Creating a postmodern myth : the use and function of classical allusion and myth in selected novels of John Fowles

Abstract

The use of classical allusion and myth in postmodern literature initially seems to create a paradox, especially when keeping in mind some of the characteristics of postmodern literature, such as contemporariness, innovation, a questioning attitude and self-reflexion. Nevertheless, John Fowles uses classical allusions in most of his postmodernist writings. In order to determine the extent of the use of classical allusions and the end to which this use leads, as well as its function in postmodern literature, an attempt is made to provide a theoretical framework to deal with classical allusion and myth, and the interpretative problems the reader has to face when confronted by an allusion. The theoretical concepts discussed are applied in the analysis of three of Fowles's novels, namely The French Lieutenant's Woman (1969), The Magus (1977) and Mantissa (1982). These novels are treated separately . The aim is to ascertain whether the use of classical allusion and myth in postmodern literature leads to the creation of a myth with postmodern characteristics. An overview of the use of classical allusions in the rest of the Fowles oeuvre is also given, in order to establish the development in his use of classical allusion. An assessment of the reader's involvement in dealing with classical allusions in postmodern literature is provided as well. The conclusion indicates whether or not Fowles creates a so called postmodern myth, and to which extent the reader contributes to the process. The question whether classical allusion and myth still have something to say for postmodern man is also addressed, in an attempt to ascertain the place of the former in postmodern literature .