Spaces and Places in Life & Times of Michael K by John M. Coetzee

Abstract

This critical analysis examines the theme of places and spaces in Life & Times of Michael K, a novel by Coetzee, in light of the concepts of isolation, movement and idleness, freedom of movement, and country life versus city life. The main goal of the study is to determine how the author uses these concepts to explore spaces and places in his book. The literature that addresses the themes of spaces and places in Coetzee’s works has a number of gaps. Therefore, the current research aims to rethink Coetzee’s portrayal of places and spaces in this work by relying on a new interpretation of the book’s events. In order to accomplish this task, the researcher has explored the content of Coetzee’s Life & Times of Michael K in detail, highlighting the ideas of isolation, movement and idleness, freedom of movement, and aspects of urban and country environments, and juxtaposing them with the concept of spaces and places. The main conclusion is that the listed ideas are important and effective tools that allow the author to visualize the spaces and places in the book and enhance the readers’ understanding of the characteristics of the postcolonial world, its spirituality and atmosphere.