Congo River in Heart of Darkness Essay Example

Congo River in Heart of Darkness Essay These extracts, Marlow’s voyage up the Congo River in Heart of Darkness and the protagonist’s inspired exploration through the Congo’s most perilous terrain in Blood River contrast sharply. Physical suffering dominates a large role in the theme of danger with conventions such as the river and its surroundings being a staple of the theme. These extracts use physical and mental anguish to illustrate various and comparable conceptions of danger. Both Conrad and Butcher are describing a river journey along the Congo River in Africa. The river is treacherous and the journey is difficult; and they can only guess what lies further inland. However, both texts have a different purpose. Conrad was writing in 1898 and is openly criticising society’s beliefs at the time that colonial power is progressive and superior to other powers. Due to its critical nature it is considered as one of the earliest modern novels; because the novella is shedding a new light over the notion of colonialism and the bleak destruction it has both for the Africans and the Europeans who are colonising it. Unlike Heart of Darkness, Blood River is a travelogue, non-fiction contemporary journey of H.M Stanley’s 1874-77 expedition; which Butcher himself is recreating. We will write a custom essay sample on Congo River in Heart of Darkness specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Congo River in Heart of Darkness specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Congo River in Heart of Darkness specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Although Heart of Darkness was one of the first literary texts to provide a critical view of European imperial activities, it was initially read by critics as anything but controversial. The novella was typically read as a condemnation of an adventurer who could easily take advantage of imperialism’s opportunities. Conrad’s decision to set the novella in a Belgian colony and to have Marlow work for a Belgian trading concern made it even easier for British readers to avoid seeing themselves reflected in Heart of Darkness. Although these early reactions seem ludicrous to a modern reader, they reinforce the novella’s central themes of hypocrisy and absurdity. Conrad’s style of writing is highly descriptive which is to be expected of an early twentieth century novel. His lexis choice â€Å"profound anguish† and â€Å"excessive toil† sound slightly archaic and formal for contemporary readers. The writer is highlighting the fact that the forest is dangerous and savage as the forest natives take â€Å"possession of an accursed inheritance.† This suggests that Conrad is critical of the colonial authority which is implied through the use of the noun â€Å"inheritance†. The modifier â€Å"accursed† gives the impression that the natives are in some way associated with the devil. Religious beliefs at the time were beginning to be challenged and this is demonstrated through this lexis choice. Butcher also mirrors the theme of danger through the use of dialogue in his writing. The narrator mentions the menacing threat of malaria on the plight of the Congolese, through speaking with another passenger onboard the perilous pirogue. Through the use of dialogue the writer harnesses the reader’s attention as Butcher provides a real life account of the physical suffering that affects Africans quotidian. Conrad presents danger with a semantic field through the use of the lexical choice: trees and the Congo Riverbanks. Conrad’s style of writing also contains many instances of contradictory language, reflecting Marlow’s difficult and uncomfortable position. The steamer, for example, â€Å"tears slowly along† the riverbank: â€Å"to tear† usually indicates great speed or haste, however, the oxymoronic addition of â€Å"slowly† immediately strips the phrase of any discernible meaning and adds a tone of absurdity. Butcher also uses contradictory language when describing the pirogue through the use of juxtaposition. â€Å"Its bow slid onto our bank with the lightest of kisses. The dreadnought was heavy†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The idiom lightest of kisses =

Tips for Filling Out USCIS Forms

Tips for Filling Out USCIS Forms Let’s face it, even native-born American citizens don’t like filling out forms for the federal government. For an immigrant, the task can be daunting. Language barriers and cultural differences can complicate even simple, straightforward communication with the government. Each year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services receives millions of forms and applications from immigrants. Unfortunately, untold thousands of those are rejected or discarded because they were not filled out properly. Here are some simple tips to make sure the government accepts your form: Make sure you fill out the form legibly. If it’s messy or damaged and the government can’t read it, you’ll have not chance of getting what you want.Answer all questions truthfully and completely. It can be a serious offense to give the government incorrect information.Make sure the spelling is correct - especially with names. If you need help understanding the English, then get help. Generally, most applicants will not need to consult an immigration attorney to fill out a form. You can do it yourself! But if you have a complicated you, you may want to seek a lawyer’s advice. Follow the instructions carefully. If you need to send a fee with your document, make sure you send the right amount the right way.Don’t forget to sign your form. An unsigned form is a simple mistake that can delay your case for months. USCIS is constantly changing its forms, so it’s important you are sure you are filling out the right one. Here are some tips from the government. Remember that forms and applications are free, though there may be a charge to file them. Beware of dishonest service providers who might try to charge you for a blank form. A warning from the federal government: Never pay for a blank USCIS form! Some useful tips from USCIS: You can get a form by downloading them on line at the USCIS website, or by calling 1-800-870-3676.Make sure you are using the most current version of the form you want. Again, USCIS is changing and revising them all the time.When possible, download the form from the USCIS website and complete it with a computer. This will help ensure your document is legible.If you do write your answers by hand, use black ink and make sure your writing is neat and stays within the space provided.USCIS uses special scanners to read forms and documents. The scanners will not read the information properly if it is greyed-out, highlighted or corrected using correction fluid or tape. Take time to make sure your for form is as neat as possible!If you do make an error, the government recommends that you start over with a clean form. Again, they’re free!Complete the entire form. A partially completed form will not get you what you want. Barcoded Forms - USCIS Adds New Technology USCIS says it has added 2D barcode technology to some of its most used forms. They include: G-28, I-90, I-131, I-821, I-864 and N-400.The government says that when you complete these barcoded forms with a computer, the barcode at the bottom of the page will store the data entered on the form. USCIS will be able to scan the information from the barcode and upload it directly into the USCIS system.USCIS says you are not required to complete the barcoded forms electronically, but immigrants are encouraged to use them and to visit the government’s online form site. Remember the barcode captures only typed information; handwritten information is not captured by the barcode. So, you have to complete the forms fully electronically or full in handwriting.Take care not to damage the barcode. Give Your Form One Last InspectionBefore you file your form, look it over one last time to make sure it’s accurate and complete.USCIS says you should check these things in particular:Did you sign it?Are you sending the correct fee if one is required?Have you answered everything truthfully and completely?If you are sending more than one form, have you written your name and date of birth exactly the same way on each form? This is very important, whether you’re trying to get a visa, applying for citizenship or just changing an address.Are you mailing your form to the correct government address? If you’re not sure, check it.