Unearthing the human and animal relationship: animality and sentience in J. M Coetzee’s disgrace

Abstract EN

Interest in the study of animals has burgeoned recently with the emergence of works that call for a rethinking of humans’ relationship with animals, among them the works of the South African writer J.M Coetzee.

tilted towards ecocriticism and drawing on the field of animal studies, the present article examines the way in which humans interact with animals in Coetzee’s critically acclaimed novel disgrace.

through the protagonist’s experiences, the author prompts questions about the treatment of animals, the objectification of women, and the consequences of abuse of power.

ultimately, the novel suggests that the way humans treat animals is reflective of the way they treat fellow humans, and reveals that human beings and animals are connected due to their shared experiences and vulnerability.