Disgrace by J. M. Coetzee
- 1. Disgrace, a novel by J. M. Coetzee, is a profound exploration of themes such as power, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships set against the backdrop of post-apartheid South Africa. The story follows David Lurie, a middle-aged professor of communications, who becomes embroiled in a scandal after an inappropriate affair with a student. This act of passion leads to his disgrace and eventual dismissal from the university, forcing him to confront the moral ambiguities of his actions and the societal changes occurring around him. As Lurie retreats to his daughter Lucy's farm in the rural Eastern Cape, he grapples with his own sense of identity and the shifting dynamics of race and gender in a country emerging from the shadows of its oppressive past. Through Lurie’s journey, Coetzee poignantly examines the themes of guilt, the struggle for personal redemption, and the impact of colonial legacies on contemporary society, ultimately questioning whether true reconciliation is possible in a divided world.
What is the name of the main character in 'Disgrace'?
A) David Lurie
B) Graham Lurie
C) John Maxwell
D) Peter Cloete
- 2. What is David Lurie's profession?
A) Writer
B) Journalist
C) Lawyer
D) Professor
- 3. Which university does David Lurie work for?
A) University of Pretoria
B) Johannesburg University
C) Stellenbosch University
D) Cape Town University
- 4. Who does David Lurie have an affair with?
A) Lisette
B) Melanie
C) Sophie
D) Claire
- 5. What is the consequence of David Lurie's affair?
A) He is dismissed from his job
B) He resigns voluntarily
C) He is awarded a promotion
D) He gets a scholarship
- 6. After losing his job, where does David go?
A) To his friend’s house
B) Abroad
C) To the city
D) To his daughter’s farm
- 7. What political backdrop is essential to the story?
A) American Revolution
B) Colonial Africa
C) Post-apartheid South Africa
D) World War II
- 8. What animal does David care for on the farm?
A) Horses
B) Cats
C) Sheep
D) Dogs
- 9. What philosophical theme is explored in the book?
A) The nature of freedom
B) The nature of happiness
C) The nature of truth
D) The nature of shame
- 10. What role does music play in David's life?
A) A source of conflict
B) Unimportant
C) A tool for teaching
D) A form of escape
- 11. What is the central theme of the novel?
A) Redemption
B) Travel
C) Wealth
D) Friendship
- 12. What theme is central to 'Disgrace'?
A) Self-indulgence
B) Post-apartheid struggle
C) Joy of reunion
D) The simplicity of life
- 13. What symbolizes David's loss of status?
A) His dismissal from the university
B) His new car
C) His popularity
D) His writing success
- 14. What does David Lurie do that leads to his disgrace?
A) Has an affair with a student
B) Commits theft
C) Assaults a colleague
D) Falsifies records
- 15. What animal is a recurring symbol in the novel?
A) Lion
B) Horse
C) Dog
D) Cat
- 16. What does David do to seek redemption?
A) Goes into politics
B) Volunteers at an animal clinic
C) Returns to teaching
D) Writes a book
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