POWER DYNAMICS AND ETHICAL QUANDARIES: SOCIO-POLITICAL ISSUES IN J.M. COETZEE'S FICTION

Abstract

This paper examines the intricate power dynamics and ethical quandaries embedded within J.M. Coetzee's fiction, exploring how these elements reflect broader socio-political issues. Coetzee's works, renowned for their moral complexity and profound social commentary, often delve into the struggles for power and the ethical implications of such conflicts. This study analyzes key texts including "Disgrace," "Waiting for the Barbarians," and "Life & Times of Michael K," highlighting how Coetzee portrays characters caught in the crossfire of oppressive regimes, societal norms, and personal morality.

            Through a critical lens, this paper investigates the interplay between authority and resistance, examining how Coetzee's characters navigate oppressive structures and moral ambiguity. It also explores the ways in which Coetzee critiques colonial and post-colonial power relations, revealing the often fraught and problematic intersections of power, race, and ethics. By scrutinizing Coetzee's narrative techniques and thematic concerns, this paper aims to shed light on the ways his fiction interrogates the complexities of socio-political landscapes. Ultimately, the study seeks to demonstrate how Coetzee's literary exploration of power and ethics offers a profound commentary on the human condition and the societal constructs that shape it.