Colonialism

Hey, guys!

I just finished reading a book for my World Literature class called Waiting for the Barbarians by J. M. Coetzee, for which I now have to write a paper. Wish me luck!

In the meantime, as I rally my brain cells and jot down all the possible topics I could write for my paper, I think I owe you guys a review. I apologize for the lack of a post on Friday, but I have a lot of work to catch up with and I promise I will catch up with blogging every Monday. Cross my heart.

Now, the novel takes place in South Africa, in a frontier town that is a part of a vast Empire and also rather close to some indigenous nomadic groups and fishermen, which the townspeople refer to as the barbarians.

The magistrate of the town is a middle-aged man who just wants everyone to be peaceful towards one another . . . so that he can retire in comfort without any trouble.

Well, why should he get what he wants all the time?

Colonel Joll shows up from the Empire to try and see if he can sniff out some threats against his beloved Empire. Understandable. But arresting a boy and an old man who are just trying to find some medical assistance?

Whoa, whoa, whoa, easy there, tiger. But he doesn't stop there. He also takes a ton of "barbarians" prisoner and resorts to torture in order to justify his position.

So what does the magistrate think of all this? Well, he wants to just pretend that it isn't happening. I mean, he's got that retirement to think about. But he finds that he can't really turn away.

He also takes in a "barbarian" girl who was left behind when her people eventually left the frontier, crippled by the torture she endured, and then became a beggar.

But this is so not what it sounds like, guys. He's no hero by any means. He has too much of that Empire mentality. He can't get past seeing this girl as anything other than a barbarian, he's unbelievably selfish, and he's a total man-whore.

But I will say this: he does make an effort to change. I'm not entirely sure that he succeeds and it isn't always for the right reasons, but it's more than can be said about anybody else who came from the Empire.

Now, if you guys are college level readers, or even high school level readers, I would recommend this book to you. It is an allegory, so although it takes place in South Africa, it doesn't necessarily say so. This book could technically take place anywhere, so it's good for learning about the effect of colonialism on indigenous populations.

Not to mention, Coetzee is a pretty good writer. My professor constantly raves during class about what a poet he is. After reading the book, I have to agree. Coetzee's craft and attention to detail is really admirable, especially his symbolism. If you're a budding writer, I would definitely look into this book for some guidance in developing your craft.

I've been playing around with some paper topics today, and I already have three possible starters for my thesis, so it looks like I'll be in pretty good shape once I pick one. Wish me luck!

Also, like I said, I'll definitely try to keep a repeat of last Friday from ever happening. So definitely check back in tomorrow for a brand new writing exercise.

I hope you enjoyed today's review and that you'll keep coming back for more. Until next time.

Happy reading!