May Overlap Analysis Discussion Topic Approach

Discussion 200 words Prompt:
1. Post a working approach for the topic you chose. 2. Write a brief
few sentences explaining why you chose this topic.

I have to choose one topic from above information

Choose a Topic and Approach for your Literary Essay

Subject:

Choosing your literary essay topic and the approach you will take on Disgrace by J. M. Coetzee is the first step to writing the paper due as the last assignment of this module.

Topics/ approaches (Focus your thesis on only one of the following, though some may overlap):

1. Analysis of one of these characters: Lucy Lurie, Melanie Isaacs or Petrus.

   Example:
   Analyze not only the chosen character’s personality, but also what role
   the character played in advancing the overall theme of the novel.
   Please state what the overall message/ theme of the novel is.

2. The protagonist’s understanding
   of the nature of the conflict to be resolved and the hurdles to be
   overcome. What does David Lurie get to understand about his misuse of
   power? How does he arrive at this insight?

   Example:
   It could be hope for change, both in South Africa (the acknowledgment
   of past crimes committed and of how the powerful can continue to be
   oblivious to their own oppression of others) and in David Lurie. OR:
   the disgrace David Lurie has to suffer through the affair with a student
   in order for him to understand his own misuse of power, and how this
   recognition echoes the disgrace and oppression South African citizens of
   color have suffered through apartheid and its aftermath.

3. The function of setting to reinforce theme and characterization

   Example:
   post-apartheid South Africa as a setting is most important in the
   novel. Your outside sources would be the history of apartheid and the
   lasting consequences and conditions it has created.

4. The use of literary devices to communicate theme: imagery, metaphor, symbolism, foreshadowing, irony

   Example:
   Symbolism — Analyze what the concept of dogs represents in this story.
   OR: Determine if David Lurie represents the old, white South Africa,
   while Lucy represents the new white South Africa.

5. Point of view: The author’s focus on the perspectives of one or more characters.

   Example:
   The difference between David’s and Lucy’s perspectives on how to
   respond to the social problems in post-apartheid South Africa and how
   that fits with the author’s theme or main message.

6. Careful examination of one or
   more central scenes and its/their crucial role in plot development,
   resolution of conflict, and exposition of theme.

   Example:
   Analyze one or more scenes in which hope that change for the better is
   possible through a character’s insight of his misuse of power, his
   remorse and subsequent actions to perhaps achieve redemption or
   self-awareness.