Post-Colonial Criticism and The Poisonwood Bible

Post-ColonialCriticism, from my understanding, analyzes how natives are affect by colonization. It also analyses power and hegemony (dominance), which are often the reasons between differences in culture.

Although the Poisonwood Bible is not written from a Native’s perspective, the effects of colonialism are still extremely evident. Throughout the text (or what we have read so far), Kingsolver makes references of the conditions and culture of the Congolese people. Nathan Price clearly demonstrates the effects of post-colonialism, even though he is not a narrator himself. For example, when planting the demonstration garden, Nathan disregards the advice of the natives completely. He often assumes power and knowledge over the natives and their differing culture. Nathan tries to teach the natives the “right way”, or what he considers to be correct. Each of Nathan’s daughters also portray these effects on the natives to some extent. Yet, one can argue that it seen more through the eyes of Ruth May. For example, while Rachel is concerned about her looks, Ruth May narrates everything she sees. The girls, Leah, Adah, Ruth May, and Rachel also demonstrate the effects of whites in Africa, but it is most clearly seen through Nathan Price. 

Heart of Darkness and Apocalypse Now

One of the most obvious changes between Apocalypse Now and Heart of Darkness is the change in setting. Although the setting is different, the central meaning is still the same. Many changes in Apocalypse Now are made in order to make the story more fitting to our time period. Heart of Darkness is set in the 1800s, whereas Apocalypse Now is set during the Vietnam War.

                Feelings toward the Vietnamese natives differ from those of the natives in Heart of Darkness. When reading the book, one becomes more fond of the natives. With previous knowledge of the tortures described in King Leopold’s Ghost and the descriptions in Heart of Darkness, the reader feels pity and sadness toward the Congolese natives. In Apocalypse now, it is more difficult to develop feelings for the Vietnamese natives. Killings of these innocent natives are done through bombings, making it impossible to learn of personal accounts. Despite the fact that the Congolese natives are often described merely as shapes, figures, and colors, the reader feels much more pity for them than the Vietnamese natives in Apocalypse Now. 

            The next obvious change is the ending and Kurtz’s death. The ending in Heart of Darkness was fitting to the book, because Kurtz is not as intense are the Kurtz in Apocalypse Now. The more dramatic ending in Apocalypse Now is also fitting to the movie because it adds to action and the impression that is initially given of Kurtz. 

Heart of Darkness Confusion

The most confusion I have with this book is keeping up with who says what. Yet, I found the passage in pages 108-109 to be the most confusing. Beginning with "The earth seemed unearthly. We are accustomed to look upon the shackled form of a conquered monster, but there—there you could look at a thing monstrous and free" and ending with "Some fifty miles below the Inner Station we came upon a hut of reeds, an inclined and melancholy pole, with the unrecognizable tatters of what had been... (110)."

This passage is very confusing for me. First of all, I find it hard to figure out who is talking, but I assume it is Marlow. I'm also unsure what some of the context means. I am sure that there is much meaning behind the multiple metaphors in this passage.

Heart of Darkness Quotation

 An idea at the back of it; not a sentimental pretence but an idea; and an unselfish belief in the idea--something you can set up, and bow down before, and offer a sacrifice to. . . ."

This quote is an accurate representation of what the book will be about. In this quote, Marlow is discussing imperialism. He claims that imperialism is not backed up by an authentic reason, instead it is backed up by a simple ideal. This idea either being religion or other beliefs. 

Chapter 17: No Man is a Stranger (focused on part 2)

This chapter focuses on the lives of those who had an impact in the Congo. The chapter opens with with the testimony's of of many Natives. These Congolese testimonies were powerful, yet the were never read until the 1980's!

The chapter then goes on to discuss Leopold's steady downfall in the Congo. His older years and his selling of the Congo to Belgium. In 1908, the Congo Free State became the Belgian Congo. The change in ownership however, did not change the conditions the Congolese were facing. 

Sheppard writes of the abuse on the Kuba people. As a result, the company stock fell and William Sheppard  was sued. After the trail, Sheppard was found innocent. Yet, the company was not found guilty, and only needed to pay court fines. This demonstrated the corruption, or fear, of people to take action against the horror. Consequently, Sheppard become a hero in America. 

The chapter then goes on to discuss Leopold's decline in health. At the age of 74, he falls ill with "intestinal blockage", or cancer. Leopold leaves all his riches to Caroline and their two sons, but nothing to his two daughters, Louise and Stephanie. Shortly, Leopold dies. Caroline moves to Paris, where she soon remarries he original lover, Durriex. 

The chapter then shifts toward Casement. It describes his life and his sudden interest in his Irish roots. His character is portrayed through his interest in the Irish and the Congolese. The chapter shifts yet again, this time to Morel. The chapter talks about his efforts to end the atrocities in the Congo. At the end of the chapter, Morel is influenced by many to close the case regarding the Congo.

Morel claims victory in 1913 at the Congo Reform Association held a meeting at the Westminister Palace Hotel in London. The question is, is the case really closed?

Quiz questions:

4. Why was Casement becoming so fond and involved with his native Ireland? What does this reveal about his character?

 5. Did Morel feel that his work was done or was he influenced by others to think so? If so, what is foreshadowed?

Why Don't we Speak Up?

Why don’t people speak up sooner when they realize that mass brutality, manipulation, and subterfuge is going on in various of the less-well-known corners of the world?

The atrocities that are taking place, right now, in other parts of the world are hidden in the shadows. Why don’t we speak up? There are many reasons to why we don’t do something about the brutality that is currently happening, in the Congo for example.

 People, as harsh as this sounds, only care about themselves. People care about their family and other relatives first, before they can begin to think about the well-being of others. So, it is natural for people to be unaware of foreign issues that don’t directly affect them. Yet, the mass brutality in Congo, should be an issue that people have some knowledge of.

The lack of media regarding these issues also makes it difficult for people to realize what is going on. When the media has more articles, videos, and talks about who looked the best at the Grammy awards, than of the atrocities taking place in the world at this very moment, it is understandable that people don’t speak up.  

The United States has always had the reputation of being the “policeman of the world”, intervening in foreign affairs. Yet, why are we not intervening in the Congo and other troubled areas? I’m not saying it is the United States’ responsibility to care for every nation that is facing problems. The lack of intervention in these areas can be attributed to the desire for the minerals that are making their way over here. If the issues are resolved, then the goods stay in their home countries. 

Senior Project Update

My research paper when well, but there are some aspects that I could have done to make the process easier and more efficient. Although I didn't get my paper back, I feel like the overall paper could have been better. It was extremely hard to find sources on the topic of "The Changing Roles of Women's Kitchen". Most of what I would find were jokes or websites that were not credible. I had to resort to mainly books for my research.  Now that my research paper is successfully completed, I will focus on finishing my hours