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The Magus Unveiled:Exploring Postmodernist Existential Uncertainty in John Fowles' novel

The purpose of this essay is to analyze the novel “The Magus” written by John Fowles through the theoretical lens of postmodernism, and the aim is to highlight the existentialism behind the story. The study seeks to explain the intricate relationship described in the novel between societal norms and manipulation, and existential themes such as the fragmentation of reality, the autonomy to choose, and the search for meaning in life. The analysis focuses on four characters, in particular their role in the narrative, as well as the use of intertextuality and specific narratological solutions like the first-person narrator and non-linear storytelling. Through the understanding of the sub-stories in the novel, this paper aims to offer a better understanding of Fowles’ ability to interconnect postmodernism with existential themes to create a rich and complex story, and ultimately to underscore the human condition within our society.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:hig-44564
Date January 2024
CreatorsArman, Nadia
PublisherHögskolan i Gävle, Avdelningen för humaniora
Source SetsDiVA Archive at Upsalla University
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeStudent thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text
Formatapplication/pdf
Rightsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

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