The philosophical view of the Few and the Many, in relation to authenticity, is a prevalent notion featured in John Fowles’, “The Collector”. It targets the idea that the Few are those who are “the good, the intelligent, and the independent” while the Many are those who are “the stupid, the ignorant, and the easily molded”. In his book, Fowles seeks to express his perspective of this profound concept through the characters, Miranda and Clegg. Fowles admits that Miranda belongs to the Few, while Clegg belongs to the Many. It is accepted that these characters acquired such titles through hazards in their lives. Both Miranda and Clegg have undergone experiences throughout their lives that have shaped the person they are. In regards to authenticity,
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One fault being his inability to conquer his anxieties of other people, specifically class differences.
Having the attitude, “you’re not their class and they treat everyone else as if they were dirt” (289), it is evident that Clegg has had an arduous struggle with this issue long before his capture of Miranda. Despite Clegg meeting the financial standards of the upper-class, he originated from the lower-class, which prevents him from escaping. Not being able to escape strains Clegg, as he despises the class that he is associated with. QUOTE. This loathing feeling undergoes no change or improvement, especially in dire situations. Close to dying, Miranda requires immediate medical assistance through a doctor, prompting Clegg to seek out help. Upon arrival in the doctor’s office, Clegg cannot bear the idea that everyone is ridiculing him, “I must have looked daft in the room, with all the people looking at me” (288). Shortly thereafter, he leaves decidedly leaves, “So I turned and walked out and went” (290). Having no proper treatment, this action of Clegg’s sadly cost Miranda her life. It is because of Clegg’s powerful anxiety that he cannot tolerate situations in which he is exposed to it. The lack of control and strong aversion of his anxieties and nauseas does not make Clegg an authentic person. In fact, such actions make Clegg the exact opposite of
One fault being his inability to conquer his anxieties of other people, specifically class differences.
Having the attitude, “you’re not their class and they treat everyone else as if they were dirt” (289), it is evident that Clegg has had an arduous struggle with this issue long before his capture of Miranda. Despite Clegg meeting the financial standards of the upper-class, he originated from the lower-class, which prevents him from escaping. Not being able to escape strains Clegg, as he despises the class that he is associated with. QUOTE. This loathing feeling undergoes no change or improvement, especially in dire situations. Close to dying, Miranda requires immediate medical assistance through a doctor, prompting Clegg to seek out help. Upon arrival in the doctor’s office, Clegg cannot bear the idea that everyone is ridiculing him, “I must have looked daft in the room, with all the people looking at me” (288). Shortly thereafter, he leaves decidedly leaves, “So I turned and walked out and went” (290). Having no proper treatment, this action of Clegg’s sadly cost Miranda her life. It is because of Clegg’s powerful anxiety that he cannot tolerate situations in which he is exposed to it. The lack of control and strong aversion of his anxieties and nauseas does not make Clegg an authentic person. In fact, such actions make Clegg the exact opposite of