Cyclic Principle In Coetzze’s Life Times Of Michael K

Since the publication of J.M. Coetzee’s Booker-winning novel Life&Times of Michael K, its criticism almost covers every main critical perspective. Although some of the studies have noticed cyclic principle in the novel, a systematical study on this field remains regrettably missing. This thesis attempts to interpret from the perspective of Taoist cyclic principle.The thesis starts with the discussion of the inner relationship between Coetzee and Laozhuang, since that is an important basis for such a research. In my view, Coetzee’s philosophical thought, political idea and literary thought can all be traced back to Laozhuang. Then it goes on to analyze cyclic principle embodied in the character Michael K on three levels, namely, silence and voice, weakness and strength, and selflessness and wandering in the world in the character. Next, the thesis explores cyclic principle in time by discussing the relationship between mother and children, and time cycle. The linear time value is broken, and we all in the time cycle and times cycle. Subsequently, through analyzing the characters’ cyclic life journeys, the paper aims to show cyclic principle in space. On the basis of this, it further summarizes what cyclic principle deconstructs, namely binary opposition, self and truth. It in turn demonstrates the meeting points of Western and Chinese philosophy.The thesis is an attempt to manifest systematically Taoist cyclic principle in Life and Times of Michael K. Meanwhile, it also shows Coetzee’s thinking about human existence within the larger context of postmodernism, in which the deconstructive thought finds response in ancient Chinese philosophy.