2026 Reading Challenge
Foe

Questions About Foe

by J.M. Coetzee

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Answered Questions (2)

Is it good to have read Robinson Crusoe before reading this to get more of an understanding or more enjoyment from this book?
Ana Krstić I think it's important to read Robinson Crusoe prior to reading Foe. Not only because of the deeper understanding of the myth itself but also to be ab…moreI think it's important to read Robinson Crusoe prior to reading Foe. Not only because of the deeper understanding of the myth itself but also to be able to understand the tone of "Foe" represented in its long monologues.(less)
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This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)
Guga Mikaberidze My impression is that this book is about a woman who couldn't tell the true story about what happened, something involving her daughter, or "ship crus…moreMy impression is that this book is about a woman who couldn't tell the true story about what happened, something involving her daughter, or "ship crush". The memory of it seems to be repressed in Friday, the embodiment of the secret, following her as a shadow. She can not make him talk, nor can she get rid of him.
The very last bit then is the moment of revelation: she forces Friday's mouth open and the stream comes out washing her clean.
This might be just one way of seeing the story though. (less)
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