The techniques an author employs, and the way in which they are manipulated, often determine the reader's response towards a novel's themes. The Collector, written by John Fowles is broken into three sections. The first and third sections, narrated by the character of Clegg, and the middle, narrated by the character of Miranda. The entire novel, therefore, is written in first person point of view. Through this narrative technique, other elements, such as the thriller genre, symbolism of the structure, and psychological interpretation are raised. It is through these components, that the narrative's themes are presented, allowing the readers to respond accordingly. The theme of appearance and reality endorses proverbs such as nothing is what it seems, the problem of freedom presents the power of the criminal mind, the stunted self introduces psychological behaviour, and the problem of love addresses views of false and true love.
The Collector is a feature of the thriller genre, thus contributing to the novel's entertaining capability A thriller is a novel, play or film with a sensational plot, usually dealing with crime. (#1) This type of genre often creates emotional excitement and quivering sensations running through the body. The first part, narrated by Clegg, is written in first person point of view, which adds realism and immediacy to the novel. Through this technique, Clegg is portrayed as a much more frightening character, creating a convincing picture of a madman. This is presented through his way of thinking and speech; and more so through his actions, (such as the actual abduction of Miranda and her imprisonment). sometimes Id see her. In the evening I marked it in my observations diary, at first with X, and then when I knew her name with M. seemed like we had become more intimate, although of course we still did not know each other in the ordinary way This explores the psychology of the abductor, enabling readers to make observations about the criminal mind.