John Fowles’s work delves deeply into the theme of the quest for self-knowledge or wholeness, as his protagonists navigate modern landscapes devoid of the past's guiding traditions. This quest is often internalized, with battles fought against ignorance and inertia rather than physical foes. Fowles’s narratives, rich with psychological depth, offer a social commentary on the human condition, urging readers towards self-discovery and change.

The Theme of Quest in Fowles's Fiction

Fowles’s protagonists engage in a quest for self-knowledge within a world that lacks the rituals and traditions of the past that once provided direction. His stories can be seen as variations on the theme of the medieval romance, where the modern journey becomes a psychological quest for self-understanding. Instead of fighting dragons and knights, today’s quester must navigate internal struggles and inertia, making the journey inward rather than outward.

In The Ebony Tower, Fowles explores these themes through short stories that are variations on the quest motif. Each story presents protagonists who are cut off from communication and the traditions of the past, leading to a sense of despair in contemporary life. The modern quester must contend with internal battles, where the journey is measured by the protagonist's ability to attain self-understanding and love.

"The Ebony Tower" as a Modern Quest Narrative

The title story of The Ebony Tower, featuring David Williams, exemplifies the internalized quest. Williams, an abstract painter, visits the estate of Henry Breasley, a traditionalist who challenges Williams to reconnect with his inner creativity. The setting, a "mythic landscape" named Coetminais, becomes Williams’s dark tower, mirroring the challenges faced by Childe Roland in Browning’s poem.

Williams’s journey at Coetminais reveals his internal division and lack of creativity, akin to T. S. Eliot’s "dissociation of sensibility." Breasley represents the opposite of Williams: a vibrant force of life and tradition. However, Williams fails to embrace this challenge fully, missing the opportunity to transcend his safe, abstract world.

The interaction with Diana, nicknamed "the Mouse," tempts Williams, representing the emotional and intuitive aspects he lacks. Although he is tempted, Williams retreats to the comfort of speech and analysis, failing to act on his feelings, signifying a missed opportunity for growth.

Connections to "Eliduc" and Other Stories

The connections between Williams’s story and the medieval tale "Eliduc," which follows in the collection, highlight the theme of choice. Both stories involve choices between two women and the potential for renewal through love. However, whereas "Eliduc" ends with a miraculous resurrection and new life, "The Ebony Tower" concludes with Williams’s realization of mere survival.

Similarly, the other stories in the collection, such as "Poor Koko," "The Enigma," and "The Cloud," explore themes of lost opportunities and failed quests. Each story presents a protagonist faced with a mystery or enigma, ultimately highlighting the breakdown of communication and the failure to achieve self-knowledge.

Variations on the Quest: The Collector and The Magus

Fowles’s first published novel, The Collector, presents a dark variation on the quest theme. Frederick Clegg, an antihero, captures Miranda, who represents the feelings and experiences he cannot understand. While Miranda embarks on an internal journey of self-discovery, Clegg remains unchanged, trapped in a psychological prison of his own making.

In contrast, The Magus offers a more hopeful portrayal of the quest. Nicholas Urfe undergoes a transformative journey on a Greek island under the guidance of Maurice Conchis. Through a series of trials, Nicholas gains self-awareness and learns to value love, signifying growth towards wholeness. The novel's ambiguous ending emphasizes the ongoing nature of the quest for self-discovery.

The French Lieutenant’s Woman: A Victorian Quest

The French Lieutenant’s Woman sets...