Both Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness and Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis are a

Question

Both Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness and Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis are about looking beneath the surface in one way or another. Explain, as thoroughly as possible, how each of these works is about looking beneath the surface and what is found there in each case.

Both James’ s the beast in the jungle and Samuel beckett’s waiting for GODOT are about waiting. Explain as thoroughly as possible, how each of these works is about waiting. Then explain as thoroughly as possible ,what we might learn from the waiting in each case about being human

Explanation / Answer

1) In his Heart of Darkness Joseph Conrad’s   develops the   Metamorphosis of theme of looking beneath the surface, Beneath the surface of human civilization when people receives considerable amount of power and entitlements. The novella describes events associated with the colonization of Africa, the Dark Continent. The main character is employed by a Belgian concern, created to trade with Congo allegedly to help Africans to improve the quality of their life. In reality, from his first days, Marlow sees how the Company oppresses the native people they are forced to work for the colonists almost for free in terrible conditions and suffer from overwork and ill treatment .

Kurtz, the typical colonist, positioned himself in the indigenous community as a deity by using inhumane methods, and when Marlow and his crew approach the Inner Station, they see a collection of severed heads on fences. Furthermore, Kurtz, who perceives his entitlements as unlimited, undertakes bloody ivory raids in the surrounding territories. His pathetic papers describing the opportunities which colonization might bring to the natives end with the following urge Exterminate all the brutes . Therefore, such terms as rich culture, morality, humanity and civilization lose their meaning for those who get an opportunity to execute power over the weaker without being controlled.

In The Metamorphosis, the questions the power of family bonds and shows their reverse side by turning his protagonist into a beast Franz kafka. Gregor, a successful salesman, wakes up one morning and finds out he has transformed into a huge beetle, yet having the mind of a human-being. Although he tries to maintain the relationships with his mother, father and sister, they apparently reject the main character, dooming him to isolation. Although Gregor was the familys breadwinner and loved son and brother, they quickly forget his devotion and become disappointed given the disappearance of their source of material well-being. Although they continue to help him meet his basic needs, their feelings gradually shift from indifference to hatred. When Gregor undertakes his final attempt to reunite the family and leaves his room to listen to the melody his sister is playing, he hears Greta saying that he is not a human any longer and the family should get rid of him. Although the images in the story are grotesque and unrealistic, it might mean that beneath the surface of seemingly strong psychological bonds in the family one can find merely market relations in which one member receives care, attention as long as the others can use him or her as a source of financial support. But when this person develops a serious illness or disability, they become redundant.

2) James’ s the beast in the jungle and Samuel beckett’s Waiting for Godot seems to have a unique resonance during times of social and political crisis. As a modernist existential meditation it can at first appear bleak:They give birth astride of a grave says Pozzo.The light gleams an instant, then it's night once more But it is also funny and poetic, and reveals humanity's talents for stoicism, companionship and keeping going.

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