Asked by julie
Based on these excerpts, which statement best explains how Conrad uses language in Heart of Darkness?
Conrad wrongly portrays Africans as having undeveloped language skills.
Conrad shows his belief that Africans are not capable of speaking English.
Conrad has cannibals speak English to reveal his own dark behaviors.
Conrad has Africans speak English to emphasize their willingness to learn.
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"Conrad has cannibals speak English to reveal his own dark behaviors."
Explanation: In Heart of Darkness Conrad gives Africans only limited, utilitarian English at key moments to contrast their disciplined restraint with the Europeans' moral chaos. The cannibals’ sparse, practical speech highlights the hypocrisy and brutality of the colonizers (including the narrator’s own complicity), rather than simply showing Africans as incapable or eager learners. The other choices are either overly simplistic or misread Conrad’s ironic use of language.
Explanation: In Heart of Darkness Conrad gives Africans only limited, utilitarian English at key moments to contrast their disciplined restraint with the Europeans' moral chaos. The cannibals’ sparse, practical speech highlights the hypocrisy and brutality of the colonizers (including the narrator’s own complicity), rather than simply showing Africans as incapable or eager learners. The other choices are either overly simplistic or misread Conrad’s ironic use of language.
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