This article aims to study aspects of postcolonialism, feminism, as well as symbolism, allegories and metaphors. For this I chose the novel Disgrace (1999) by JM Coetzee. The story takes place in Cape Town, post-apartheid South Africa. David Lurie is a white man and works as an English professor at a technical university. He is a lecturer in “communication” and also teaches “romantic literature”. Lurie has already been divorced twice and it seems like he's not really happy with his job. His “shame” comes when he tries to seduce Melanie Isaacs, one of his students, against her will. This case is then referred to the school authorities and a special commission is convened to judge his actions.The role of CameliaThe fact that the entire plot takes place in the post-apartheid era refers to the theme of postcolonialism. In Lurie's eyes, his students are stupid and uninterested in his class. To the arrangement with the perceived futility of his existence, belongs the affair with his student Melanie, because it fills the empty time and makes him forget the fear of growing old. But the affair breaks down and proceedings against the teacher are initiated. Of course, many people are furious about Lurie's action and this is where feminism comes in. The organization Women Against Rape is holding a twenty-four hour vigil with rape victims. Everything is done to protect women, there is a “Rape Awareness Week” on the university campus (p.43). The investigation department wants David to confess and feel remorse, but he is stubborn and considers himself superior and more powerful than dark-skinned people. Mr. Lurie completely fails to see that he has made a huge mistake and refuses to...... middle of paper ...... In the novel Disgrace, Lurie, the white man, seems in a sense to mirror this character because he is selfish and behaves very disrespectfully towards women. Books: Disgrace (1999) by JM Coetzee p. 43, 64, 74, 90, 92, 129, 198The Way of The Sign (2011) by Camelia EliasCompendium, Text and Sign: Fall 2013 by Spencer HazelWebsites: http://www.shmoop.com/disgrace-coetzee/symbolism - imagery.html http://www.novelguide.com/disgrace/metaphor-analysis http://www.ajol.info/index.php/tvl/article/view/93208 Books: Disgrace (1999) by JM Coetzee p . 43, 64, 74, 90, 92, 129, 198The Way of The Sign (2011) by Camelia EliasCompendium, Text and Sign: Fall 2013 by Spencer HazelWebsites: http://www.shmoop.com/disgrace-coetzee/symbolism - imagery.html http://www.novelguide.com/disgrace/metaphor-analysishttp://www.ajol.info/index.php/tvl/article/view/93208