J. M. Coetzee's Constructive Ambiguity: A Close Reading of Disgrace and Elizabeth Costello

Abstract

This thesis explores the ways in which Coetzee removes normative authorial guidance in his Disgrace and Elizabeth Costello. The close reading of the novels will focus on their different narrative structure and shared thematic elements. The thesis will show that both novel functions as a space where Coetzee deploys ethical dilemmas he rarely resolves. By doing so he forces the reader to engage with the ambiguous text they are presented, without any moral guidance. The ambiguous nature of the novels, epically Disgrace, has resulted in mixed reception, but as will be shown the ambiguity should be understood as constructive because the forces the reader to commit to the texts and their ethical dilemmas.