| John Fowles is well-known as a great novelist of British postmodernism.During his whole life,he creates many popular works including The Collector,The French Lieutenant’s Woman and The Magus.The Magus published at the second is virtually the first novel that John Fowles began working on.He has spent lots of time and efforts on revising it.So far,The Magus has achieved tremendous popularity.The studies about it are quite comprehensive.However,few studies have been done from the perspective of authenticity to reveal its theme.This thesis argues that Nicholas’ adventurous journey is a process of approaching to an existential authenticity which is unrealized by his inauthentic life at first and finally achieved with the help of other characters in this novel.This thesis is composed of five parts which will give a detailed analysis of the protagonist Nicholas’ quest for authenticity by examining his inauthentic life,other main characters’ help and his final success of achieving authenticity.The first part is a brief introduction to John Fowles and The Magus,and the current researches about this novel.The second part aims at analyzing Nicholas’ inauthentic life.Firstly,he leads a life with loneliness.He always keeps distance from his family,acquaintances,true love and even his country.Besides,he has many unrealistic fantasies about life,which brings him seas of pains.The third part focuses on the process of Nicholas’ achieving authenticity.This part contends that the isolated island-Phraxos and other three characters have essential influence on Nicholas’ evolution.Phraxos is quiet and pure,and it makes Nicholas clam down so that Nicholas can have a good preparation for his changes.Conchis with his authority weaves Nicholas’ defects into his stories so that Nicholas can have a self-reflection.Julie helps Nicholas realize his irresponsibility to women.Alison who truly loves him always tries to help him get rid of his fantasies about life.The fourth part is devoted to analyze Nicholas’ achieving authenticity.It argues that after experiencing the ordeals of Godgame,Nicholas has a more comprehensive and better knowledge of himself,which is embodied in his achieving individuality,assuming responsibility and getting rid of all his fantasies.The last part is to draw a conclusion of this thesis. |
