An Analysis of J.M. Coetzees Disgrace

An Analysis of J.M. Coetzees Disgrace The novel Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee has attracted wide readership and analysis since its first publication. Set in the post-apartheid South Africa, the plot revolves around the main character David Lurie, a divorced 52-year-old professor who earns a living by teaching communication courses at the Cape Technical University. The resounding conflict in the novel is introduced right from the first paragraph where readers learn of Luries insatiable sexual appetite. He had affairs with the wives of colleagues; he picked up tourists in bars on the waterfront or at the Club Italia; he slept with whores (7). Luries relationships thus surround women, many who end up in engaging in sexual activities with him. In this paper, the themes of arrogance, disgrace, and reconciliation are explored by reviewing Luries interactions with the women in the novel. Despite the portrayal of the female gender as objects of sexual gratification, the characters Soraya, Desiree Isaacs, and Rosalind signify, to a re asonable extent, the rejection of male hegemony on sexual matters. A critical analysis into the life of David Lurie reveals a character whose greatest flaw rests in the inability to control sexual drive. Readers get an idea of the flaw in the first paragraph when Lurie is introduced as a divorced, 52-year-old man who, to his mind has solved the problem of sex rather well (1). We also learn that the problem that Lurie alludes to above has been solved through his sexual relationship with Soraya, an exotic Muslim prostitute working for Discreet Escorts. Whereas the two are committed to a ninety-minute sexual session every Thursday Afternoon, their engagement is clearly devoid of love and enjoyment, especially from the side of Soraya. Elizabeth Lowry, an editor at London Review of Books, finds the relationship of Lurie and women as exploitative. She submits that, both the prostitute Soraya and Melanie-Melà ¡ni are used women and, significantly, they are both dark (Lowry 15). Money is what drives Soraya to honor this appointment. In fact, the objectific ation and commoditization of Soraya body is revealed from the knowledge that a single sexual session takes a duration of ninety minutes and costs a total of R400 (Coetzee 2). The relationship between Lurie and Soraya however ends in a state of disgrace for both characters. Disgrace being a theme which underpins much of the story, Lurie first instance of disgrace happens when he catches the sight of Soraya walking with her two sons along a street that he frequently walks. The glance of Soraya and her two sons live a lasting impression in Luries mind that, in as much as he would like to forget, the two little boys become presences between them (6). Evidently, the reality of Soraya double life leaves Lurie at a state of shame when he tries to imagine what the two sons and their father would do if they discover what he does with Soraya. The feeling is even made worse by the fact that he himself has no son and is divorced. Shame, regret, and dishonor cloud the minds of both these characters. Lurie speaks of she [Soraya] transforms herself into just another woman and him into just another client (Coetzee 7). It is also in this reality that Lurie comes to terms that he might just be a subject in the prostitutes gossip. McDonald (2007) puts this new reality into perspective by submitting that the illusion shattered [that is when Soraya eyes met that of Lurie] is not of her objectivity, but of his own subjectivity, as he becomes aware of how she sees him (McDonald 20). For the first time, he appears embarrassed of his age body as prostitute tend to shudder over older clients (Coetzee 8). Another theme that Coetzee reveals through the relationship of Lurie and women is that of arrogance. Arrogance entails an overbearing attitude directed to people who are perceived as inferior. This arrogance brings to light the hegemonic gender relations between men and women. For instance, after Soraya rejected Luries tendency to regain dominance over her, Lurie re-asserts his dominance when he asks rhetorical questions: what should a predator expect when he intrudes into the vixens nest, into the home of her cubs? (Coetzee 10). McDonald (2009) suggests that objectifying Soraya through the use of animal metaphors was a strategy used by Lurie to reclaim dominance and authority (21). Even though the details surrounding their Luries marriage to Rosalind are scarce, we can gain a wind of Luries arrogance in the marriage set-up through the thoughts that run through his mind. For instance, in an attempt to justify his sexual escapades with Soraya, he appears to suggest that; who needs a w ife, home or marriage when ninety minutes a week with a womans company are enough to make him happy? This is arrogance of the highest order especially to women who, in marriage setup, tend to be very loyal and submissive. Arrogance is further revealed through Luries encounter with Desiree Isaacs. Despite the fact that he has visited their home to make apology for sleeping with Melanie (a student from his class), one cannot help but wonder how again Lurie still views Desiree through lustful lenses. He for instance describes her as the beauty and the desired one. He even imagines the two of them [Melanie and Desiree] in the same bed: an experience fit for a King (164). However, still through Luries relationship to Soraya, Desiree Isaacs, and Rosalind, the theme of reconciliation is explored as even male hegemony in gender relations is rejected. For instance, Luries makes an attempt to reconcile with Soraya by tracking her to her home. Soraya rejects this and in turn demands [commands] Lurie to never phone her home again. Desiree on the other hand finds it very hard to reconcile with an old man who had messed up with her sister. In as much as the family had discussed about Lurie and his planned visit, Desiree still thinks that he is unwanted visitor. She simply cannot come into terms with the reality that her sister, Melanie, had slept with this old man. The process of reconciliation between Isaacs, particularly women, is complicated by the gender sexuality that comes into play. We for instance read of Luries apology when he, with careful ceremony he gets to his knees and touches his forehead to the floor (Coetzee 173). This gesture however leaves t he mother and Desiree unmoved. It can be argued that the rejection of the apology has more to do with the elements of insincerity. According to J.M. Austerities (2016), it is argued that the gesture neither transcends not negates the predicament of gendered sexuality because, a few lines later, we see Lurie experiencing again the current leaps, the current of desire as he looks into the eyes of mother and daughter (J.M. Austerities 160). Nonetheless, Rosalind depicts a woman who has gained control over her life and is willing to reconcile with her husband but not necessarily emotionally. She openly expresses distaste for Luries sexual escapades with Melanie. She says, The whole thing is disgraceful from beginning to end. Disgraceful and vulgar too. And Im not sorry for saying so. (45) Through Rosalind, we see a woman who is not afraid to stand up against a man who had divorced her. However, we can also sense an aspect of Rosalind that is determined to reconcile their differences and be on civil terms. For example, she expresses concern over an article in the Argus news article discussing Lurie. By telephoning and urging Lurie to steel himself, there isa sense of a woman who is on a reconciliation mission. In conclusion, the themes of arrogance, disgrace, and reconciliation are explored in light of gendered-sexual relations between Lurie and characters Soraya, Desiree Isaacs, and Rosalind. Objectification and commoditization of women as sexual tools are the source of Luries arrogance. His character eventually disgraces him when he becomes the objects of self-shame and public ridicule. Because of Luries hegemonic views when he comes to gender relations, the process of reconciliation is complicated to those who cannot explain or accept his behavior. Works Cited Coetzee, J M. Disgrace. Penguin Publishing Group, 2017. Internet resource. J.M. Coetzees Austerities. New York. Routledge, 2016. Print Lowry, Elizabeth. Like a dog. London Review of Books 14 (1999): 12-14. McDonald, William E. Encountering Disgrace: Reading and Teaching Coetzees Novel. Rochester, N.Y: Camden House, 2009. Print.

Family Education Essay

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. It is my pleasure to be here to give you a presentation. First of all, I have several questions for all of you. (PPT) How much do you know about your children? (Is there any teacher would like to share some ideas?) As for students, do you communicate with your parents often? Can you talk like close friends? Well, your answers can be quite different as your parents from distinct backgrounds have their own means of parenting. So today,(PPT) I am going to talk about family education, something important during our early age and may influence us a lot in future’s life. Particularly, I will compare family education between western families and Chinese households to highlight some significant factors. First of all, I found a macroscopical view about the obvious difference between Chinese and western family education on the internet (PPT) that said everything is provided for kids in China and parents advocate free development in western countries. Since it states only part of the picture, now let’s enjoy a small performance carried out by my classmates, which may give you an impressive and clear sight of what the difference actually is. (PPT)This is a situation that shows the reaction of parents from China and a western country respectively when their kids plan to do a wild adventure. (PPT) Well, now I hope you all can have this sort of feeling after you enjoy the show, (PPT)that the purposes of parenting is definitely the same around the world. Whereas, different instructive concepts and approaches create the distinguishing circumstances for children to grow up. (PPT) So, I am going to explain the difference in three main aspects as I suppose: (PPT) the extent that parents respect and value children’s self-will; the protection that parents offer to their kids; and the styles of communication between parents and children in daily life. (PPT) In the first place, western parents are relatively more democratic and care more about the development of children’s personalities and thoughts. However, they may neglect those enticing affairs which might mislead the young kids. In contrary, Chinese parents want their kids to grow up in the way they set for their children. In this case, kids seem to have no opportunities to try  those things they may have more interests and talents in. (PPT) Secondly, many parents in China are against kids doing things with danger, because they are afraid of children getting hurt to affect their physical growth. But in western families, parents are likely to encourage kids to meet challenges and experience adventures, as well as give children enough space to cultivate their independence. (PPT) Thirdly, while western parents usually talk to their children like friends or colleagues, with sharing their opinions to expand kids’ own ideas and teach them how to think, some Chinese parents are confused about the ways communicating with their children. They desire their kids to understand and even support their educating methods without realizing that their children may have already been weary about the parenting. Well, have you gained something new about the difference between family education in China and western nations from above description? (PPT) I want invite you to witness the change of parents’ attitudes from China and that western country toward the situation we mentioned at the beginning of my presentation. Welcome my classmates again. Thanks them very much for enriching my speech.(PPT) Well, I believe that a conclusion may be came out now, that the successful family education can be the result of cultivation of one’s morality and positive attitude toward life. (PPT) What is more, whoever Chinese parents or western parents should both pay more attention on building the equal and closer relationship with their children, as well as treat them as special individuals, then the kids are likely to have a better opportunity to grow up in this kind of atmosphere. (PPT) Overall, I’d like to add that if we are more creative and optimistic, there will be a wonderful future for all of us.

The Definitive Guide to Sample Paper Apa

The Definitive Guide to Sample Paper Apa If you are aware of how to compose an article critique, you will readily finish the assignment not based on its complexity and formatting peculiarities. Fortunately, there aren't many and it's quite simple to deliver an appropriate annotation structure. Being one of the most frequent formats for all sorts of scientific and research papers apa citation format is used mainly within the field of social sciences. Among the biggest reasons to make an APA format bibliography is just to produce the research and writing process simpler. With a few sources, making the appropriate in-text APA citation can be a bit more difficult. Citing sources is essential for a few explanations. In many instances, Zotero will automatically capture citation details. Normally a bibliography just contains references information, but in some instances, you might opt to make an annotated bibliography. Finding the Best Sample Paper Apa You may consider the way the simple APA requirements are satisfied in APA Essay sample. You might be accustomed to writing papers in another format like MLA or Chicago style, so it may take a while to find the hang of writing in APA format. The APA format given by is in template will allow you to design your work in accordance with the APA guidelines. Apa american psychological association style is among the most widespread academic formats when it has to do with writing research papers. Within the text of the paper you acknowledge the usage of another authors material by utilizing parenthetical r eferencesthese references should provide enough info to permit the reader to get the complete citation in the list of references at the close of the paper. The APA citation is achieved by the template despite the period of document. QUOTATIONS When quoting source material directly inside your text, utilize the identical in-text citation formatting we've already described, together with a small additional details. This example indicates an excerpt from the midst of a paragraph. Annotated bibliography template is going to be a vivid example and you're going to be able to produce an outstanding annotation with no mistakes and flaws! What's the apa citation style. A bibliography is comparable in many approaches to a reference section, but there are a few critical differences. Your working bibliography ought to be kept separate from the remainder of your paper. Consult the present APA guide for specifics on each and every reference type depending on the kind of resources you used. The very first line of each reference should have right alignment while the rest of the lines should have center alignment. Normally the format following constitutes a substantial portion of the grade, which is why in order to find high results students have to be aware of the significant style peculiarities and ought to follow them to the dot. Employing an illustration may greatly enable you to create an appropriate structure, use necessary formatting techniques and shape the entire work according to professor's demands. It is a huge chance for students, who would like to compose the paper by themselves, but don't understand where to get started! Learning about APA style will be an extremely rewarding experience for you, as you'll be in a position to reply it in all your next writing assignments. Students lead busy lives and frequently forget about a coming deadline. Many students choose to download such samples as a way to find a general idea of the way the assignment should look like and what key points ought to be added. The War Against Sample Paper Apa Choosing our service, you will realize that studying can be simple if you gain from the aid of capable experts. Writing research paper isn't just merely a compilation of related literature that could support the argument you're trying to raise, the findings you're trying to get, or the question you're trying to reply. Attempting to locate unique concepts is most likely the interesting events. how ever, it can also be exhausted whenever we might not obtain the wanted ideas. While there's a learning curve, it also offers the maximum quantity of flexibility in the longer term. Sample Paper Apa Fundamentals Explained Additional you are able to also have a look at these APA Cover Page Samples that you could also find useful. This page ought to be separate from different pages and ought to contain a running head. For instance, a Web page may not readily incorporate an author's name. A title page is generally in the middle of the page and is a concise overview of the topic. In the event the guide isn't easy to locate, then you can offer database details. Other articles define CMC differently and, thus, offer various outcomes. If you're citing a database article that's available in different places, like a journal or magazine, include the homepage's URL. Finally, put all your references together and make a title page. A template is a kind of design that is already formatted in your document so you can start writing on opening it. It isn't challenging to write within this format when you know the fundamentals. The format can be adapted based on the nature and the topic of a custom made essay. This format employs the author-date approach to properly cite outside understanding. When the simple formatting level was achieved, it's now time to organize and layout the principal outline above formatting was done in the outline document, the major outline should be constructed. Only the regions of the major body should have headings! Additional information concerning the APA style is offered in the boxes. Your chosen citation style is going to be saved for the whole document, and that means you won't need to reselect it every single time you cite another source!

Does Sí, Se Puede Mean Yes, We Can

Sà ­, se puede  is a common rallying cry heard at pro-immigration events across the United States, and it is often used at other political events. Most of the news media have translated the phrase as meaning Yes, we can — even though theres no we verb form in the slogan. The phrase gained an uptick in popularity in both English and Spanish when Yes, we can, was adopted as the primary slogan used by the Obama presidential campaign leading up to President Obamas election in 2008 and reelection in 2012. History of the Phrase Sà ­,  se  puede  is the motto of the United Farm Workers, a labor union for farmworkers in the United States. The phrase was the rallying cry attributed in 1972 to Mexican-American  farm worker Cesar Chavez, an American labor leader and civil rights activist. He popularized the cry during a 24-day hunger strike protesting farm labor laws in Phoenix, Ariz. that restricted laborers rights. In 1962, Chavez  co-founded the National Farm Workers Association. The association later became known as the United Farm Workers. Is the Usual Translation of Sà ­, Se Puede Accurate? Is Yes, we can an accurate translation? Yes and no. Since theres no plural verb nor a first-person verb in that sentence, the typical way of saying we can would be  podemos, from the verb poder. So Yes, we can is not a literal translation of sà ­, se puede. In fact, we do not have a good literal translation of the phrase. Sà ­ clearly means yes, but se puede is problematic. It can comes close to its literal meaning but leaves out the vague sense of emphasis and intention  that se provides here. So just what does se puede mean? Out of context, it would be translated loosely as it can be done. But context matters, and as part of a group chant, the translation of yes, we can is entirely appropriate. Se puede is a phrase of empowerment (puede is a close cousin of el poder, a noun meaning power), and we can conveys that thought well even if not a literal equivalent. Other Places the Phrase Has Been Used Use of Sà ­, se puede has spread beyond its original context. Some other examples: Sà ­ Se Puede! (note the lack of an opening exclamation point) was the title of an album by the rock group Los Lobos. Proceeds from album sales were to the United Farm Workers.Sà ­ Se Puede has been used as a slogan for the Colorado-based Law School ... Yes We Can program, which encourages students from that state to consider a legal career. ¡Sà ­, se puede! is the Spanish title of a 2002 bilingual book about a fictional janitors strike.The slogan has been used as a chant at sport events featuring Spanish-speaking athletes.Belisario Betancur, president of Colombia from 1982 to 1986, used the slogan in his campaign.A political coalition in Spain used the slogan Unidos sà ­ se puede during the 2016 elections. Unidos means united.The airline Aeromexico faced legal challenges when it used the phrase con Aeromà ©xico sà ­ se puede in its advertising. (Con is a preposition usually meaning with.) Principles of Translation Some of the best advice for translating to and from English and Spanish is to translate for meaning rather than to translate words. Review the  principles of translation; usually, there is not much difference between the two approaches.