Cross-cultural Negotiations in J. M. Coetzee’s Novel Disgrace

Abstract

The literature produced in South Africa has highlighted socio-economic, political, cultural, intellectual and philosophical concerns since its inception. The literature has also been involved with the issues of racial segregation and discrimination based on race. Set against the backdrop of Post-Apartheid South Africa, J. M. Coetzee’s Disgrace would be the subject of discussion. The present study, thus, would delve into the critical analysis of Disgrace. The research paper would highlight the hierarchical changes taking place between the two races within the context of power inversion. The paper would perceive the psychological impact of colonization as understood by Frantz Fanon coupled with the understanding and implementation of Michel Foucault’s concepts of power and discourse. The paper would investigate the cross-cultural fertilization of the European culture with that of African tradition, thus, establishing the themes of power shift and racial complexity.