It consolidates that Clegg is an unusual person, as his condition of attachment towards Miranda is unorthodox. He is obsessed and becomes fixated upon her. As a response to this, the readers are encouraged to read further, as it appeals to their morbidity, keeping them on the edge of their seat wondering what will happen next.
The theme of appearance and reality is addressed in The Collector. It is Clegg's attachment to Miranda through physical attraction that illustrates this. He originally observes her, as if she were his finest specimen, like a butterfly. Through this, the readers understand that Clegg's attraction towards Miranda is false, as he initially does not know her, and merely likes her because of her looks; not her personality, interests or inner qualities. Clegg: I dont want much Miranda: I know you dont. Only the things that I have to give anyway. The way I look and speak and move. But Im other things. I have other things to give. And I cant give them to you because I dont love you. This presents to the readers that nothing is what it seems, endorsing the proverbs of dont judge a book by it's cover and it's the inside that counts. It also reminds the readers that judging people from the outside is superficial, and that looking beneath the surface and having an insight on their motivations, desires, and emotions is where the true beauty lies. The readers, therefore, relate and empathise towards Miranda, as in society we share similar views as her. However, it is later in the narrative, as Clegg gets to know Miranda, that he begins to dislike, or not be so attracted towards her. I was really very disappointed, I thought all her talk was very silly. This reinforces the idea that Clegg's love for Miranda is mere physical attraction. He does not care about what she thinks; he does not truly value her opinions, and does not want to know who she really is. To him, she is simply a thing or object.