discuss the extent to which Coetzees novel supports OR challenges this idea of the sympathetic imagination.

According to some critics, J.M, Coetzees Disgrace dramatizes what is called the sympathetic imagination, a concept in moral philosophy describing our capacity to sympathize with the suffering of others by imagining ourselves into their position (i.e. by putting ourselves in their shoes, so to speak).  After the rape of his daughter, and especially toward the end of the novel, David Lurie seems to have acquired this capacity for sympathy, a sympathy he is able to extend even to  animals (see, for example,  his relationship with the dog Driepoot). This ability to identify with the suffering of others through the power of his imagination is therefore key to Lurie’s transformation from an apathetic character to a sympathetic one.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa tried to apply the same principle. In order to establish some form of transitional justice in South Africa and help the country move forward, all those involved in the crimes of Apartheid must be brought together and reconciled, and this reconciliation is only possible if those involved are able to imagine, understand, and ultimately identify with one another’ suffering.

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In a well-argued and well-organized essay, discuss the extent to which Coetzees novel supports OR challenges this idea of the sympathetic imagination as an important human quality that must be exercised in order to help South Africa  transition from a segregationist, violent regime to a democratic, multi-racial society. 

Note: In your analysis, feel free to draw on the Miracle Rising documentary, but keep in mind that the main focus of your essay is still Coetzees novel. 

4-5 pages, double spaced,  Times 12-point font.
Include your name, course code and section, professors name, and the date submitted  in the upper left corner of the first page.
Indent paragraphs (no extra space between paragraphs), use one-inch margins (on all sides) and number all pages.
Be sure to give your term paper a title. Try to come up with something descriptive and interesting, but not too long. (Do not use full sentences for paper titles)
No external sources are required; however, if you do use external sources, you must document them using the MLA style. Failure to do so will result in an F on the assignment.