J. M. Coetzee has certainly woven an intriguing and perplexing tale of moral catastrophes. His protagonist, David Lurie, is indeed awfully hard to sympathize with. He is impractical, self-absorbed and jaded to the point of complete exasperation. I often wondered just what it was I was meant to be discovering while reading the book 'Disgrace'. It is hard to identify with the entire novel because David Lurie's character and actions make no sense. He jeopardizes his entire career and future over a futile fling with a student, then moves to his daughter Lucy's while showing no real interest in her or her own life.
When the attack happens, Lurie helplessly throws himself into Lucy's life. He manages to do nothing useful except flounder about in it. He even sees to fit to engage Bev Shaw, the innocent animal-welfare lady married to the over-helpful Bill Shaw, in adultery. He returns to the Isaacs family in George and feels nothing but desire for Melanie's younger sister. We have cause to wonder, does this man EVER learn his lesson? Even when his daughter Lucy refuses to consider the options he offers her, he gives up and begins focusing on Byron. The turn of events makes very little sense.
Lucy Lurie comes across as a dignified yet unfathomable character. She definitely has more credibility than her father, choosing to continue her lifestyle in a dignified manner even after the attack. Yet what remains incomprehensible is her unwillingness to go to the police. Why does she accept her fate with such numb calm? Another question is, what really lies at the core of her belief in what she does? Is rejecting all forms of materialism and epicurean/intellectual pursuit a means of rebellion against her self-seeking, wasteful father? Does she have any regrets? A deep author's analysis of Lucy Lurie would have proved more helpful in reading the book.
All in all, DISGRACE is an unpleasant but morally incisive story.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
ALhtough I may disagree with you on some points, I must say that I was impressed by the way you presented your opinion and suported it with evidence from the novel. Your interpretation of certain events, although contrasting with mine, wasquite insightful.
Personally, I agree with the fact that it was rather challenging to understand David Lurie's actions, alhtough I would not conclude that the events made litle sense. I benlieve that after analyzing the novel to a certain extent, I was able to interpret the novel differently. Hindsight provided a large degree of insight for me, I was able to understand the author's choice to emphasize David's life as opposed to Lucy's. Everything made much more sense and I think I was able to understand the author's intended message.
In addition, I think your use of questions to formualte and focus your opinion was profound. Although I may not agree with your opinion, I truly value it.
I wouldnt be so quick to point fingers at David Lurie. The book isn't long and the author leaves a lot for us to decide. However I find that you have supported your opinion well enough and I love your style of writting. I wouldnt want to cross you Christy!
Post a Comment