The Enigma of the Lesson “At the Gate” of J M Coetzee’s Novel Elizabeth Costello: An Ecocritical Exploration

Author(s): Md. Ali Rayhun Sarker

Publication Date: June 29, 2024

Abstract

J M Coetzee in his novel Elizabeth Costello has artistically delineated a tensed situation in respect of the conflicting interests between humans and animals. This conflict has dramatically been shown as a controversy. Throughout the novel, this conflict is not resolved, though in the last chapter titled “Postscript” one kind of resolution is suggested. The penultimate chapter titled “At the Gate” is a digression because of the fact that it creates a dreamlike atmosphere which is sharply contrasted to the remaining chapters where realistic atmosphere reigns supreme. In this research article, I have explored through the lens of ecocriticism what message is forwarded by Coetzee in the guise of a symbolic aura in the afore-mentioned chapter. Side by side, I have also focused on the relevance of this enigmatic chapter to the remaining parts of the novel. In this connection, I need to mention that Coetzee has used the word “lesson” in the “contents” of the novel, but for the convenience of understanding, I have used the word “chapter” throughout this article.