Achebe's+Reaction+to+Conrad

Throughout this year, we have written a number of reaction papers based on books, essays, and history. In entering into our African unit, it is critically important that you understand the controversial history and key voices that have played a role in the argument over Africa's image.

In Achebe's famous essay "An Image of Africa" he 'reacts' to the famous novel //Heart of Darkness// written by Joseph Conrad. At times recognizing Conrad's reputation as a well respected author of the 19th century, Achebe ultimately blames Conrad for being an irresponsible author whose 'art' further supported the negative image of the African people. Now, certainly, given that Achebe was born and raised in Nigeria, he is very critical of the fact that fifty years after publication, nobody has questioned the legitimacy of Conrad's 'best seller'.

One Original Post: Identify something interesting you saw in the essay with respects to what he said or how he said it. What part of the essay impressed you as a developing writer (and listen, this is not an assignment where I want you to try to 'cut up' and critique an internationally respected Nobel Prize winner...when you win YOUR Nobel Prize, then you can tell me that he is a weak writer).
 * Tonight's Wikipost**

One Reply: What do YOU think about what this person posted? Did you see this point? Did you see it differently? Do you think he/she could do something more with this idea and possibly use this in their paper?


 * Mrs. Overly's Plans for Tomorrow...**

1. We are going to work in groups and talk about some of the best topics we saw on wikiposts.

2. Then, we will discuss HOW he shapes his argument and what techniques he uses to deliver his points. My hopes are that you will have an opportunity to write down a number of different ideas for this paper we're going to write.

3. Then, we will practice writing outlines and 'predicting' whether this idea will work or not.

1. There IS an art to effective writing and your reaction paper will point out one specific techniqe that Achebe uses that you believe makes his argument so effective. 2. Take a look at the piece as a whole and consider that it was written in 1975. That means it was written 35 years ago. What does that mean to you? Are his points still relevant? More relevant?
 * Ultimately, There Are Two Different Directions for your reaction paper:**

Split up paper in parts and focus on one. Identify his three strongest points. What is the most important message Achebe wants to get across in this essay? Look for powerful collections of words in this essay and consider why these words were chosen.
 * Consider:**


 * There's nothing wrong with searching what other critics have said about either essay. This could serve as a really helpful head start to an original idea.

Read "An Image of Africa