Synopses & Reviews
John Fowles's 1969 novel The French Lieutenant's Woman has become a modern classic but it is a complex novel and can be daunting to study. This accessible guide offers detailed readings of the text as well as accounts of Fowles's influences and the context of the novel's composition. It also discusses Fowles's manipulation of the story's Victorian setting and source material, and his treatment of key themes such as gender, sexuality and social class. It addresses the reviews and critical reception of the novel, and offers study suggestions and a guide to further reading. A separate section engages with the 1981 film adaptation scripted by Harold Pinter. This introduction to the text is the ideal companion to study, offering guidance on: Literary and historical context Language, style and form Reading The French Lieutenant's Woman Critical reception and publishing history Adaptation and interpretation Further reading>
Synopsis
The French Lieutenant's Woman is widely taught at the undergraduate level but because it is a complex novel and can be daunting to study, William Stephenson's Reader's Guide will be invaluable for struggling students. Stephenson provides accounts of Fowles's influences and the context of the novel's composition, as well as his treatment of gender, sexuality and social class. Also included is a close analysis of the 1981 film adaptation.
Table of Contents
1. Contexts 2. Language, Style and Form 3. Reading
The French Lieutenant's Woman 4. Critical Reception and Publishing History 5. Adaptation: The Novel on Film6. Guide to Further Reading Index