Conformity is Apparent Intro

Conformity is apparent in any situation in which an over-ruling body sets laws in which a group or society must follow. This use of law-setting is visible in any system of ruling whether it be in schools, work environments, or basic state governments. The feeling of conformity is most apparent in everyday school systems even at a young age and how both parents and teachers influence their young students and children  on how to conform to societal standards at a young age. Some argue that children in elementary schools have the opportunity for social freedom and the freedom to explore their surroundings without being tied down by conformity. However, it is the total opposite in which schools have all the influence and that schools basically try to conform their students in the way that they want to. In two works; "Metamorphosis" by Kafka and "Power in the Classroom," they discuss the issue of conformity and how students automatically conform to the classroom's conformist mentality as well as conform by obeying the rules/principles of the school.

2 Kafka Questions #1 and #4

#1 pg. 1014) I believe that these illustrations are extremely frightening but also exaggerated at the same time because I feel that in every single photo or expression on any person's face in these illustrations, there is some type of worried or frustrated facial expression. The depictions of the family members and the director in these illustrations almost show an extremely exaggerated but frightened emotion in their faces almost as if it were the end of the world. The illustrations depict so much confusion and scared attitudes that they seem like they are living through an end-of-the-world scenario. However, it is not an end of the world scenario but its just a guy who turned into a bug.

#4 pg.1018) I think Kafka is more sympathetic toward Gregor because I feel that the other author's illustrations that show Gregor's confusion and frustration provide a much worse scenario for Gregor than does Kafka's writing. Kafka uses slight words with out much exaggeration and it acts more sympathetic to Gregor's incident. Gregor doesn't want to be depicted as this confused, scary insect like all of the illustrations of Mairowitz, Crumb, and Kuper depict him as. Kafka is the only one who describes Gregor in a description in writing that doesn't give too much detail on how much he is scaring his family and the people around him.

Leaderless discussion

I believe that the leaderless discussion that we had in class on monday was very productive because I believe that the group dynamics of each group were very unique and were able to function well. I think that each student's ability to add their comment when necessary will help the leaderless discussion and will make it necessary to have a leader.

Intro paragraph for essay

In "A Psychoanalytic Critic at Work," Frederick R. Karl analyzes the ambiguity as well as the intensive detail of Conrad's Heart of Darkness which clearly discusses Marlow's nightmares that reveal his inner darkness throughout his journey. Karl discusses Marlow's nightmare that changes Marlow into a different man; "Marlow, in his trip up the Congo, has suffered throuh a nightmare, an experience that sends him back a different man, now aware of depths in himself that he cannot hide." Karl exemplifies Conrad's descriptions of Marlow discovering his inner darkness through Marlow's nightmares as he progresses through his journey and how his ego tries to stay balanced through out his expedition. However, Karl also discusses how Marlow's nightmares do not destroy his ego and allow him to become an id, which Kurtz has slowly become over time in the jungle. Karl's psychoanalytic criticism of Conrad's Heart of Darkness discusses Karl's attempt to unravel Marlow's inner darkness and predicts his slow revelation of an inner darkness that overcomes him.

Blog on Items on Worksheet

On the Worksheet, I chose the first question which discusses symbols at first on the surface, and then the symbol with a deeper, secondary meaning: The Jungle in Marlow's description at first is symbolized just as a jungle in Africa that contains all of the basic items one would find in a jungle with animals and natural environments. However, the symbol of the Jungle I believe has a deeper, secondary meaning especially to Marlow because I believe the jungle is an escape from civilization for Marlow and a sense of voyage and discovery for Marlow. But, I also think that the jungle is an entrance or pathway to Marlow's heart of darkness that has not been expressed but is slowly expressed as the story progresses. Marlow's heart of darkness is a huge theme in the novel because Conrad believes it is necessary for this part of Marlow to be slowly expressed.

Essay Ideas

As of now I am slowly thinking of essay discussions or topics that I could write about in my essay. I think I am figuring out how I could use the idea of Marlow's inner darkness creeping out of his body and being revealed as he makes his way into the "heart of darkness" through his intense journey. I think this slow journey will truly change his mental stableness and will change his mentality for ever. 

Psychological Significance

The psychological significance of this journey is more effective on both Marlow and the crew members than is the actual physical journey that they have to endure. The physicality of the journey that they are taking part in is expected because on every expedition into foreign territory there is always physical endurance that they must be able to withstand both on the ship to the new territory and once they reach the new territory. But the psychological significance is the most important part of the journey because the psychological aspect is hard on both the individual and on the group. The mentality of thinking that one is journeying to a territory that is almost unknown and one is not sure whether they will meet friendly natives or dangerous ones. The psychological aspect could be the most detrimental part of an individual's mindset and could affect them in every possible way.