Arteries Of Pain: J. M. Coetzee’s Narratives Of Discontent

Abstract

This interdisciplinary study explores the nuanced portrayal of pain in J.M. Coetzee's fiction, examining its significance in understanding both physical and emotional suffering. Drawing from literary analysis and philosophical inquiry, the paper delves into Coetzee's engagement with the concept of discontent and its portrayal in his works. It discusses the fusion of physical and emotional pain and their role in shaping characters' experiences and perceptions. Through a close examination of key characters and narratives, such as the magistrate in "Waiting for the Barbarians" and Michael K in "Life & Times of Michael K," the paper explores how pain serves as a catalyst for self-awareness and empathy towards others' suffering. Furthermore, it critiques the limitations of a purely biomedical understanding of pain and advocates for a social understanding that considers its broader implications. The paper also highlights Coetzee's exploration of torture and its ethical dimensions, illustrating how the infliction of pain disrupts fundamental principles of humanity. Overall, the paper argues that Coetzee's narratives of discontent provide insight into the complexities of pain and its broader societal and ethical implications, offering readers a deeper understanding of human suffering and resilience.