J M Coetzee's Foe

Welcome readers! This blog post is a response to a thinking activity assigned by Megha Ma'am. This blog is a part of our thinking activity, and its primary focus will be on a comparative and critical analysis of Daniel Defoe's novel "Robinson Crusoe" and J.M. Coetzee's novel "Foe". Let us begin with a brief introduction to the author and their respective works. J.M. Coetzee's novel "Foe" is a Contemporary retelling of Daniel Defoe's classic work, "Robinson Crusoe."

J.M.Coetzee :-


John Maxwell Coetzee ( born on 9th February 1940 ) is a South african and australian novelist, essayist, linguist, translator and recipient of the 2003 Nobel prize in literature. He is one of the most critically acclaimed and decorated authors in the English language. Coetzee moved to Australia in 2002 and became an Australian citizen in 2006. He lives in Adelaide. He has won the Booker Prize ( twice ) , the CNA Literary Award ( thrice ) , the Jerusalem Prize and The Irish times , International fiction Prize and holds a number of other awards and honorary doctorates.

 

Coetzee's mother was a Primary school teacher. His father was trained as an attorney. Though his Parents were not of British descent , the language spoken at home was English. He began writing fiction in 1969. Coetzee has also been active as a translator of Dutch and Afrikaans literature. The Swedish academy stated that ;

 
" Coetzee in innumerable guises Portrays the surprising involvement of the outsider.''

1. Robinson Crusoe :-

Robinson Crusoe is a novel by Daniel Defoe, first published on 25th April 1719. The first edition credited the work's Protagonist Robinson Crusoe as its author, leading many readers to believe he was a real Person and the book a travelogue of true incidents. Despite its simple narrative style, Robinson crusoe was well - received in the literary world and is often credited as marking the beginning of realistic fiction as a literary genre. It is generally seen as a contender for the first English novel. This book considered the most representative work of colonial. It showcases Robinson crusoe the eponymous Protagonist of the novel , as an invincible , all sufficient colonial patriarch who can live all by himself absolutely independent of everyone. 

Foe Novel by J,M.Coetzee :-

Foe is a novel by J.M.Coetzee in the year 1986, Which is set in the early 19th century. It is a Postcolonial novel, divided into four chapters. It is a satirical reinvention of Daniel Defoe's Robinson crusoe. Foe is written from the Perspective of susan Barton , a castaway who landed on the same island inhabited by 'Cruso' and 'Friday' as their adventures were already underway. Like Robinson Crusoe, it is also a frame story unfolded as Barton's narrative while in England attempting to convince the Writer Daniel foe to help transform her tale into Popular fiction. This novel Primarily focuses on language of language and Power, the novel was the subject of criticism in south Africa, where it was regarded as Politically irrelevant on its release. Coetzee revisited the composition of Robinson crusoe in 2003 in his Nobel Prize acceptance speech.

1)Write a detailed note on Comparative and critical analysis of Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe and J.M.Coetzee's Foe .


Answer :- Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe" and J.M. Coetzee's "Foe" offer a captivating exploration of the colonial narrative from distinct vantage points. While Defoe's classic novel is a foundational work of English literature, chronicling the adventures of a resourceful castaway on a deserted island, Coetzee's postcolonial reimagining in "Foe" critiques and deconstructs the original narrative, interrogating the power dynamics inherent in colonialism and the silencing of voices on the margins. Coetzee's adaptation, told through the eyes of Susan Barton, a previously silent character in Defoe's tale, foregrounds the challenges and agency of marginalized voices, exposing the complexities of storytelling and the inherent biases in the colonial narrative. This critical analysis highlights the evolution of the colonial discourse, offering a compelling perspective on the enduring relevance and impact of these two works.


"Robinson Crusoe" by Daniel Defoe and "Foe" by J.M. Coetzee are two novels that explore the theme of colonialism, survival, and the power dynamics inherent in relationships. A comparative and critical analysis of these two works reveals both similarities and differences in their approach to these themes.


1. Colonialism and Power Structures


- Robinson Crusoe :- Defoe's novel, published in 1719, reflects the colonial mindset of the time. It portrays the character of Crusoe as a European colonist who establishes dominance over the island, taming it, and converting it into a mini-European society. Crusoe's relationship with Friday, a native islander, demonstrates the power imbalances of colonialism.


- Foe :- Coetzee's "Foe," published in 1986, is a post-colonial response to "Robinson Crusoe." It critiques the colonial narrative by focusing on the character Susan Barton, who challenges the Eurocentric perspective of Crusoe's story. Coetzee raises questions about who has the authority to tell the story and whose voices are marginalized in the colonial discourse.


2. Narrative and Perspective : ( His - Story and Her - Story ):-


- Robinson Crusoe : The novel is written in the first person, with Crusoe as the sole narrator. This singular perspective provides a limited view of events and emphasizes his personal survival and transformation.


- Foe :- Coetzee's novel uses multiple perspectives, including Susan Barton's, Mr. Foe's, and Friday's, to present a more complex and inclusive narrative. This approach gives voice to those traditionally silenced in colonial literature.


3. Survival and Isolation :


- Robinson Crusoe : The novel explores the theme of survival in a harsh environment, with Crusoe's isolation on the island for years. His resourcefulness and adaptation are central to the story.


- Foe : Coetzee's novel also touches on survival, but it delves deeper into the psychological and emotional aspects of isolation, especially as experienced by Susan Barton. It questions the psychological toll of colonization on both the colonizer and the colonized.


4. Characterization:


- Robinson Crusoe : Crusoe is portrayed as a self-reliant, determined individual who imposes his will on the island and those around him.


- Foe : The characters in Coetzee's novel, including Susan Barton and Mr. Foe, are more introspective and complex. Their motivations and actions are subject to interpretation, challenging readers to consider the nuances of their personalities.


5. Metafiction and Deconstruction :


- Foe: Coetzee's novel can be considered a work of metafiction as it actively engages with the text of "Robinson Crusoe." It deconstructs and questions the colonial narrative while incorporating elements of the original story, blurring the line between fiction and commentary.


6. Narratorial Power and Authorship :


- Robinson Crusoe :- In Daniel Defoe's novel Robinson Crusoe, Crusoe has complete control over the narrative. It reinforcing his dominance. The author, Daniel Defoe remains hidden behind the Character's voice.


- Foe :- While In J.M.Coetzee's novel Foe challenges narratorial authority, it questioning that who gets to tell the story and whose voices are suppressed and Marginalised. The Character of Mr. Foe also raises the questions about authorship and storytelling.


7. Postcolonial Critique :


Robinson Crusoe :- The Novel reflects the Colonial mindset of its time emphasizing the triumph the triumph of the individual over nature.


Foe :- On the other side, J.M.Coetzee's novel Foe can be seen as a satirical reinvention or Postcolonial critique of Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe. It explores the Problematic aspects of Colonization, Voices that are suppressed and Marginalized and ethical dilemmas faced by the Colonizers.


8. Language as a tool :


Language serves as a crucial tool in both Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe and J.M. Coetzee's Foe. It Plays a significant role in the development of the narrative and exploration of themes. Let us see that how language functions as a tool in both these novels.


1. Language as a tool in Robinson Crusoe :-


- Tool of Communication :- In this novel, Language is Primarily used as a means of communication between Crusoe and Friday. Crusoe teaches Friday and it Facilitates their limited understanding of each other and enables cooperation. Here In the Present novel Language is a tool for bridging Cultural and linguistic gaps.


2. Language as a tool in Foe :-


- Power dynamics and Authorship :- In Foe, Language is a tool that Coetzee employs to explore the issues of narrative control, authorship as well as changing the Power dynamics. It becomes a mean by which Characters assert their agency within the story. The Protagonist and narrator of this novel Susan Barton seeks to tell her own story and challenge the dominant colonial narrative by using language as her tool.


In both the novels Language is a tool that serves various purposes such as communication , self - expression, and empowerment. While Robinson Crusoe uses language as a means of personal survival and reflection. On the other hand, J.M.Coetzee in his novel Foe takes a more critical stance, using language as a tool to challenge and deconstruct established narratives and Power structures. These contrasting uses of language in both the novels contribute to the thematic depth and complexity of these two works.

 In conclusion, this comparative analysis reveals how literature evolves over time to reflect changing societal Perspectives. The novel Foe not only reimagines Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe but also raises questions about the ethics of storytelling , authorship and the postcolonial experience.

Thank You!!