Do a quick Google search for “The Congo Current Events.”

As of February 2018, the following headlines were on the Aljazeera Congo Page: “Thousands Flee in Horrific Violence,” “DRC Violence “Risks” Spreading as 22,000 Flee in a Week,” “DRC Minister: Police Didn’t Kill Any Protester.”

Even if the events in the Congo become calmer in subsequent versions of this course, it is still important to remember that the area still has problems that in the 21 century. Because of the instability and conflict in the region, it forms a natural backdrop for dramatic literature. The next three novels all take place in the Congo and some background knowledge of the area will help to orientate your reading.

A Brief History

In this video presentation, we will learn about this region of the world in preparation to read our novels. Make sure that your volume is turned up.

Let's Review

Final Thoughts

The history of the region is substantial because it reminds us that the area has been under the control of European powers and has had little autonomy in the last 120 years. Second, it is against this background of unrest that the characters in the following three novels will live out their lives. Marlow in The Heart of Darkness will provide an ironic critique of the European practices region and Leah and Adah in The Poisonwood Bible will provide a Western, yet feminine understanding of the region.

IMAGES & PRESENTATIONS CREATED BY GAVS