Waiting For The Barbarians Essay

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Waiting for the Barbarians Essay “Strength lies in our differences, not in similarities” (Covey). One of the greatest qualities of the human race is the originality of each person. Divergence in personality contributes to the mysteries and joys of life. J.M Coetzee displays many differences between personality in his novel, Waiting for the Barbarians. More specifically, there are many contrasting characteristics between the narrator and Colonel Joll represented through imagery, diction, and point of view. Clearly, the structure of this novel instills imagery to the reader and creates distinction between the narrator and Colonel Joll. For example, Colonel Joll is described wearing sunglasses portraying that he is a man of wealth and relishes …show more content…
The narrator is undoubtedly an inquisitive man when he curiously asks about Colonel Joll’s sunglasses. Not only is the narrator curious but he also is a caring and motivated man as he insists that they, “make a good impression on him”. Both Colonel Joll and the narrator are glad to converse about their passions for hunting. During this conversation, Colonel Joll brags about “when thousands of deer, pigs, bears were slain, so many that a mountain of carcasses had to be left to rot.” Obviously, this man can be inconsiderate to others and revels in an opportunity to gloat. On the other hand, the narrator articulates on native trapping styles and obviously is a sentimental man and is close to his roots.

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Given these points, it is evident that Colonel Joll and the Narrator have a vast amount of differences. These distinctions allow the novel to develop and establishes Waiting for the Barbarians as a great literary work. Owing to the use of diction, imagery, and point of view J.M Coetzee is able to fabricate two intricate contrasting characters. Not only do “strength lies in our differences” in life, but the distinctions between Colonel Joll and the Narrator are able to create a strong piece of literary
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