beneathare

Beneathare is a fictional location that serves as the setting for the novel "Beneath the Are" by J.M. Coetzee. The novel is part of Coetzee's "South African Quartet," a series that explores the political and social history of South Africa through the lives of its characters.

The story is set in the 1970s during the apartheid era, and the name "Beneathare" is derived from the Afrikaans phrase "benede die are," which translates to "below the line." This phrase refers to the racial segregation policies of the time, where non-white South Africans were forced to live in designated areas separate from the white population.

The novel follows the lives of several characters, including a white couple, a black domestic worker, and a white journalist, as they navigate the complex social and political landscape of South Africa. The story explores themes of identity, race, and the human cost of apartheid.

Coetzee's use of the phrase "Beneathare" adds a layer of symbolism to the novel, highlighting the physical and psychological separation of the characters and the broader society. The location serves as a metaphor for the deep divisions and inequalities that characterized South African society during that time.

"Beneath the Are" is a powerful exploration of the human experience under oppressive regimes, and it has been widely acclaimed for its literary merit and historical significance. The novel has been adapted into a film, further cementing its place in popular culture.