Free And Equal Dialogue-Polyphony In A Maggot

John Fowles, whose novels are characteristic of innovation, takes the lead in the field of postmodern literature in Britain. Compared with Fowles’s bestsellers, his last novel A Maggot has long been neglected by readers and critics. Virtually, A Maggot is a classical example of innovative postmodern novels not only in its structure but also in its theme. This thesis attempts to analyze the spirit of free and equal dialogue in A Maggot via interpreting its carnival characters, hybrid literary types and polyphonic time-space on the basis of Bakhtin’s polyphonic theory.Chapter One explores the carnival figures in A Maggot. Fowles deliberately describes quite a few marginalized characters who are rambling about in the bordering areas. They abhor the pervasive social values, resist conventions and customs, and claim for equality between men and women. Dissatisfied with the established hierarchical systems and hoping for a free society, they relentlessly taunt the authoritative, the orthodox and the sacred. As a matter of fact, the figures in A Maggot are invested with tremendous potentials and energy of decrowing and subversion.Chapter Two concentrates on the hybridity of heterogeneous texts. In A Maggot, Fowles juxtaposes a diversity of non-literary texts, such as witnesses’testimonies, private epistles, newspapers and magazines. The merge of heterogeneous texts are not only satirically parodic to the dominant literary languages and high genres but also demonstrates the spirit of inclusiveness and pluralism. In addition, A Maggot intermingles a multiplicity of languages. Their encounter in the novel forms a carnival feast of languages and, what’s more, embodies the dialogues and conflicts of opposing viewpoints, either literarily or ideologically.Chapter Three analyzes the polyphony of time-space in A Maggot. Fowles establishes a synchronic discourse field, the synchronic narration blurs the core event (Bartholomew’s disappearance as well as Dick’s death) and further enhances the relativity and pluralism of truth. Meanwhile, Fowles creates a number of bordering areas, which serves as a quasi-carnival square where informal and intimate communications are allowed, and where the wholesome crowning and decrowning activities can occur. As a result, the rigid hierarchy will eventually be overthrown and a new system will be established.All in all, by foregrounding the carnivalization of characters, the hybridity of literary types and the polyphony of time-space, Fowles intends to construct a democratic, liberal and multiplied world, in which the author, the characters and readers can express their ideas unrestrictedly. In this sense, A Maggot is not only a transgression of conventional literary creation, but also an enhancement of the spirit of free and equal dialogue.