J.M. 쿳시의 자서전 담론 —『소년 시절』과 『『청년 시절』에 나타난 임상적 초상

J.M. Coetzee skillfully disrupts and deconstructs the conventional boundaries of autobiography, coining the term “autre-biography” to encapsulate his unique approach that lies somewhere between autobiography and fiction. His profound engagement with the genre of autobiography dates back to 1984, when he delivered an inaugural lecture at the University of Cape Town titled “Truth in Autobiography.” This lecture laid the groundwork for his 1986 essay, “Confession and Double Thoughts: Tolstoy, Rousseau, Dostoevsky,” where he intricately challenged the notion of truth-telling within the realm of autobiography. This paper delves into the complexities of Coetzee’s multifaceted perspectives on autobiography, positing that his overarching theory of autobiography significantly influences and permeates his own autobiographical works. Through meticulous examination, this paper aims to unravel Coetzee’s intricate narrative techniques and shed light on how his conceptualization of autobiography shapes the thematic underpinnings of Boyhood and Youth. In both Boyhood and Youth, Coetzee fearlessly confronts uncomfortable truths about himself, demonstrating a willingness to expose aspects of his life that may not align with his personal interests. Despite the elusive nature of these revelations, Coetzee’s unconventional foray into crafting his own autre-biography attests to his earnest and, at times, ruthless commitment to portraying the “aura of truth” surrounding his life and times. For him, the culmination of confession lies in the relentless pursuit of truth for oneself, emphasizing the profound and transformative power of scrutinizing the past through a lens of unflinching honesty and ultimately achieving a sense of forgiveness.