Lets just call him a kid toucher and be done with it

I think that it is interesting that there are two views of rape in the novel Disgrace, firstly there is the supposed rape of Melanie and then there is the rape of Davids daughter. I understand that Melanie was a college student but she is also someones child. Davids constant dips between what is really going on and the fantasy he lives in because of his love of poetry demonstrate two things, he is out of touch with reality and is constantly delving into moments of fantasy because he is bored with his own everyday life. His fascination with Melanie seems to be him fulfilling another fantasy, since he is no longer the handsome ladies man he once was Melanie a student of his someone that does not know him romantically seems like the perfect target for his advances. I know it sounds weird to call him a kid toucher because Melanie is obviously college age since she goes to a University, however the way shes portrayed in the novel paints her as childish and David as some shuffling middle of the road balding CPA type who is trying to re live his glory days through someones child. He is projecting his sexual desires onto others and writing it all off as a mans purpose. Sorya seemed to be the only person I could successfully say he fit with. I say this because she provided him with not only sexual companionship but a fantasy that in the beginning was not hurting anyone. By pursuing Melanie he is not only putting his job and student in danger but by attempting to live out a fantasy through her is displaying a sort of psychological imbalance. Atleast with Sorya his afairs did not affect anyone in his work environment. I also find it Ironic that since David endangers his job by having and affair with Melanie although he is someone her parents should trust he is not. In this way he can be contrasted with the hired help his daughter has taken on to help with the farm work. Ultimately this is not someone she can trust, thus making him no better than the stranger she has known.