“If it is indeed impossible - or at least very difficult - to inhabit the consciousness of an animal, then in writing about animals there is a temptation to project upon them feelings and thoughts that may belong only to our own human mind and heart.”
J. M. Coetzee

Animals are a recurrent theme in several of Nobel prize-winning author J.M. Coetzee’s works, most notably in the novella The Lives of Animals (1999). Leaning on this title, we will examine two of his novels which feature characters struggling with the ethical status of ‘nonhuman’ animals: How are animals perceived in (different) culture(s)? How are animals treated by humans? How do art, philosophy and fiction treat animals?
In exploring the nature of animals, his characters are also confronted with questions and doubts regarding their own humanity, leading them on a spiritual search.
In this seminar, we will analyze the fictional representations and meanings of animals in Disgrace (1999) and Elizabeth Costello (2003).
Compulsory reading:
Coetzee, J.M. Disgrace. (1999)
Coetzee, J.M. Elizabeth Costello. (2003)

This seminar takes place in one block of three days, September 24-26, 9-17 (room will be announced shortly). We will have one preparatory meeting (approx. 1 hour), 4 weeks prior to the seminar in order to sort out reading and presentations. This can either be a group meeting or individual sessions during my office hours, depending on the size of the seminar.