Disgrace by J.M Coetzee is an allegory for post-apartheid South Africa that paints a harsh portrait of the conditions of humanity at the end of the 20th century. It describes the life of David Lurie who engages in an inappropriate relationship with his student and rapes her. He then moves to live on his daughter’s farm where she gets pregnant after being raped. Lurie feels remorse. Man’s treatment of animals and the power relationship between them is representative of the distinct racial hierarchy present in South Africa.
The structure of the novel closely approximates the canonical tragedy set against a contemporary backdrop. For example, Lurie exhibits major characteristics of a dynamic, tragic hero whose hubris is his insatiable sexual appetite. Throughout the novel, he undergoes significant social change. The end result is a cathartic moment of empathy symbolized by his revelations of animals. This mimics the structure of other postcolonial novels such as Chinua Achebe’s “things fall apart.”
The racial politics in South Africa saw the subordination of Africans and their dehumanized treatment in society. Dogs are motifs through the novel that develop the character of Petrus. He is first introduced as ‘dog-man’ which is critical as he is black. After the murder of the dogs, he claims that he is ‘no longer dog-man.’ He is also progressively acquiring lots of Lucy’s land. This symbolizes the ascension of the African social class after apartheid.
Further, Lucy’s acceptance of her rape symbolizes the process of reconciliation of the crimes of the race conducted during apartheid. This image of forgiveness despite ravaging violence is enhanced by the marriage of Petrus and Lucy which displays the unity forced onto South Africa through Independence. Whilst Lurie is stuck in the power dynamics of the past, Lucy has adapted to the new power order.
Conclusively, man’s relationship with animals parallels the racial dynamics at play in South Africa and in the novel as a microcosmic critique of the South African post-colonial socio-political climate.