Write on one (1) of the following topics:
Topic 1:
The Heart of Darkness is one of the great literary criticisms of Imperialism in Africa. Marlow, the main character, is originally fascinated by the possibilities that exploring Africa has to offer a young man seeking his fortune and a name for himself, but he later becomes disillusioned with the process. Discuss why Marlow originally had faith in Imperialism, but then came to regret his participation in it.
Topic 2:
The painting by Manet titled “Olympia” in The Making of the West was intended to shock the smug, self-assured sensibilities of the bourgeoisie in Paris at the time. But paintings of nude women are a common subject throughout the history of art. Why is this painting different? To support your response, you might also google Manet’s painting “The Luncheon on the Grass,” another image that shocked the casual viewer in nineteenth century France.