Spectacles of Disgrace: Nietzsche, Coetzee, and Life after the Death of God

My aim in this essay is to explore the complementarities that obtain between Nietzsche’s account (or teaching) of “death God” and J. M. Coetzee’s characterization David Lurie his 1999 novel Disgrace. I am particularly concerned investigate responses Madman protagonist their respective insights into experiences of) God.” Both respondents, offer, may be seen understood create public spectacles which they acquire (what take be) permanent, meaning-conferring identities are meant, if not destined, withstand dislocations calamities come. In both cases, moreover, point spectacle secure conditions under its architect escape any responsibility for navigating uncertainties bound arise aftermath Whereas Nietzsche primarily anticipate (and diagnose) distress leads creation responsibility-deferring spectacles, Coetzee provides an instructive treatment life after death God, as compelled confront emerging post-theistic order he had hoped avoid.