The Collector Themes

John Fowles’s The Collector explores the dynamics between captor and captive. The story revolves around Frederick Clegg, an alienated young man who kidnaps Miranda Grey, a vibrant art student, in a misguided attempt to gain control and connection. Clegg’s sense of power is derived from his ability to dominate Miranda physically, controlling her environment and restricting her freedom. Clegg regularly binds Miranda’s hands and gags her to control her movements and speech. Clegg…

In The Collector, Frederick Clegg comes from a working class background, which influences his worldview and sense of self-worth. His feelings of inferiority and resentment towards the upper classes manifest in his obsession with Miranda, an art student from a privileged background. Clegg’s desire to possess Miranda is not just about physical control but also about bridging the social chasm that separates them. He believes that by capturing and detaining her, he can…

In The Collector, gender roles shape the dynamics between Frederick Clegg and Miranda, revealing the power imbalances and societal expectations imposed on both characters. For his part, Clegg embodies a patriarchal mindset, where his perception of masculinity is intertwined with possession. His kidnapping of Miranda is both an act of obsession and a manifestation of his desire to assert ownership over her. This reflects a broader societal tendency to objectify and subordinate women…