Autonomy. Freedom. No matter who it is, where in the world, or at what time, every human being has the right to desire fundamental independence. Every individual is entitled to conventional “human rights” which include, but are not limited to, freedom from oppression, harassment and persecution. Every human life, regardless of its origins, current economic situation or mental abilities, should benefit from these fundamental rights. In Life and Times of Michael K, JM Coetzee writes a story that illustrates the difficulty of surviving life during apartheid South Africa. One of the many themes Coetzee addresses in this novel is the idea of finding oneself. Consistent with other literacy works we have analyzed in this course, the challenge of gaining autonomy, freedom, and independence is faced by the main character, Michael K. From start to finish, this novel includes a handful of characters who contribute to this theme of self-reliance. A case can be made for the guards scattered throughout South Africa at the time, some of Michael K's fellow prisoners on the railway or in the labor camp, Visagie's grandson and the doctor forensic scientist. The strongest argument for the supporting character who contributes most to this novel's theme of self-reliance is Michael K's mother, known as Anna K. She sets the tone for Michael K's journey to achieve independence and autonomy. Anna K contributes to her son's journey with her parental decisions and her own quest for freedom. Often, the parenting style a child receives will affect their attitudes and perceptions in life. Parents' actions influence a child's personality and sense of self. At every stage of Michael K's life, including childhood, the boy...... middle of paper ......Michael K's era, shapes Michael K's perception and his process of accession to independence. His negative beginnings and quest for freedom set the tone for the novel's theme of freedom. Shaped by experiences with his mother, Michael K gains a sense of independence and autonomy as the novel progresses. Anna K affected Michael K's development of autonomy by not being the traditional, supportive, caring mother; however, she positively influences her son's development by displaying and attempting to achieve his own quest for freedom. Following in his footsteps, as Michael K did, we as human beings should have a similar goal in mind. As previously stated, every human being has the right to desire and achieve fundamental independence. Let us hope that we will achieve this independence, this freedom and this autonomy before the time when the breath of life withdraws from our bodies..

Essay / Autonomy. Freedom. No matter who it is, where in the world, or at what time, every human being has the right to desire fundamental independence. Every individual is entitled to conventional “human rights” which include, but are not limited to, freedom from oppression, harassment and persecution. Every human life, regardless of its origins, current economic situation or mental abilities, should benefit from these fundamental rights. In Life and Times of Michael K, JM Coetzee writes a story that illustrates the difficulty of surviving life during apartheid South Africa. One of the many themes Coetzee addresses in this novel is the idea of finding oneself. Consistent with other literacy works we have analyzed in this course, the challenge of gaining autonomy, freedom, and independence is faced by the main character, Michael K. From start to finish, this novel includes a handful of characters who contribute to this theme of self-reliance. A case can be made for the guards scattered throughout South Africa at the time, some of Michael K's fellow prisoners on the railway or in the labor camp, Visagie's grandson and the doctor forensic scientist. The strongest argument for the supporting character who contributes most to this novel's theme of self-reliance is Michael K's mother, known as Anna K. She sets the tone for Michael K's journey to achieve independence and autonomy. Anna K contributes to her son's journey with her parental decisions and her own quest for freedom. Often, the parenting style a child receives will affect their attitudes and perceptions in life. Parents' actions influence a child's personality and sense of self. At every stage of Michael K's life, including childhood, the boy...... middle of paper ......Michael K's era, shapes Michael K's perception and his process of accession to independence. His negative beginnings and quest for freedom set the tone for the novel's theme of freedom. Shaped by experiences with his mother, Michael K gains a sense of independence and autonomy as the novel progresses. Anna K affected Michael K's development of autonomy by not being the traditional, supportive, caring mother; however, she positively influences her son's development by displaying and attempting to achieve his own quest for freedom. Following in his footsteps, as Michael K did, we as human beings should have a similar goal in mind. As previously stated, every human being has the right to desire and achieve fundamental independence. Let us hope that we will achieve this independence, this freedom and this autonomy before the time when the breath of life withdraws from our bodies..

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