ABSTRACT

John Maxwell Coetzee, a South African writer, won the Nobel Prize in Literature for 2003 for his far-sighted vision, insightful thinking and concern about the conditions of South Africa in his works. His worries about the increasingly severe environmental problems, and his mercy and care for all the living creatures find thorough expression in his novel Life and Times of Michael K. This paper attempts to explore Coetzee’s ecological thoughts in this novel to shed light on his understanding of the ideal relationship between man and nature. It argues that this novel reveals Coetzee’s criticism of anthropocentrism and his advocacy of equality of all the living beings. 

Keywords：Life and Times of Michael K; man and nature; ecological criticism

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

摘要

Chapter One INTRODUCTION-1

Chapter Two LITERATURE REVIEW-2

Chapter Three AN INTRODUCTION TO ECOLOGICAL CRITICISM-4

3.1 Development of the Ecological Criticism-4

3.2 Major Concerns of the Ecological Criticism-5

Chapter Four ECOLOGICAL IDEAS AS REFLECTED IN Life and Times of Michael K -6

4.1 Antipathy towards Anthropocentrism-6

4.1.1 Criticism of human destruction of nature-7

4.1.2 Criticism of man’s cruel treatment of animals-8

4.2 Michael K’s Attachment to Nature-10

4.2.1 Michael K’s escape from the city and return to the farm-10

4.2.2 Michael K’s resistance by silence-11

Chapter Five CONCLUSION-14

WORKS CITED-16