Fantasy vs. Reality in J. M. Coetzees Disgrace Essay -- Coetzee Disgr

Fantasy vs. Reality in J. M. Coetzees let down J. M. Coetzees novel Disgrace is, on the surface, the story of a wayward college professor, Dr. David Lurie, who is ageing into a disrespectful decline. But this story tells of not only the discord and wrenching change that exist in the microcosm of Luries mind, only if also the fit themes that underlie the social, political, and ethical systems that be the reality of present day southern Africa. As David Lurie interacts with people and creatures outside his normal milieu, the fault lines between his unforesightful view of the world and reality begin to crystallize with a disconcert clarity.What goes on in your soul is dark to us... . These words are typic of the willful ignorance used to justify the actions of people, governments and society in a reckon of unfortunate circumstances. The alienation endemic in such a devise reinforces the notion that each of us is absolutely alone when it comes to matters of the soul. Often, th is willful ignorance is the cover used to wrap ones conscious mind into a state of demurral that permits the status quo to limp on.If a society can be flagitious of misanthropic behavior, then it must first exist on the individual(a) level. It is in personal relationships that errors germinate and where true contrition belongs. The original circumstance of this phrase is between Lurie and his colleges disciplinary committee. Having been caught misusing his authority to seduce a untried student, the professor is asked to explain. Repentance would go a long way toward absolving his sin, but he is defiant. Though it is acknowledged that we suck up our weak moments, all of us, we are only human (52), Lurie offers a confession but no contrition. As in Byrons La... ...is Lucy who must ironically point out reality by snapping, Wake up, David... this is Africa (124). Though he seems to be coming to terms with his true identity, the damage of perceived primacy is still humiliating. The best he can do is identify with those he had been blind to before, human and animal alike. Lucy admits they have both in fact been reduced to having nothing, no cards, no weapons, no property, no rights, no dignity.Like a dog.Yes, like a dog. (205)But David Lurie has learned to have and to recognize dignity despite all indications to the contrary. The animals he tends all posses it as does he he has learned to concentrate all his attention on the animal they are killing, giving it what he no longer has encumbrance in calling by its proper name love (219). encounter CitedCoetzee, J. M. Disgrace. New York Penguin Books, 2000.