Breaking Through Barriers And Seeking Coexistence-An Analysis Of "Marginal Man" In Slow Man

John Maxwell Coetzee, the Nobel Prize laureate in literature in2003, has beenliving a wandering life. After his graduation from university, he went to the UnitedKingdom and later pursued his PhD in linguistics in the United States of America. Afterhis permanent residence application in the US was denied, he returned to South Africa.Finally, he moved to Australia where he became naturalized… Coetzee’s experiences ofmigration, in broadening his horizon and enriching his life, provide him with mixedculture identity. It is this identity that makes him feel the hardship and helplessness of“marginal men”. In Slow Man (2005), a novel published three years after his migrationto Australia,, Coetzee shifts his vision from South Africa to Australia, describingimmigrants’ marginal status and their endless efforts to overcome difficulties, adapt tothe new environment and blend in with the mainstream society.This thesis first gives a critical summary of marginal men’s plight demonstrated inthe novel. Evidences show that immigrants encounter many incompatibilities on thenew land. Their newly-obtained culture identity takes on a feature of uncertainty, andalienation among individuals and conflicts among ethnic groups aggravate marginalmen’s helpless situation.The summary is followed by a detailed analysis of the causes of marginal men’sformation. The thesis holds that to a large extent, marginal men are formed becauseimmigrants lose cultural connection with their home country, and find it difficult toaccept new culture immediately. In addition, the invisible oppression from themainstream society limits their opportunities in aspects like receiving education andobtaining employment. Other elements like the failure in transnational marriage alsocontribute to the marginal status of immigrants.The thesis finds after an exploration into marginal men’s efforts to blend with themainstream society that they have to find a balance between their home country cultureand the new culture, shortening their gap with the mainstream society without losingtheir own characteristics. In this process, mutual understanding and help amongimmigrant groups is of vital importance. By seeking and preserving immigrant historyand culture, immigrants can find their spirit and emotional belongings.Casting his own experiences to the protagonists in Slow Man, Coetzee has madethe novel an extraction of and reflection on life. As a spokesman for marginal men,Coetzee has created a group of immigrants who are diligent and persistent, sparing noefforts to adapt to new life and create better environment for the next generation.Through this novel, Coetzee expresses his concerns over and sympathy with thedisadvantaged groups in their marginal status, and also his respect for and approval of“marginal men”.