ABSTRACT

Critically analyzing the representation of pedagogy in the novels of J.M. Coetzee, this insightful text illustrates the author’s profound conception of learning and personal development as something which takes place well beyond formal education.

Bringing together critical and educational theory, Pedagogy in the Novels of J.M. Coetzee examines depictions of pedagogy in novels including Age of Iron, Elizabeth Costello, Disgrace, and Childhood of Jesus. Engaging with Coetzee’s varied literary use of pedagogical themes such as motherhood, maternal love, and the importance of childhood interactions, reading, and experiences, chapters demonstrate how Coetzee foregrounds pedagogy as intrinsic to the formation of human actors, society, and civilization. The text thereby aptly explores and broadens our understanding of education - what it is, what it achieves, and how it can affect and shape human existence.

This text will be of great interest to graduate and postgraduate students, academics, researchers and professionals in the fields of pedagogy, postcolonial studies, educational theory and philosophy, and English literature.

chapter |16 pages

Introduction

Novel Pedagogy

chapter 1|16 pages

Rereading an Old Foe

Significant Pedagogy and the Novel

chapter 2|20 pages

Mrs. Curren in Age of Iron

Address of the Mother

chapter 3|19 pages

Elizabeth Costello in Elizabeth Costello . Eight lessons

Those Who Can’t, Teach

chapter 4|20 pages

David Lurie in Disgrace

Post-Education of the Teacher

chapter 5|19 pages

Simón in Childhood of Jesus

Learning to Live, Again

chapter |20 pages

Conclusion

“Things to Learn”: Pedagogy and the Novels of J.M. Coetzee