3.27.08

For Monday, we begin our investigation into post-colonialism, and we'll begin with an exemplary debate over Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness' and Achebe's famous response. So read the Conrad excerpt found to the right, which is the end of chapter one and the beginning of two, and the Achebe essay/lecture. On Monday I'm going to assume you know Heart well enough, as most of you probably have read it. If you haven't, try to read as much of it as you can, paying particular attention to the sections Achebe refers to and the beginning (in fact, if you know nothing about the book, read the excerpt then start at the beginning of the book). For that reason, I've also attached a full version of Heart. There is also a summary/paraphrase of the controversy in the piece entitled 'Postcolonial Controversies.'

After you've done the reading, answer the following question in a response: Is Conrad a 'bloody racist' (Achebe's original words)? More importantly, can you think of reasons why one might answer yes, and also reasons why one might answer no? Be sure to refer to specifically to Conrad's text more than once in your answer.

Also, remember you will need Coetzee's Disgrace for the following week.