J.M. Coetzee's 'Waiting for the Barbarians' delves into the ethical conflicts of a Magistrate in an unnamed Empire, facing the cruelty of colonialism and the dehumanization of the 'barbarians'. It explores themes of justice, the rule of law, and the human cost of imperialism through the protagonist's crisis of conscience and the oppressive actions of Colonel Joll.
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The novel explores the effects of colonialism and domination on both the colonizers and the colonized
The protagonist is forced to confront the ethical dilemma of upholding the law while also seeking justice for those oppressed by the Empire
The Magistrate's moral struggles highlight the complexities and moral failings of those in positions of authority
The protagonist embodies the internal conflict of a person torn between duty and morality
The young girl represents the oppressed and their resilience in the face of oppression
The antagonist symbolizes the detached and inhumane nature of imperialism and its agents
The Empire's labeling of the indigenous tribes as 'barbarians' justifies their mistreatment and perpetuates a cycle of violence
The novel critiques the mindset of colonialism and its disregard for the humanity of those deemed inferior
The Empire's fear of the unknown leads to arbitrary and oppressive actions against the 'barbarians'
00
The novel '______ for the Barbarians' was authored by South African Nobel laureate ______ and debuted in ______.
Waiting
J.M. Coetzee
1980
01
In 'Waiting for the Barbarians', the story is told by a ______ who governs a distant outpost of an unnamed ______.
Magistrate
Empire
02
Colonel ______ arrives at the frontier settlement to probe baseless claims of rebellion by the local tribes, known as '______'.
Joll
barbarians
