I have to write an essay for Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. The question says in some works of literature a character who appears brifely or doesn't appear at all is a significant presence. Show how such a character functions in the work. You may wish to diiscuss how the character affects action, theme or the development of other characters. Advoid plot summary.

Question

I have to write an essay for Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. The question says in some works of literature a character who appears brifely or doesn't appear at all is a significant presence. Show how such a character functions in the work. You may wish to diiscuss how the character affects action, theme or the development of other characters. Advoid plot summary.

I choose to write about the doctor. He indicates that people will change internally once they go the Africa or any uncivilized country where there are no constraints of society, which is the theme. Why would Conrad include the doctor? Is there anything else I could add?

The doctor would be considered a dynamic character because he is a character that changes in the story.

what is a plot summary?

Answer 1

A plot summary is a brief explanation of the main events that occur in a story, novel, or play. It typically includes a description of the storyline, major conflicts, and the resolution of the plot. In the context of an essay, it is important to avoid providing a plot summary, as the focus should be on analyzing the significance of specific elements, characters, themes, or literary devices within the work. Instead, the essay should delve into deeper analysis and interpretation of the text.

Answer 2

A plot summary is a retelling or summary of all the main events or plot points in a story or literary work. It typically outlines the sequence of events and reveals the major developments in the plot. However, your essay prompt specifically asks you to avoid including a plot summary. Instead, you need to analyze and discuss the significance of a particular character, in this case, the doctor, and how they function in the work, specifically focusing on their impact on action, themes, or the development of other characters.