Strictly speaking, my interest is not in legal rights for animals but in a change of heart towards animals

Strictly speaking, my interest is not in legal rights for animals but in a change of heart towards animals

In the context of J.M. Coetzee, the statement "Strictly speaking, my interest is not in legal rights for animals but in a change of heart towards animals" reflects the author's deep concern for the ethical treatment of animals and the need for a shift in human attitudes towards them. Coetzee, a South African novelist and Nobel laureate known for his exploration of moral and social issues in his works, has often delved into the complex relationship between humans and animals in his writing.

Coetzee's interest in the treatment of animals can be seen in his novel "Disgrace," where the protagonist, David Lurie, grapples with his own moral failings and the consequences of his actions towards animals. Through Lurie's experiences, Coetzee highlights the ways in which humans often exploit and mistreat animals for their own gain, reflecting a broader societal indifference towards the suffering of non-human beings.