The French Lieutenant's Woman by John Fowles: the endings of the novel

The French Lieutenant's Woman by John Fowles: the endings of the novel

Q. How many endings are there in The French Lieutenant's Woman by John Fowles. Briefly comment on the endings of the novel.

Answer: “The French Lieutenant's Woman" by John Fowles has two endings, which are labeled as "The Ending of the Victorian Age" and "The Ending of the Book." These endings are presented as alternate possibilities, and the reader is left to choose which one they prefer.

In the first ending, "The Ending of the Victorian Age," the novel's protagonist, Charles Smithson, ultimately chooses to marry his fiancée, Ernestina Freeman, despite his love for Sarah Woodruff, the eponymous French Lieutenant's Woman. This ending is presented as a conventional and predictable outcome, in keeping with the social norms of the Victorian era.

Besides, in this first ending, when Charles chooses to conform to society's expectations and marries Ernestina, it can be seen as a commentary on the limited choices available to individuals during the Victorian era. This ending also highlights the tension between duty and desire, as Charles must choose between his obligation to marry Ernestina and his love for Sarah.

In contrast, the second ending, "The Ending of the Book" presents a more ambiguous and unconventional conclusion. In this ending, the narrative voice intrudes to comment on the limitations of historical fiction, suggesting that the characters are ultimately fictions created by the author. This ending leaves the reader with a sense of uncertainty and complexity, as they are forced to consider the role of the author, the reader, and the novel itself in shaping our understanding of the past.

This second ending, "The Ending of the Book," also challenges the reader's assumptions about the characters and the nature of fiction. By acknowledging the constructed nature of the novel, Fowles forces the reader to consider the ways in which the author shapes our understanding of history and the role of imagination in the creation of stories. This ending can be seen as a metafictional comment on the nature of the novel as a form of storytelling.

Overall, the two endings of " The French Lieutenant's Woman" offer contrasting perspectives on the themes of love, class, and storytelling. While the first ending may be seen as a more conventional and predictable conclusion, the second ending challenges the reader to reflect on the nature of fiction and the ways in which it shapes our understanding of the world.

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