The Novel
Essay #3: Colonialism
Please answer one of the following questions in a six (yes, 6) page essay. You must use quotes from the novels and where necessary, from outside sources. Please include a bibliography at the end.
1. The two novels approach a similar theme--colonization--from different perspectives. Conrad's Heart of Darkness is told from the point of view of a European (narrated by another European)--members of the Imperialist nations--while Ceremony is narrated by a Native American. How is the experience of colonialism similar/different in the two novels Heart of Darkness and Ceremony? Compare and contrast the effects of colonialism in the two novels.
2. Both novels are full of imagery and symbolism. How do the novels use images and symbolism to portray the colonial powers? Contrast the images of "good" and "evil"? Civilized and uncivilized? Consider how each treats the issue of "savagery"--who are the "savages" in Heart of Darkness? In Ceremony?
3. Using the perspective of new historicism, how do these novels comment on the change in attitude toward issues of colonialism? In addition to using Kipling's "The White Man's Burden," you'll probably want to do some peripheral research about the attitudes toward colonialism at the writing of Heart of Darkness.