In this WebQuest you will be working together with a group of students in class. Each group will answer the Task or Quest(ion). As a member of the group you will explore Webpages from people all over the world who care about CORRUPTION IN LITERATURE. Because these are real Webpages we're tapping into, not things made just for schools, the reading level might challenge you. Feel free to use the online Webster dictionary or one in your classroom.

You'll begin with everyone in your group getting some background before dividing into roles where people on your team become experts on one part of the topic.

Phase 1 - Background Information
Use the Internet information linked below to answer the basic questions of who? what? where? when? why? and how? Be creative in exploring the information so that you answer these questions as fully and insightfully as you can.

1. The first requirement is to read HEART OF DARKNESS in its entirety. This will introduce you to the lucrative ivory trade and how it corrupted one of its characters.

2. Next, you must establish a definition of evil so as to recognize its appearance and reality.

3. An Etext is provided so that you can read the novella. You will be evaluated from time to time on your understanding of the concepts necessary to ensure that you fully understand Conrad's intentions. These validations will come in the form of essays, quizes, and tests.

• HEART OF DARKNESS Etext
• A workable definition of evil.

Phase 2 - Roles
INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Individuals or pairs from your larger WebQuest team will explore one of the roles below.

2. Read through the files linked to your group. If you print out the files, underline the passages that you feel are the most important. If you look at the files on the computer, copy sections you feel are important by dragging the mouse across the passage and copying / pasting it into a word processor or other writing software.

3. Note: Remember to write down or copy/paste the URL of the file you take the passage from so you can quickly go back to it if you need to to prove your point.

4. Be prepared to focus what you've learned into one main opinion that answers the Big Quest(ion) or Task based on what you have learned from the links for your role.

Ivory Corruption:

• Elephant ivory trade
• Ivory industry

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to Ivory Corruption:

1.Trace the problem that exists with ivory trade and elephants and how it lead to categorizing the elephant as an endangered species.

2. What effect has CITES had for the preservation of the elephant?

3. Describe the process of procuring ivory.

4. What are the cultural interests for acquiring ivory and how does this effect the elephant's preservation?

Light and Dark Images in HEART OF DARKNESS:

• The contrast between light and dark.
• Notes to help understand the novella.

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to Light and Dark Images in HEART OF DARKNESS:

1. In the novella, what does Conrad use as the usual connotations of light and dark images?

2. Choose two items and two objects to help foreshadow the tragedy that is to come for Marlow.

3. How is the ending of the novella a contrast between light and dark?

4. How is Kurtz' death an image of light and dark?

5. How are light and dark images used to show the civilized and uncivilized cultures?

6. What does it mean to have a choice of nightmares?

7. What is 'the horror'?

8. If you were like Francis Ford Coppola, who shifted the setting to the late 1960's Viet Nam in his 1979 film APOCALYPSE NOW to retell HEART OF DARKNESS in another setting, where and when would you set it?

HEART OF DARKNESS and APOCALYPSE NOW Parallels:

• Man's journey in the HEART OF DARKNESS and APOCALYPSE NOW
• APOCALYPSE NOW tribute page

Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to HEART OF DARKNESS and APOCALYPSE NOW Parallels:

1. First you must view APOCALYPSE NOW. This is a movie that is rated R because of its violent images. You must secure a waiver gaining permission from a parent or guardian before you view this Academy Award winning movie by Francis Ford Coppola.

2. Which episode(s) in HEART OF DARKNESS inspired Willard's lunch with the General and Colonel? Be very specific, comparing the statements made by the characters in APOCALYPSE NOW to those in HEART OF DARKNESS.

3. In HEART OF DARKNESS, Marlow says that in the Congo he hears the natives called various things: 'Rebels! What would be the next definition I was to hear. There had been enemies, criminals, workers, rebels.' How does this statement get translated in APOCALYPSE NOW? Be very specific using specific episodes, characters, and what they say.

4. Using very specific scenes, images, and episodes, discuss how Coppola uses Viet Nam in the same way Conrad uses the Congo. What do the areas and situations have in common?

5. APOCALYPSE NOW opens with a song from the Doors. How do the words from that song become a controlling metaphor for the action of the film, and how is its choice inspired by HEART OF DARKNESS?

6. How does Kurtz of HEART OF DARKNESS compare to the Kurtz of APOCALYPSE NOW, from the first time Willard hears of him until the end of the film?

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Phase 3 - Reaching Consensus
You have all learned about a different part of CORRUPTION IN LITERATURE. Now group members come back to the larger WebQuest team with expertise gained by searching from one perspective. You must all now answer the Task / Quest(ion) as a group. Each of you will bring a certain viewpoint to the answer: some of you will agree and others disagree. Use information, pictures, movies, facts, opinions, etc. from the Webpages you explored to convince your teammates that your viewpoint is important and should be part of your team's answer to the Task / Quest(ion). Your WebQuest team should write out an answer that everyone on the team can live with.

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Conclusion

Habitat loss and habitat fragmentation (the breaking up of habitat into small, unconnected pieces) are two of the most significant causes of species extinctions throughout the world today. As local populations within a species decline in number and become separated from one another, species becomes more vulnerable to extinction, and recovery becomes increasingly difficult and costly. Another important cause of extinction, particularly on islands, is the introduction of exotic species, which often prey on or out-compete native species. By examining the HEART OF DARKNESS, you've been enlighted to the corruption that evolves from greed. You've also been exposed to the plight of the sea turtle in South Florida and participated by offering suggestions to a city commissioner. Now, what can you do for your region? An awareness has been created, and now you must assume the duty and responsibility for protecting what you deem precious in your area.

Prevention is the best strategy for endangered species management. Early detection of species at risk provides managers with more options and greater flexibility in designing and conducting successful recovery programs. Quick action and flexibility also reduce the need for costly crisis management and its potential for adversely affecting human activities and disrupting local or regional economies. Talk about a duty and a responsibilty! You can make the difference.

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Content by Ralph A. Bucci, rbucci@browardschools.com http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/webcorruptira.html Last revised Wed Feb 6 8:47:44 US/Pacific 2008