E887 - Waiting for the Barbarians: A Summary of Coetzee's Novel

Chapter 1 What's Waiting For The Barbarians

"Waiting for the Barbarians" is a novel by J.M. Coetzee that explores the complex themes of colonialism, power, and moral responsibility through the narrative of an unnamed magistrate in a remote outpost of a colonial empire. As tensions rise between the empire and the indigenous people, the magistrate grapples with his own complicity in the oppressive systems of power, ultimately questioning the morality of civilization itself. The story delves into the psychological and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals in positions of authority, as well as the consequences of denying humanity in favor...