1.) “… The snake had charmed me…” (Conrad 11)
In many countries and cultures people take part in what is called ‘snake charming’, snake charming is when a person lulls the snake into a hypnotic state which means the actions of the snake are completely in the charmers hands. However this seems to have flipped the charmer and the charmed. At this point Marlow is telling his story and realizes that he wishes to travel and explore the Thames knowing that there is a good chance for danger. Conrad is saying that although he is well aware of the possible consequences he is ‘charmed’ by the utter curiosity, meaning that in this particular instance, the snake has charmed the charmer.
In many countries and cultures people take part in what is called ‘snake charming’, snake charming is when a person lulls the snake into a hypnotic state which means the actions of the snake are completely in the charmers hands. However this seems to have flipped the charmer and the charmed. At this point Marlow is telling his story and realizes that he wishes to travel and explore the Thames knowing that there is a good chance for danger. Conrad is saying that although he is well aware of the possible consequences he is ‘charmed’ by the utter curiosity, meaning that in this particular instance, the snake has charmed the charmer.
nice -- double check -- it is the Thames or the Congo to which he is referring here -- I don't have my book right in front of me
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