Final answer:
The subject of the question is English literature (option A) , focusing on the settings used by Joseph Conrad in his works like 'Heart of Darkness'. The question is reflective of High School English curriculum, where thematic analysis of literature is emphasized, including discussions of civilization and natural environments in Conrad's narratives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of the question relates to the settings that the author Joseph Conrad used in his novels and short stories, which is strongly connected to the subject of English literature. Joseph Conrad is known for his works that often explore themes of civilization versus the wilderness and the human condition in isolation. Heart of Darkness, one of his most famous works, for example, deals with the imperial conquest and exploration in Africa, contrasting the so-called 'civilized' world with the 'uncivilized' African continent. This setting outside of Western civilization is crucial in understanding the characters' experiences and the narrative's thematic complexities, which makes the subject matter an essential part of English literary studies.
Such literary topics are typically covered in High School English classes, where students learn to analyze and interpret thematic elements of texts, the author's purpose, and the use of setting to convey meaning in literature. Conrad's works, along with critiques by other authors such as Chinua Achebe, who examined the portrayal of Africa and Africans in Heart of Darkness, are often discussed to highlight issues of racism, dehumanization, and the consequences of imperialism.