Women as Commodity in J. M Coetzee’s Disgrace

Abstract

J. M. Coetzee‘s Disgrace depicts the mentality of Professor David Lurie, lecturer of Romantic English poetry at the University of Cape Town. Fifty-two-years old David is twice divorced; however, his taste for women has not subsidized. His attitude towards female is such that he is not content with anyone of them, and keeps searching for new sexual partners. He visits several prostitutes and is also engaged in relationship with one of his female students. Upon the complaint of the girl, David is required to write a formal apology letter to the Disciplinary Committee of the University. However, he rejects the idea and quits his job because his male attitude does not allow him to apologize. This chauvinist attitude of David is largely cultivated from dominance because in his eyes women are nothing but consumable commodity. His mentality has been shaped by this arrogant attitude and does not want to apologize with the females. He takes females for granted and that proves women are mere machines to address the male sexuality. To him females are merely a sexual commodity; however, when similar tragedy befalls on his daughter, his notion of viewing females undergoes a big change.