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

Fantasy vs. Reality in J. M. Coetzees Disgrace J. M. Coetzees novel Disgrace is, on the surface, the story of a reprobate college professor, Dr. David Lurie, who is aging into a disrespectful decline. But this story tells of not lonesome(prenominal) the strife and wrenching change that exist in the microcosm of Luries mind, but besides the par eachel themes that underlie the social, political, and ethical systems that are the realism of present twenty-four hour period South Africa. As David Lurie interacts with people and creatures outside his normal milieu, the fault lines in the midst of his myopic view of the world and reality begin to cryst all in allize with a disconcerting clarity.What goes on in your soul is dark to us... . These words are emblematic of the willful ignorance used to justify the actions of people, governments and society in a number of unfortunate circumstances. The alienation endemic in such a phrase reinforces the notion that each of us is absolutely alone when it comes to matters of the soul. Often, this willful ignorance is the blindfold used to wrap ones conscious mind into a plead of denial that permits the status quo to limp on.If a society can be guilty of misanthropic behavior, then it must first exist on the individual level. It is in personal relationships that errors germinate and where truthful contrition belongs. The reliable context of this phrase is between Lurie and his colleges disciplinary committee. Having been caught misusing his authority to seduce a young student, the professor is asked to explain. Repentance would go a long elan toward absolving his sin, but he is defiant. Though it is acknowledged that we have 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 loss of pe rceived 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(prenominal) 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 lettered 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 assist on the animal they are killing, giving it what he no chronic has difficulty in calling by its proper name dear (219).Work CitedCoetzee, J. M. Disgrace. New York Penguin Books, 2000.