Module 1
Since its publication in 1899, Heart of Darkness has been one of the most widely read and studied novels written in English. It has also been one of the most analyzed! Ranging in fields of psychology, feminism, marxism, and deconstructionism-- among others-- literary critics have long tried to construct their own perspective meanings from within the pages of the book.The novel, while upon first read can come across as bit confusing, does seem to invite a wide variety of interpretations to the open reader. Its narrator even claims the meaning of the story "was not inside like a kernel but outside, enveloping the tale which brought it out only as a glow brings out a haze, in the likeness of one of these misty halos that sometimes are made visible by the spectral illumination of moonshine."
After reading Heart of Darkness, you may feel that the meaning of the story is very hazy. How do you go about making sense of a story as obscure as Heart of Darkness?
This WebQuest may be of some help. It will help you learn just how some critics have come up with their interpretations of Heart of Darkness and encourage you to develop your own critical stance on the book. On your journey toward meaning, you will follow Marlow up the Congo River, shedding light on the heart of darkness as you proceed, finally arriving at a better understanding of this evasive book.
Preparing for your Journey (A Suggestion for Organization):
Process:
Period 2 BLOG click here
Period 3 BLOG click here
This module closes at 11:59pm on Wednesday
After reading Heart of Darkness, you may feel that the meaning of the story is very hazy. How do you go about making sense of a story as obscure as Heart of Darkness?
This WebQuest may be of some help. It will help you learn just how some critics have come up with their interpretations of Heart of Darkness and encourage you to develop your own critical stance on the book. On your journey toward meaning, you will follow Marlow up the Congo River, shedding light on the heart of darkness as you proceed, finally arriving at a better understanding of this evasive book.
Preparing for your Journey (A Suggestion for Organization):
- Create a NEW FOLDER in your documents (at home and/or at school)
- Title this folder "Congo Diary"
- This is where you will keep/save all documents related to Heart of Darkness.
- Anytime you see a reference to the Congo diary, the instructions are just referring to work you complete and save in this location.
- Be sure to title each new document appropriately "lastnameassignment.docx" example: cafarellidocks.docx"
Process:
- First, read the opening lecture notes on HOD.
- Next, you must determine which critical theorist you will become. To do this by exploring the links provided above under the CRITICISMS resource list.
- After you have explored each criticism, choose ONE.
- Next, be sure to respond to the corresponding questions on a word document and then read the sample essay.
- Upload your responses to the M1 assignment on edmodo by clicking "turn in." Be sure it is appropriately labeled and titled.
- Finally, if you want, watch the short summary video from Sparknotes on HOD. This will help with plot/content... after all, we aren't reading for comprehension, we are reading to analyze.. so any little bit helps!
- REFLECTION: Your blog post this week consists of a reflection related to the reading. It can be about Anything! Agree, disagree, contemplate, mull over… process... something- anything- from the reading (as a whole or a piece). Title: HOD REFLECTION 1, TAG: HOD, CATEGORY: Heart of Darkness
Period 2 BLOG click here
Period 3 BLOG click here
This module closes at 11:59pm on Wednesday