In an organized essay, write a research paper in which you argue a thesis about the interpersonal/psychological and/or societal power dynamics at play in Waiting for the Barbarians. In your paper, you may choose to discuss any of the following questions, or a question of your own: In an organized essay, write a research paper in which you argue a thesis about the interpersonal/psychological and/or societal power dynamics at play in Waiting for the Barbarians. In your paper, you may choose to discuss any of the following questions, or a question of your own:
What is Coetzee implying about notions of “civilization” in this story? What is he saying about the role of violence and chaos in the forced implementation of so-called “order” and “progress?”
Coetzee employs purposeful ambiguity; while the novel is specific in imagery and drama, its setting of time and place in relation to the real world is kept vague. Because of this, Waiting for the Barbarians might serve as an allegory about many historical and contemporary instances of colonization, apartheid, and forceful occupation. Choose one of these instances and discuss how the story (and the power dynamics at play) might illuminate that moment in history (or in contemporary geopolitics).
Your paper must use at least 5 outside sources. You must quote from at least three of these sources directly. Coetzee employs purposeful ambiguity; while the novel is specific in imagery and drama, its setting of time and place in relation to the real world is kept vague. Because of this, Waiting for the Barbarians might serve as an allegory about many historical and contemporary instances of colonization, apartheid, and forceful occupation. Choose one of these instances and discuss how the story (and the power dynamics at play) might illuminate that moment in history (or in contemporary geopolitics).