Heart of Darkness Vocabulary

Abject – utterly hopeless, miserable, humiliating

Altruistic – unselfish and concerned for the welfare of others; caring

Ascetic – one who leads a life of self denial; humorless, grim, sparse, simple

August – dignified, splendid, novel, revered

Capered – playfully leapt; jumped and frolicked, especially in a mischievous way

Cipher – code; letters are substituted with symbols according to a key

Countenance – facial expression

Craven – cowardly, fearful

Declivity – piece of land that slopes down at an angle

Delusion – false belief, especially in the face of strong evidence to contrary

Deplorable – unacceptable and worthy of condemnation; wretched due to poverty or neglect

Diaphanous – transparent or insubstantial

Disinterred – dug up, exposed, unearthed

Dissipated – overindulgent in pleasure, immoral in excess; gradually faded away

Drollery – slightly odd or quirky humor

Effaced – rubbed out; obliterated; erased; behave humbly and respectably

Evanescent – fleeting; disappearing after only a short time

Farcical – absurd, mixed-up, comically confused

Gabardine – smooth twill fabric; durable and lightweight, man-made

Gait – manner of walking

Harlequin – comic buffoon- like character, colorful; fanciful

Hovel – a miserable dwelling, hut or shack

Immutability – unchanging nature; not developing or evolving; stubbornly permanent

Imperturbably – without being made uneasy or irritated; calm; not agitated

Implacable – stubborn, unable to be persuaded or moved

Indissolubly – cannot be undone, broken or dissolved; permanent

Inextricable – unable to be solved, extracted, freed, or removed

Interminable – seemingly endless, long, boring, frustrating

Intrepidity – characteristic of being fearless and persistent, especially in pursuit of object; courage

Languid – without vigor or energy; listless and indifferent

Lugubrious – extremely mournful, sad, gloomy

Lurid – horrifying and shocking in graphic nature

Malevolently – with malice, anger, and evil intent

Mangroves – tropical evergreen trees of tidal coasts (near river mouths)

Mephistopheles – one of 7 devils in the Faust legend, one who Faust sold his soul

Moribund – dying or nearly dead

Motley – composed of a variety of materials or types

Pate – skull, scalp, top of head

Pestiferous – bringing; bearing disease

Placidity – calmness, lack of agitation

Postscriptum – P.S. at the bottom of a letter; an additional note

Precarious – uncertain, unstable, dangerous, risky

Prevaricator – one who does not tell whole truth or who answers directly

Privation – lack of necessities, deprivation

Propitiatory – designed to appease and win favor

Rapacious – greedy and grasping; using unscrupulous means to gin desired end

Recrudescence – recurring nature, breaking out or becoming active again after dormant period

Rudimentary – basic, without luxuries or sophistication

Scow – slat bottomed vessels such as rowboats, sailboats, barges, ferries, and rafts

Sedentary – sitting idle

Sententiously – in a way that is offensive as a result of being moralizing and condescending

Sepulcher – a vault or building used for burial of dead bodies

Somnambulist – sleepwalker, one who is out of touch with reality

Tenebrous – loosely connected

Tepid – lukewarm, unenthusiastic

Trenchant – directly and deliberately hurtful, intending to cause pain and or death

Truckle – wheeled bed, often kept beneath another for convenient storage

Uncongenial – unfriendly and unwelcome

Uncouth – ill mannered and rude

Wanton – sexually indiscriminate; without restraint or inhibition

Worsted – smooth woolen cloth that would be very warm; highly manufactured material

Jules Verne Journey to the Center of the Earth Essay

Journey to the Center of the Lindenbrocks

Similarities and differences is what drives a story and often gives it meaning. Jules Verne was a master of differences and similarities between characters to enhance his conflicts in the plot and displays his talents well in his novel, Journey to the Center of the Earth. The stark contrast between Professor Otto Lindenbrock and his nephew, Axel Lindenbrock, is evident throughout the novel, but also complimented with few similarities between the uncle and his nephew was well. Professor Lindenbrock’s was well as Axel Lindenbrock’s personality, optimism, and motivation will each be evaluated in their journey to the center of the Earth.

Professor Lindenbrock’s personality is very different from Axel’s. The professor is adventurous, and often looks to disprove theories of many famous philosophers. On the other hand, Axel is less adventurous and could be described as a follower. Often believing and following the theories of famous philosophers, Axel is more pragmatic than his uncle. The professor’s ego also rarely ever legs his admit defeat. Only on one occasion throughout the novel does Otto Lindenbrock admit defeat: when he chose the wrong tunnel to enter in the beginning, and his decision to cross the large body of water they encounter later on. Axel’s ego is not as stubborn as the Professor’s, but they still share some of the same Lindenbrock characteristics.

One of those characteristics being their optimism. Professor Lindenbrock shows great amounts of optimism and determination throughout their journey, and rarely accepts defeat. Like his uncle, Axel is determined and optimistic about their journey when it is going well. Unlike his uncle, Axel uses almost every excuse he can think of in order to ascend back to the surface. After Axel fell and almost killed himself, he exclaimed “…is the journey not over, then?” this way of thinking contrasts with his uncles relentless efforts to reach the center of the Earth when he responds “…rest today, and tomorrow we will set sail”. The professor uses the fact that Arce Saknuesem claimed to have reached the center of the Earth as means to continue the journey despite how long it would take if they had enough food and water to last. Differences in optimism and determination between the two characters rely on another factor, motivation.

 The motivation of Professor Otto Lindenbrock and Axel Lindenbrock are what drive them to overcome their perilous journey. The professor’s motivation resides solely in his love for geology. Axel too has a passion for geology, but it is dwarfed by the professor’s. Instead, a girl by the name of Grauben is Axel’s motivation to complete their journey, which is why he used every excuse to return to the surface. Unlike Axel, Professor Lindenbrock is not distracted by the exterior world and his sole motive for reaching the center of the Earth is for scientific gain and self satisfaction. Otto Lindenbrock expresses this by saying, “Leave me, I tell you. I have undertaken this expedition. I will carry it out to the end, and I will not return. Go, Axel, go!” this displays the difference between Axel, who cannot wait to end the journey, and the professor, who has no intention of ever abandoning his quest.

            The similarities and differences are blatantly evident between Professor Otto Lindenbrock and his nephew, Axel Lindenbrock. Although they share a lobe for geology, their personality, optimism, and determination are very different. These characteristics not only add to the plot, but also give the characters unbelievable depth for the reader to explore. While Otto and Axel Lindenbrock make amazing discoveries deep inside the Earth, the reader make equally amazing discoveries inside the Lindenbrock characters, just as Jules Verne intended.

George Orwell 1984 Essay

Totalitarianism: A Negative Utopia

            Throughout history, many people have speculated on what the future will bring. George Orwell, author of 1984, was no different. Orwell believed that a totalitarian form of government was imminent if the American citizens were not aware of the dangers it holds. Throughout 1984, Orwell warns the readers of a dreary existence under a totalitarian government. Orwell’s message is simple: do not let the government (Big Brother) take away freedom in the name of security or peace, or one will find themselves without rights or voice. Orwell’s message about totalitarian government is clearly stated as, “WAR IS PEACE, FREEDOM IS SLAVERY, IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH”.

            The first line of Big Brother’s slogan, “War is Peace”, is an oxymoron that describes totalitarianism perfectly, Orwell knew that totalitarianism is kept and gained through force, or war. His message about totalitarian government is that it is never peaceful. Those under a totalitarian government who are not completely compliant will be killed, much like today in China and Cuba. Orwell symbolized this by having Winston and Julia brutally tortured after their conspiracy to overthrow Big Brother was uncovered. Because of the escalating tensions in 1949, Orwell viewed Russia and Spain as evil countries. It was from these countries that Orwell fanaticized the World of “Oceania”. Through war, Spain and Russia increased their power, much like Oceana did in 1984.

The second line of Big Brother’s slogan, “Freedom is Slavery”, is also an exact comparison to a totalitarian style government. In “Oceania”, one must give up their rights of love, friends, and most importantly the freedom of thought. This is an extreme example of the powers of a totalitarian government, but to Orwell, his point must be viewed seriously. Orwell is trying to persuade the reader that totalitarianism may look good ideologically, but in all reality it would be a horrible place to live. Oceania could be described as a “negative utopia”, much like how Orwell was trying to get the public to fell about totalitarianism. Orwell wanted people to realize that the only way to survive in a totalitarian for of government was to be a “slave” of that government. Every “Party Member” in Oceania was a slave who either spent their time working for the government or exercising “Two Minutes Hate” against a conspirator named “Goldstein”. This was how Oceania controlled its people, much like how an advanced totalitarian government would control its.

            The third and final line in Big Brothers slogan is “Ignorance is Strength”. This is above all the most important element of what kept a totalitarian government alive and also what Orwell feared most. To star in power, a totalitarian government, like Oceania, must keep its people uninformed in order to keep them under control. This was shown in 1984 by hundreds of things “The Party” practiced. Winston worked in “Minitrue”, which was the information center for all of Oceania. Of course, it was controlled by the government. Everyday Winston would receive a request to change a document of history in order to benefit Oceania’s government. This kept the people uninformed of the truth and easily manipulated. Orwell’s fear was that people are easily manipulated and a corrupt government could use that to their advantage. Orwell portrayed this by their language “NewSpeak”. NewSpeak is a transition language introduced to Oceania in order for the government to theoretically control the minds of the people. By removing words such as “freedom” and “opinion”, they would fade away and the idea lost forever. This was the primary fear Orwell expressed of totalitarian government.

            The novel 1984, written by George Orwell is a dedication to the movement to stop totalitarianism form coming to the United States. Orwell’s message that one should never give up his or her rights for peace or security is one that has held strong in the United States but not other countries. The year, 1984, has come and gone; but George Orwell’s “prophetic, nightmare vision in 1949 of the world we were becoming is timelier than ever”. 

Oedipus Rex Summer Assignment 2

Oedipus’s great achievement put him in the position to become the King of Thebes. Here is a quote from the play describing his actions is: “Whose coming to our Cadmean town released the toll we paid, of a hard Sorceress, and that, without instruction or advice of our imparting; but of Heaven it came thou art named, and known, our life's establisher." The Sorceress mentioned in the quote is the Sphinx that held the city of Thebes under siege. Oedipus is the one who soleve the sphinx’s riddle and saved Thebes. After solving the riddle of the Sphinx Oedipus was crowned king.
Shortly after solving the riddle of the Sphinx Oedipus becomes complacent and forgets the needs of his people. When Oedipus is greeted by the Priest of Zeus he then realizes how poor the condition is of his people. Although Thebes is in turmoil, Oedipus still sees himself as a great king. Oedipus speaks to the Thebians before the royal palace and says: "I myself have come hither, Oedipus, known far and wide by name." This demonstrates how Oedipus has become self-centered and complacent with new luxurious life.
After returning from his journey to Pytho, Creon informs Oedipus of how he must solve the crisis and save Thebes. Oedipus is told that Laius, the past king, was killed in vein and the only way to save Thebes is to banish the murderer from the city. As Oedipus’s pride takes over he promises he will avenge Laius by finding the murderer and banishing him, "So shall you see me, as of right, with you, venging this country and the Gods together. Why, 'tis not for my neighbors' sake, but for mine, I shall dispel this plague spot; for the man, whoever it may be, who murdered him." Oedipus now has a new sense of pride because he will save Thebes from the horrible villain that made the city fall to ruins. What Oedipus is unaware of is that his prideful search for the truth of Laius’s death will drive him to endless suffering.
As Oedipus reveals more about he is past and discovers who killed King Laius he is faced with much suffering which is the fourth stage of a tragic hero. After questioning countless people Oedipus uncovers that is was he himself that murdered his father and fulfilled the first half of the prophecy. This sends Oedipus down a deep spiral of suffering and depression. Then Oedipus would fulfill the second half of the prophecy when Oedipus slept with his own mother, Jocasta. As Jocasta figures out what evil has became on her, she commits suicide by hanging herself. If this was not enough Oedipus was then banished from Thebes and his two daughters were taken from him. Oedipus felt the true meaning of suffering at that point in his life.
The final stage of a tragic hero encounters the perception of his or her failures. Although Oedipus tried his hardest to prevent his prophecy from coming true, he failed. By leaving his parents and constantly worrying about the prophecy, Oedipus was following the path of the prophecy the whole time. Eventually Oedipus pleaded that the gods take him away from his suffering and he gouged his eyes out. During the end of the play Oedipus finally understands that he could do nothing to stop the evil prophecy form coming true. Being helpless to the will of the gods, Oedipus lived the rest of his life in the perception of sorrow.

Oedipus Rex Summer Assignment 1

Oedipus fulfills a characteristic of a tragic hero by being a member of the ruling/higher class. Oedipus’s downfall is the truth behind his birth. The truth is uncovered when the Old Man is brought before Oedipus for questioning. Because of a prophecy that Oedipus would kill his father and marry his mother, as a child Oedipus was send from his home to live with the Old Man. When the Old Man, being unaware that Oedipus is the baby sent to him years ago, says he received the boy form Laius, the former king of Thebes, Oedipus then discovers that he is of royal descent.

     Oedipus is a more fully-realized human being that others mostly because of his royalty and his horrible prophesized fate. Heightened powers and destiny are apparent because Oedipus is a natural born leader and bears higher status than many. When Oedipus describes his fate to the Messenger he says, "Why, Loxias declared that I should one day marry my own mother, and with my own hands shed my father's blood." Because of Oedipus’s gruesome destiny, he is more acknowledged than others.

     The fate of Oedipus is a combination of what others tell him and also what he chooses to do. Oedipus attempts to change the fate given to him by the oracle by staying away from his parents. This however, was unsuccessful. When the Old Man saved Oedipus’s life as a baby his fate was affected, resulting that the outsider changed Oedipus’s fate. The prophecy is another factor that affects Oedipus’s fate. Given from the gods, the prophecy would be nearly impossible to change.

     Throughout the play Oedipus drives his friends and family away making him lonely. As people tell Oedipus of his past life and the prophecy he was given, Oedipus rejects almost everything people are trying to explain to him. Because Oedipus is stubborn and doesn’t believe what many people tell, him he drives them away making himself lonesome. As more and more people tell him the prophecy, Oedipus seeks the truth and becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth. Jocasta on the other had advises Oedipus to forget his quest for the truth. Of course, because Oedipus does not listen to anyone, he continues his search to find his true birth parents. Jocasta then realizes that Oedipus must have understood who his true parents are and hangs herself in her bed chamber to end her suffering.     

     Oedipus is known for helping his intelligence and his people ask him for help in times of a crisis. Before becoming King, Oedipus solved the riddle of the Sphinx confirming to all that he is an intelligent man. The plague hits Thebes and the priest asks him to find a cure for the plage. " thou art named, and known, our life's establisher. Thee therefore, Oedipus, the mightiest head among us all, all we thy supplicants implore to find some way to succour us, whether thou knowest it through some voice from heaven, or, haply of some man." Wanting to keep his title as an intelligent man, Oedipus agrees to find the cure to the plague and find the man that killed Lias.

     Oedipus’s life is full of suffering and he must learn from it to survive. Oedipus learns that there is no way he can change the prophecy given to him. As hard as Oedipus tires, he can’t stop his suffering so he must become stronger from it. Each time Oedipus learns something new about his past it makes him suffer even more than before and begins to realize that the more he knows about his life, the more sorrow becomes of him. Even when others learn of the prophecy his life is affected negatively. When Jocasta realizes Oedipus’s prophecy has came true she hangs herself just as Oedipus realizes Jocasta is his mother. This is probably Oedipus’s lowest point in his life because he realizes he killed his father and his mother committed suicide because of him.

     Oedipus's flaw breaks him to piece. Because Oedipus does not know his prophecy, it leads him to fulfilling the oracle’s prophecy. If Oedipus would have known his prophecy all along he would be able to stop it from happening. Also, if Oedipus’s parents wouldn’t have sent him away the prophecy would not be fulfilled either. Because Oedipus’s adoptive parents, Polybus and Merope, didn’t tell him he was adopted, Oedipus had no way of knowing that the man on the crossroads was Laius and that the woman he would eventually marry would be his mother. After realizing his flaw, Oedipus gouges his eyes out to represent how we was blind of his past which brought him to his doom.

     Oedipus does the opposite of accepting defeat and showing a noble and courageous character. As Oedipus is faced with suffering he greets it with a sense of defeat and acts like it would be better to be dead that still live. After Oedipus gouges his eyes out he loses all the characteristics of a noble and courageous hero. The senator asks why Oedipus had gouged he eyes out and he replied: "What was there left for sight? What, that could give happiness? Lead me to exile straight; Lead me, O my friends, the worst of murderers, of mortals most accurst, Yea and to Gods chief object of their hate." This is the turning point in the play when Oedipus gives up and wishes he was dead. Oedipus does not appreciate the man that found him as a baby and saved his life because he wished he was dead.