The Collector, written by John Fowles in 1963, is a novel that tells the story of a man named Frederick Clegg and his obsession with a young art student named Miranda Grey. Clegg is a reclusive and eccentric man who works as a clerk in a government office, and has always been fascinated by Miranda, whom he has never met. When he wins the lottery, Clegg sees it as an opportunity to finally possess Miranda and make her his own. He kidnaps her and takes her to his secluded home, where he plans to keep her as a prisoner and eventually win her over through his love and devotion.
One of the main themes of The Collector is the idea of power and control. Clegg is a deeply insecure and lonely man who has always felt inferior to others, particularly those who are more educated and cultured than he is. His obsession with Miranda is driven by a desire to possess and control her, as well as to prove to himself and others that he is capable of achieving something great. He believes that by capturing Miranda and keeping her as a captive, he will be able to prove his worth and assert his dominance over her.
Another theme of the novel is the contrast between civilization and savagery. Clegg is a civilized man who lives in a modern, industrialized society, but his actions are those of a savage, as he abducts Miranda and holds her against her will. Miranda, on the other hand, is a cultured and educated woman who represents the values of civilization, but she is forced to adapt to her barbaric surroundings in order to survive.
Fowles also explores the theme of isolation in The Collector. Both Clegg and Miranda are isolated from the rest of society, but in different ways. Clegg is a social outcast who has always felt disconnected from others, while Miranda is physically isolated from the outside world when she is locked in Clegg's basement. Both characters struggle with their isolation and try to find ways to connect with others, but their attempts are ultimately unsuccessful.
Overall, The Collector is a thought-provoking and disturbing novel that explores themes of power, control, civilization, and isolation. Fowles' writing is evocative and intense, and he effectively captures the disturbing and unsettling nature of Clegg's obsession with Miranda. The novel raises important questions about the nature of love and the power dynamics that exist between people, and it serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession and the destructive consequences that can result from it.
