The manipulation of the readers in “The Collector”
“The Collector” is a novel written by John Fowles and at first sight seems to be a simple story without subplots to divert our attention. After a carefully reading, the hiding meanings can be discovered and the words can be interpreted. This paper proves the reader’s manipulation and reveals a few devices which were used in order to control the people’s mind.
“The Collector” has two points of view which can easily manipulate the reader’s response to the characters. This novel is presented from two perspectives, Clegg’s and Miranda’s. By providing the reader two different perspectives, invites him to empathize with the specific narrator or to pick a side. Their opposing viewpoints result from different characters: Clegg is a psychopathic kidnapper, while Miranda is an intelligent, artistic, young woman. …show more content…
Repetition is a technique usually used to emphasize a point through reusing the same words, phrases or idea. In this novel Clegg uses the word “planned” many times. Due to this fact, in reader’s mind is created a certain character and Clegg will be seen as a control freak: “It was all planned” (Fowles, 1963: 11), “I put the gag on first, then I strapped her down, no hurry, no panic, like I planned.” (Fowles, 1963: 11), “Near Redhill I drove off the main road as planned” (Fowles, 1963: 11), “I planned what had to be done and ignored my natural feelings.” (Fowles, 1963: 125). The reader may believe that Clegg has some mental problems and he would not be a credible narrator. Moreover, he may be seen as a dangerous man with a malefic
“The Collector” is a novel written by John Fowles and at first sight seems to be a simple story without subplots to divert our attention. After a carefully reading, the hiding meanings can be discovered and the words can be interpreted. This paper proves the reader’s manipulation and reveals a few devices which were used in order to control the people’s mind.
“The Collector” has two points of view which can easily manipulate the reader’s response to the characters. This novel is presented from two perspectives, Clegg’s and Miranda’s. By providing the reader two different perspectives, invites him to empathize with the specific narrator or to pick a side. Their opposing viewpoints result from different characters: Clegg is a psychopathic kidnapper, while Miranda is an intelligent, artistic, young woman. …show more content…
Repetition is a technique usually used to emphasize a point through reusing the same words, phrases or idea. In this novel Clegg uses the word “planned” many times. Due to this fact, in reader’s mind is created a certain character and Clegg will be seen as a control freak: “It was all planned” (Fowles, 1963: 11), “I put the gag on first, then I strapped her down, no hurry, no panic, like I planned.” (Fowles, 1963: 11), “Near Redhill I drove off the main road as planned” (Fowles, 1963: 11), “I planned what had to be done and ignored my natural feelings.” (Fowles, 1963: 125). The reader may believe that Clegg has some mental problems and he would not be a credible narrator. Moreover, he may be seen as a dangerous man with a malefic