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Abstract

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.