An Interpretation Of Clegg’s Abnormal Self In The Collector From A Postmodernist Perspective

John Fowles is a spokesman for postmodernist novels in Great Britain,and also a prestigious writer in the worldwide circle of literature in the twentieth century.Having experienced the cruelty and ruthlessness of World War Two,Fowles pays close attention to the influence on individuals by social and historical environment in his novels,particularly the influence on individuals’ self-development in postmodern society.Fowles’ first novel The Collector,which gained a favorable reception around the British and American critics after being published,marks Fowles’ beginning of the exploration of individuals’ self-development.In The Collector,Fowles investigates the nature of human’s self,and discloses the hardship of individuals and the predicament of people’s self in western society.This thesis attempts to interpret Clegg’s abnormal self in The Collector.Through investigating the manifestations of Clegg’s nemo,alienated self,and isolated self in postmodern society,this thesis explores the reasons of Clegg’s anti-ego,distorted personality,and isolated relationship with other people.In postmodern environment,Clegg’s abnormal self is caused by his predicament of existential background,the estrangement with other people around him,and the sharp contradiction between the different social classes.Investigating Clegg’s abnormal self in postwar environment from a postmodernist perspective helps the readers realize the connection between social influence and the formation of one’s character,and alerts those people who are on the edge of self-alienation to know themselves objectively and deal with the contradictions between themselves and the external environment.Clegg’s abnormal self embodies the indifference and estrangement of human beings in contemporary society,and appeals to people for reaching a harmonious society.It is inevitable to march from alienation and isolation to harmony in the long river of history.However,in this materialistic society,the process needs the joint efforts of people in all the classes of society.It needs their civilized and heartfelt communications with human beings and the nature,so that the society could be towards harmony and prosperity.