How do the white men keep control over such large populations of Africans specifically in this chapter and could there have been a different, more effective way?
Was this a turning point for Leopold in your mind? Why/Why not?
Why do you think so many young men longed for the battle field in Congo as opposed to other countries?
Monday, September 20, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
King Leopolds Ghosts discussion questions, Sept 9th
Was it a good decision for Stanley to explore with men who had no experience as travelers? Why or why not?
It was a bad decision to travel with men who had no experience. I understand the need to be the most experienced person on an expedition but to have completely inexperienced people as your equals is irresponsible and dangerous. The logic behind this decision was not sound nor would it be accepted in many societies. He also wanted to be the person to name all of the land marks that the expedition happened upon. Being the head of expedition and the most experienced traveler he could have this power. Also being in this position of power he would acquire the most wealth from the expedition, if he made it.
It was a bad decision to travel with men who had no experience. I understand the need to be the most experienced person on an expedition but to have completely inexperienced people as your equals is irresponsible and dangerous. The logic behind this decision was not sound nor would it be accepted in many societies. He also wanted to be the person to name all of the land marks that the expedition happened upon. Being the head of expedition and the most experienced traveler he could have this power. Also being in this position of power he would acquire the most wealth from the expedition, if he made it.
33-60
""Leopold is subtle and sly," he told one of his ministers. "He never takes a chance. The other day...i watched a fox which wanmted to cross a stream unobserved: first of all he dipped a paw carefully to see how deep it was, and then, with a thousand precautions, very slowly made his way across . That is Leopolds way!" Leopold would not always be cautious; at times he would overreach himself or reveal too much about what prey he was after" (34)
"Stanley would not allow porters ill with smallpox to stay behind and convalence, or even walk off into the forest and die; he made them carry their loads until they dropped." (56)
"Modren psychiatry would doubtless have a more precise diagnosis but the language of her day seems more appropirate: Carlota went mad." (41)
Was King Leopold destined to become who he was because of his childhood?
Did Stanly's character traits, such the need for fame, exaggeration, and violent tendencies, play a role in Leopold's success?
"Stanley would not allow porters ill with smallpox to stay behind and convalence, or even walk off into the forest and die; he made them carry their loads until they dropped." (56)
"Modren psychiatry would doubtless have a more precise diagnosis but the language of her day seems more appropirate: Carlota went mad." (41)
Was King Leopold destined to become who he was because of his childhood?
Did Stanly's character traits, such the need for fame, exaggeration, and violent tendencies, play a role in Leopold's success?
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
KLG 1-32
I found the intro and very interesting. Seeing the imperilasim begin in Africxa madce it much more real to me than before. Before it was a distant history that never quite made sense. Now I see the allure of Africa.
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