity. Though fast food has some short-term benefits like saving time and a fewRead More Childhood Obesity and Fast Food Essay examples1643 Words   |  7 PagesIn recent years there has been a growing epidemic of obesity, especially in America. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey posted on the Center for Disease Control website there are 12.5 million children from ages 2 through 19 that are o bese. Many people are starting to complain that the commercials and ads for these restaurants are the result of such an incline in obesity. Although there have been current ad campaigns aiming at children to live a healthy life style thereRead MoreIs Fast Food Really The Main Reason For Childhood Obesity?907 Words   |  4 PagesIs fast food really the main reason for the rise in childhood obesity? No, it is not their fault. In fact, I believe the main reason for childhood obesity is the parents. Most parents care about their kids but yet they allow them to eat unhealthy food, watch television for long periods of time, and reward them with food. Although, the cause of childhood obesity is debated. Two of the main causes is food choices and advertisements. Exercise is critical, it is an important part in keeping your bodyRead MoreChildhood Obesity: Fast Food Companies Are To Blame Essay897 Words   |  4 PagesSince the fast food industry is targeting America’s youth, provid ing healthier options on children’s menus will reduce the rate of childhood obesity and allow for a healthy future. According to â€Å"Burger Battles† from the Weekly Reader, obesity is defined as a person whose weight is 20 percent higher than recommended for their height (Burger Battles 1). When this condition begins to affect children lives, it is then known as childhood obesity. Within the United States of America, around 15 percentRead MoreMan Vs. Food : Fast Food Can Contribute To Childhood Obesity1267 Words   |  6 Pages Man vs. Food: Fast Food Can Contribute to Childhood Obesity The United States of America has always been a safe and well-constructed country. Over the past years, it has tried to progress in numerous ways. However, America is suffering daily from obesity issues that can be prevented. America is becoming uncontrollable when it comes down to the consumption of too much fast food. When fast food was introduced to Americans, it had many advantages. These advantages have suddenly converted into disadvantagesRead MoreFast Food Restaurants, Childhood Obesity, and Healthy Eating Habits3327 Words   |  13 Pages Fast Food Restaurants, Childhood Obesity, and Healthy Eating Habits Today, fast food restaurants are often blamed for childhood obesity. This is however a simplistic point of view, there are a number of factors that contribute to the current epidemic of childhood obesity. When all is said and done, the responsibly of teaching children healthy eating habits and encouraging regular exercise to mitigate this problem lies with parents. It is estimated that as many as one in five Americans is obese

China’s Terra-Cotta Army Free Essays

In March of 1974, while drilling a well, a work brigade of farmers discovered a subterranean chamber nearby the royal tomb of Qin Shi Huangdi, the first Emperor of China (Encyclopedia Britannica). The superstitious old women of the village believed that the digging would disturb the Earth God. Therefore, due to these spiritual beliefs, they did not report the discovery right away. We will write a custom essay sample on China’s Terra-Cotta Army or any similar topic only for you Order Now Eventually, archeologists came to Xi’an in droves to study and extend the digs. This led to the uncovering of three vast pits to the east of the burial tomb. In these pits, chariots, weapons and over 7,000 terracotta soldiers and horses were unearthed (Roberts p. 25). After extensive research, historians and archeologists concluded these terracotta soldiers were buried there to protect Emperor Qin (pronounced Chin) and his underground kingdom in the afterlife. Ying Zheng was born in 260 BC. He was a member of the Qin Dynasty and ascended to the throne in 247 BC at the age of thirteen. The Qin rule became the most powerful during the Warring States Period, a hectic, brutal, and unsafe time in Chinese history where the seven states were at constant war with one another. After conquering the rival states, King Zheng, ruling over a now unified state he called China, renamed himself Qin Shi Huangdi, the First Emperor (Man p. 28). Under Emperor Qin’s rule, China, which is a derivative of his name, was ruled by strict law. He was a cruel ruler who readily killed or banished those who opposed him or his ideology. He is notorious for burning virtually all the books that remained from previous regimes and burnt over 460 alchemists because they failed to provide him a life prolonging elixir. After many attempts on his life were made, including one from his own mother, Emperor Qin ruled with a schizophrenic mind (China’ First Emperor). â€Å"It was perhaps his insatiable desire for security in an uncertain world that drove him on. † (Man p. 28) Emperor Qin undertook many projects in his organization of China. He is accredited for connecting existing farming walls to defend his kingdom from outside barbarians creating the first adaptation of the Great Wall of China. He constructed an extensive network of roads and canals for travel and trade throughout his empire. Perhaps the two key changes that ensured the unity of Chinese culture were the standardization of currency and the written script (China’s First Emperor). One of his projects was the construction of his mausoleum at Mount Li, which took 700,000 workers an estimated 11 years to finish. It is believed to contain a model of his empire and includes rivers of mercury and booby traps, as well as many buried treasures and sacrificial objects. It is speculated that in order to guard its secrets, the workers who constructed it were also entombed. This is said to be one of the last examples of mass human sacrifice in Chinese history. Although the location of the emperor’s tomb has long been known, it has yet to be excavated (Roberts p. 25). Another of his projects, which was unknown until the 1974 discovery, was the three vast pits containing the terracotta army. The first pit measures 252 yards long, 68 yards wide and 16 feet deep. There are over 6,000 terracotta warriors and horses, of which 1,000 have been unearthed. The soldiers were assembled from separately kiln-fired sections of terracotta; the lower halves of the bodies are made of solid terracotta clay and the upper halves are hollow. The warriors vary in height ranging from 5’8† to 6 1/2’ tall. They were given individually detailed faces which were believed to be based on the faces of the Emperor’s actual soldiers. However, it has since been proved that all the soldiers are based on ten basic designs (Travel China Guide). The figures are assembled into a well-organized battle array composed of the infantry and cavalry. The vanguard bowmen include 210 foot soldiers divided equally into three lines. The cavalry and war chariot follow close in line, forming the main body of the battle formation. The foot soldiers are alternated with the chariots drawn by horses, lined into 38 columns. On both the northern and southern sides of the war formation stand 180 warriors which serve as flank guards. The rear guards are on the western end, with two lines facing east and another facing west. Some soldiers are armed with battle robe, and some are equipped with armor. The war formation is elaborately set in a line and is poised as if prepared for battle at any moment (Travel China Guide). The second pit is the most spectacular of the three. The combat formations are more complex, and the units of armed soldiers are more complete. There are over 80 war chariots, about 1,300 terracotta warriors and horses, and thousands of bronze weapons. It is here where the terracotta general, the kneeling archer and the warrior with a saddled horse were discovered (Travel China Guide). The third pit is believed by experts to be the command center for all the groups in the other two pits. The unearthed artifacts include 68 terracotta warriors, four horses and one chariot all arranged in a unique layout. Upon entering the pit, there is a passageway where the 68 warrior figures stand orderly along the two sides (Travel China Guide). During the excavation and repair work on the terracotta warrior figures, experts discovered many names carved or printed on the bodies of these figures. So far 87 different names have been recognized. They were found hidden in such places as the hips or under the arms of the terracotta warrior statues. Further research has shown that these 87 people were the master craftsmen, and that these craftsmen had assistants of their own. In all, it is estimated that about a thousand people participated in the making of the terracotta warriors (Travel China Guide). The compound was declared a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site in 1987. After more than two decades of work on the site, archaeologists in the 1990’s anticipated that it would take many more years, perhaps several generations, to unearth the remainder of the tomb complex. In 1978, the former French president, Jacques Chirac visited the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses. He called the Qin warriors â€Å"the eighth wonder of the world†. From then on, the Qin terracotta warriors became famous all over the world. In the years since its discovery, the tomb of the terracotta warriors has become one of China’s most important tourist destinations, drawing thousands of visitors to Xi’an each year (Encyclopedia Britannica). Emperor Qin’s terracotta army is a remarkable demonstration of the First Emperor’s ambition to rule, not only in his lifetime but also in his afterlife. How to cite China’s Terra-Cotta Army, Essay examples

Most Girls by Hailee Steinfeld free essay sample

â€Å"You know some days you feel so good in your own skin/ but it’s okay if you want to change the body that you came in.† These lyrics have really spoken to many teen girls. Hailee Steinfeld, a young actress and artist, released her song â€Å"Most Girls† in April 2017. Being â€Å"like most girls† has been stereotyped as a negative thing; it shouldn’t be. This song was written to tell girls the opposite. The song reminds girls of all ages to know that they aren’t the only ones who see themselves as heavily flawed. Social media is a cruel environment that doesn’t always appreciate the changes we make to our appearance, Steinfeld uses her song as an approach to remind her listeners they are most beautiful when they are confident and comfortable with themselves. Hailee Steinfeld is a unique artist who uses her feminism to inspire women to feel proud of who they are as an individual and that is something that should be more common among artists. Her music tends to have a general â€Å"girl power† feel to it and â€Å"Most Girls† includes some of her most powerful lyrics yet. The voice behind â€Å"Most Girls†started her career as an actress when she was fairly young. Her big debut was a role in the movie True Grit when she was just fourteen years old. She made her name in the music business when she portrayed the newest Bella in â€Å"Pitch Perfect Two† which released in theatres April 2015. Her cover of â€Å"Flashlight† proved she had vocals worthy of fame. Her first hit song, â€Å"Love Myself† went platinum in several countries and was the beginning of her music career. She had said she noticed there were plenty of songs telling people how special they are and that everyone is beautiful but didn’t quite think there was enough songs to remind them that everyone has their insecurities and it’s perfectly normal not to love things about themselves. That’s when she wrote the strengthening song, â€Å"Most Girls.† Feminist are perceived as angry women protesting for more money. Through her lyrics, Steinfeld justifies the term feminist as someone who supports gender equality and strongly believes in empowering women. She is a great role model for girls growing up and agrees that those girls should not be ashamed of any part of themselves. Insecurities are a big influence in everyone’s lives, so if everyone has them, we should be more accepting of them. Steinfeld’s music tells us that we should not ridicule each other because we want to change those insecurities. She uses her feminist power in the music industry to make females feel confident and happy and demonstrates that insecure girls should embrace their uniqueness. Her music is pushing a change towards the end of stereotypes and all music should be powerful enough to speak to listeners the same way her music does. â€Å"Most Girls† is a large step on the way to becoming a more considerate society. We tend to see only what’s bad about our bodies rather than what we have to be proud of. Role models today are trying to change that, and one could get a clear view of it on social media profiles of many famous women today. We will always have things about ourselves that we don’t particularly like and that’s ok. â€Å"Most Girls† acknowledges this concept. The song starts by grabbing the listener’s interest as they relate to her lyrics, â€Å"Some girls, feel best in their tiny dresses/ Some girls, nothing but sweatpants, looking like a princess.† One of the very unique, while important, points of this song is that it addresses and includes all types of girls and not just the stereotypical â€Å"pretty† girl. â€Å"Most Girls† reminds us that if changing our appearance is what makes us more confident and happy, we can do that. As well as, if what makes us comfortable isn’t the latest fashion trends, we should be okay wit h that.Famous icons are dying their hair rainbows and ombres but somehow, when ordinary people try to do the same, they might be taunted for it. In her lyrics, we are told that we should do what makes us happy not what makes everyone else happy. Being portrayed as a basic girl or most girls has somehow become negative. When we are told â€Å"you aren’t like most girls† it is perceived as a compliment. †Most Girls† is all about how we should take pride in being female, as she repeats the message numerously throughout the song singing â€Å"I wanna be like/ I wanna be like most girls† Our society needs more humans like Steinfeld to make each other more mindful of the people in our environment. Teens are being introduced to models with unrealistic appearances through advertisements, magazines, television, and especially social media. Lowering the self esteem of teenagers today is creating a depressing impact on our future, as these teens are the future. With society becoming increasingly violent, we should be teaching children to love, and particularly love themselves. Being insecure is normal, Steinfeld recognizes this and continues to empower women through her bright spirit and uplifting lyrics. Hopefully someday, more artists will follow her footsteps and our world can be filled with confident young women who stick up for eachother, not just themselves, and feel good about who they are. Girls will finally be able to do things for themselves instead of doing things to please everyone but themselves. Thank you Hailee Steinfeld for being a great role model for gir ls growing up by celebrating individuality in a world that criticizes each other for being different.