John Fowles' The Collector impresses with its psychological depth and compelling narrative. Critics praise its exploration of obsession and power dynamics, highlighting Fowles' masterful storytelling and character development. However, some find the novel's dark themes and disturbing content challenging. Overall, it's deemed a gripping and thought-provoking read.

Readers fascinated by psychological thrillers and intricate character studies will enjoy John Fowles' The Collector. Comparable to Nabokov's Lolita and Highsmith's The Talented Mr. Ripley, it appeals to those intrigued by the darker aspects of human nature and the dynamics of obsession.

In John Fowles's debut novel, The Collector, published in 1963, the story follows Frederick Clegg, a young lepidopterist who becomes obsessed with Miranda Grey, a beautiful art student. After winning a fortune, Frederick kidnaps Miranda and imprisons her in his cellar, treating her like a rare butterfly. The novel explores themes of class conflict, existential choice, and the destructive nature of collecting. The plot features stalking, sexual assault, kidnapping followed by prolonged captivity, psychological torture, and violence.

Dark / Unnerving / Mysterious / Contemplative

- The Collector was the debut novel of John Fowles, establishing him as a prominent writer after its publication in 1963.
- Fowles has often mentioned that The Collector was inspired by his fascination with entomology, particularly in how collectors capture and display butterflies.
- The novel was quickly adapted into a film in 1965, directed by William Wyler and starring Terence Stamp and Samantha Eggar, receiving several Academy Award nominations.

**Frederick Clegg**  
An orphan from a working-class background who becomes wealthy and struggles with feelings of inferiority and resentment toward the bourgeoisie. He is antisocial and has a complex relationship with the concept of morality.

**Miranda Grey**  
A young woman and aspiring artist from a troubled home, who is determined to escape the conservative bourgeois values of her upbringing. She becomes entangled with Frederick, leading to significant personal growth and self-realization.

**George Paston**  
A 41-year-old artist and mentor figure to Miranda, known for his opinionated and dogmatic views on art. He is admired by Miranda but ultimately revealed to be more pretentious than principled.

**Aunt Annie**  
Frederick's aunt who raises him from infancy alongside her own daughter. A Nonconformist Christian with a history of persecution in her religious background, she impacts Frederick's worldview and insecurities.

John Fowles

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Collector reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Collector | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Collector and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Collector Summary

Background

The Collector Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 1, Pages 5-48

The Collector Chapter 1, Pages 5-48 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 1, Pages 49-102

The Collector Chapter 1, Pages 49-102 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 2, Pages 103-166

The Collector Chapter 2, Pages 103-166 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 2, Pages 167-235

The Collector Chapter 2, Pages 167-235 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 3-4

The Collector Chapters 3-4 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Collector Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Collector Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Collector Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Collector Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Collector Essay Topics

The Collector

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Collector?

Reading Age

Book Details