The Rights And Wrongs Of Desire: J.M. Coetzee’s Disgrace And André Brink’s The Rights Of Desire
The Rights And Wrongs Of Desire: J.M. Coetzee’s Disgrace And André Brink’s The Rights Of Desire

Summary/Abstract: This article examines the correlations between aspects of J.M. Coetzee’s Disgrace and André Brink’s The Rights of Desire. Apart from sharing the historical context, i.e. post-apartheid South Africa, the novels display certain thematic parallels. The plot in each novel is initiated by the intrusion of passion into the secluded and uneventful life of the protagonist. Both David Lurie and Ruben Olivier succumb to it, with far-reaching and unexpected consequences. Taking as his title the words of Coetzee’s protagonist who invokes “the rights of desire” to defend his conduct, Brink also portrays an elderly man facing the process of ageing and having to re-evaluate his actions.

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