The aristos and the hoi polloi : class consciousness in John Fowles's works

Abstract

In this dissertation, I shall analyse the apparent division between the intellectuals or aristos and the masses or the hoi polloi in John Fowles's novels with particular attention to his masterpiece The Collector. Here, the discrepancy is accentuated through the use of the diary entries by the two conflicting characters. I will also refer to Fowles's philosophical treatise The Aristos which reveals all of his beliefs and ideals on the subject at hand, as well as another two of his novels-The French Lieutenant's Woman and The Magus, which both show the progress of a man towards aristos. My first chapter is an introductory one, in which I shall discuss a number of claims Fowles makes in The Aristos-namely the qualities and responsibilities of the aristos, the ignorance of the masses and the concept of hazard. My aim in this chapter is to stress Fowles's belief that the possibility of change and growth depends ultimately on the individual. My second chapter will discuss the perils of collection and possession in some detail given that it is an underlying theme within all of Fowles's novels. My primary focus is on the character Clegg, a dull psychopath that takes his habit of collection onto another level. My final chapter deals with a range of ideas regarding what factors may affect membership to become aristos. Education, social class and money are all characteristics that seem to matter significantly. My aim in this chapter is to show that even though their importance cannot be discounted, what constitutes aristos is something more inherent and that ultimately, any individual from whatever background may succeed in becoming an intellectual.