Moral Dichotomy: Coetzee’s Stance on Moral Dilemma in Postmodernist Society in Disgrace

Coetzee anticipates the moral dilemma of today's individuals, in order to achieve his aim torevert the current trends in moral philosophy which has marked morality with individual partialities. The morality of self/will has pervaded in the society with substantial philosophical argumentation as well. This research intends to study Dionysian morality in comparison with modern (Appolonian) principles of morality as presented by Coetzee. The research is planned to differentiate the two by presenting their roots with logical reasons; Nietzsche's conception of morality and the need of Freudian repression. In the context of Disgrace Coetzee developed his moral theory through circumstantial justice with such a force that all reasons given by Overman (Übermensch) of Nietzsche fail. The paper will unveil the relationship of power and the need for justice. Coetzee proves the importance of Freudian Repression Theory that makes everybody responsible for the concord in a society. The cultivation of Dionysian concept of life only brings disgrace to man, and such philosophies can only be supported when the individual is in power, vulnerability in the society makes man to understand the value of morality and exercise of proper judicial system. South Africal context of the novel situates the anticipation of Dionysian cult in more understanding way to the audience. To avoid social Darwinism, state institutions should come in action in order to ensure the equal power distribution among the masses. Uneven distribution of power creates only oppressors and victims in the society, which further lead society to chaos. Coetzee proves the importance of circumstantial justice over the institutional justice, as institutional justice can punish only but the transformation of transgressor only takes place with circumstantial justice and for the betterment of society, transformation provides better results than punishment because institutions do create a different power structures that also work to suppress people.

اردو افسانے میں مابعدالطبعیاتی عناصر ۱۰۹۱ء تا حال : تحقیقی و تنقیدی جائزہ

Chapter 1, 'What is Metaphysics' focuses on basic issues related to metaphysics consequently to its scientific, philosophical and religious interpretations in the backdrop of prevalent scientific concepts about universe, aspects related to time and space and issues of mysticism. After elaborating literal and terminological meanings of metaphysics its definitions in various dictionaries, explanations by different scholars and interpretations through encyclopedias and web sites have been carried out for better comprehension. Since individual, God and universe are three basic fundamentals of metaphysics, therefore, metaphysical elements in its different manifestations and forms related to scientific, philosophical and religious mythologies in through Urdu short stories have been explained. Chapter 2, covers metaphysical elements in Urdu short stories of first period from 1901 to 1936. Evolution and interpretations of creation of life and universe (of this period) have been attempted. An endeavor has been made to trace primitive elements of metaphysics in the writers of Urdu short stories like Rashid-ul- Khairi, Sultan Haider Josh and Prem Chand. In progression, elements of metaphysics emanating from the love for nature of the romantic writers and its influence in early Urdu short stories from novels, folk tales, Hindu philosophies 'Avagavan' and 'Mukti' have been considered. Chapter 3, covers 'Metaphysical Elements in Urdu Short Stories in Second Period from 1936 to 1047'. Novel philosophical interpretation of Carl Marx philosophy and precedence of matter over soul has been analysed. In addition, those metaphysical elements which entered into Urdu short stories under the influence of ideas of Freud and Yong have also been included. Chapter 4, pertains to 'Metaphysical Elements in Urdu Short Stories after Creation of Pakistan'. Causes of revival of romanticism in the fifties have been explained. An analytical appraisal of short stories of important writers has been carried out in the preview of effects of knowledge of existence and new mystical approach. Elucidating effects of different metaphysical philosophies on romantic short stories, metaphysical elements in Greek and Hindu mythologies in short stories of A. Hameed have been indicated. Chapter 5, with the title, 'Metaphysical Elements in Urdu Short Stories from Sixties to-date' deals with new scientific revelations and new discoveries about the universe and existence under the influence of modernism. New background of sensibility has been discussed as how socio-political and cultural environments affect new approach regarding life and universe. Understanding of new dimensions of time and space in the context of Hindi mythology, mysticism and Islamic myths has been done. Analysis of short stories of prominent writers of this era has been carried out. Chapter 6, consists of an overall review of various facets of metaphysical elements with evolving trends in romanticism, mysticism, Hindi, Greek and Islamic mythologies and other religious rituals. In the end findings of entire discussion leading to some recommendations have been included to promote metaphysical elements in Urdu short stories.