Randwick International of Social Science Journal
Vol. 4 No. 4 (2023): RISS Journal, October

Susan’s Elusive Unreliability and Coetzee’s Existential Thinking in Foe

Yinqi Zhao (School of Foreign Languages, Yunnan University, Kunming, China)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Oct 2023

Abstract

This paper explores the portrayal of Susan Barton as an unreliable narrator in J.M. Coetzee’s novel, Foe, and its implications on storytelling, authorial authority, and existential themes. Through a comprehensive analysis of Susan’s narrative, the paper delves into the dual interpretations of her (un)reliability and argues that Coetzee intentionally crafts her as an elusive unreliable narrator. Then this article examines the “re-deconstruction” achieved by Coetzee, which challenges traditional storytelling conventions and emphasises the underlying meaning conveyed by a story. It also tries to explore Coetzee’s philosophical contemplations of existence and contends that aligning with Sartre’s existential thinking, Coetzee discusses many concepts around freedom and existence. By incorporating existential reflections, the paper uncovers the consciousness and existence embedded in the narrative.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

rissj

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Social Sciences

Description

The RISS Journal publishes research and analysis papers in the fields of social science include humanities such as anthropology, business studies, communication studies, corporate governance, criminology, history, culture, cross-cultural studies, ethics, education, economy, geography, philosophy, ...