logo

55 pages 1 hour read

The Collector

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1963

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
John Fowles

The Collector

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1963
Book Details
Pages

283

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Sussex, England • 1960s

Publication Year

1963

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

670L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.0

87,121 ratings

73%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Collector?

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.

4.0

87,121 ratings

73%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

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.

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.

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.

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.

Book Details
Pages

283

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Sussex, England • 1960s

Publication Year

1963

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

670L

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.