Phases of Lurie's Life

Although David Lurie is an independent and controlling man at the beginning of the story, he later transforms into a dependent and vulnerable man. As a professor, he has no respect for the material he teaches, and very little regard for the law, societal rules or ethics that are associated with his position. He teaches because it provides him with a livelihood (Coetzee 4-5). He lives within his income. He can provide and support himself without relying on outside help which reflects his financial security and independence. He also cooks for himself, which is another way of displaying his independence (Coetzee 14).

Besides being independent, he is also controlling. He lives within his emotional means at the expense of others, particularly women (Coetzee 2). For example, he dislikes the stickiness of the makeup that Soraya, a prostitute, puts on her face, so he asks her to wipe it off. He also satisfies himself with a sexual experience with Melanie, a student, even when she averts and feels uncomfortable. These women are passive when dealing with Lurie as he dominates the stage and directs what happen to them and their bodies.

Lurie has always been a man of the city, but once he has made up his mind to leave, there is little to hold him back (Coetzee 59). After the exposure of his sexual misconduct, Lurie leaves the university and settles in the country on his daughter's farm. His settling in the country implies the depletion of his independence. He becomes more and more dependent on external forces. He used to cook for himself, but now he depends on Lucy, his daughter, to provide for him when he is hungry (Coetzee 61). He also depends on his daughter for clothes during the winter and as a guide to help him adapt to the country life (Coetzee 70-71).

The afternoon the three men attack Lurie and Lucy, Lurie receives a blow on the head that knocks him unconscious, and is set on fire with alcohol (Coetzee 96). His daughter is raped, the dogs that he spent some time with are killed and his car is stolen. This shows that he has become susceptible to outside forces more than ever before.The transition from the city to the country has transformed a once independent and controlling man like himself into a person whose survival and wellbeing are rely on others, and whose safety and personal security also depend on others.