Where Fools Fear to Tread : Authenticity and 'Existing-ness' in The Magus
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概要
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The aim of this article is to analyse the way John Fowles relates 'existing-ness'-a conception of life which he finds in Lawrence's works-to an 'inauthentic' man's quest for 'authenticity', the central theme of The Magus. Closely looked at, the novel can be considered to be a Bildungsroman without Bildung; Nicholas, who epitomises masculine principles, is unable to attain authenticity, being unaffected by his extraordinary experience, including his encounter with Conchis. His failure springs mainly from his inability to release himself from his fantasies about sexuality and to accept the otherness of Alison, who embodies feminine principles. Significantly, their difference can be explained by the Lawrentian knower/un-knower dichotomy. Alison the 'un-knower' is admitted to the realm of life, whereas Nicholas the 'knower' is barred from that domain. Fowles revises Lawrence's gender-charged concept of 'existing-ness' so that it would celebrate all the life-affirming qualities throughout his book.
- 英米文化学会の論文
- 2003-03-31