DUMB HEROES AND THE THEME OF HOPELESSNESS IN RICHARD WRIGHT’S NATIVE SON AND J.M. COETZEE’S LIFE AND TIMES OF MICHAEL K (Published)
The creation of inspiring heroes has always appealed to readers and critics alike. The hero is the one we wait on, measure his life with ours and find a place for him in our hearts. Depending on his performance, we adjust his clime with ours. This is what makes literature delectable and a sign post for every generation. Literature has expectations and that is why we appreciate some, those that meet our expectations; and we reject others; those we find objectionable. Bigger Thomas in Native Son by Richard Wright and Michael K. by J.M Coetzee we find are characters who task our senses. In between, we are trapped between the creative ability of their makers and what we know of our world. Recent global events will make us even query some of their actions. But where does heroism begin and dumbness manifest? Society has something it looks up to in every individual no matter the milieu he is born into as he has certain expectations.
Keywords: Dumb Heroes, Hopelessness, J.M. Coetzee