A in depth, complete summary on the theme of feminism in the novel Disgrace by J.M Coetzee. This is a well written document that is very easy to understand. These notes helped me obtain 90% average for a test on the novel Disgrace.
1. What is Feminism
2. Lack of Feminism in Disgrace
3. Themes
4. How Disgrace Relates to Feminism in SA
, 1.What is Feminism
Definition: Feminism is a range of socio-political movements and ideologies that aim
to define and establish the political, economic, persoanal and social equality of the
sexes. Feminism incorporates the position that society prioritizes the male point of
view and that woman are treated unjustly in these societies.
2.Lack of Feminism in Disgrace
Situations/examples of anti-feminism in the book:
Rape of Melanie
● Lurie abuses his power as a professor to take advantage of Melanie.
Eg:
● Inviting Melanie to his home (she feels obligated as his student)
● He invades her privacy (Finding out where she lives)
● Lurie sleeps with her when he sees that she is emotionally vulnerable without
enthusiastic consent.
View of Women spec
● Quote:‘A woman's beauty does not belong to her alone, it's part of the bounty
she brings into the world. She has a duty to share it.’ -David Lurie
● He comments on his daughter looks in a prevertual way
● Lusts after Desray, a minor
● Looks at older women as old and rundown with no hope left but looks at
younger women like they are a shiny new toy.
Rape of Lucy
● Lucy was violated in the space of her own home by three men and a young boy.
● Not only did they rob her house they raped Lucy multiple times.
● She was left traumatised but refused not to act on it.
Bev Shaw
● Quote:“He has not taken to Bev Shaw, a dumpy, bustling little woman with
black freckles, close-cropped wiry hair, and no neck. He does not like women
who make no effort to be attractive”
● His initial view of Bev Shaw implies that he is too good for her.
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