Important and main key points of the novel The French Lieutenant 's Woman by John Fowles?

1. The novel is set in the 19th century and follows the story of Charles Smithson, a wealthy gentleman engaged to Ernestina Freeman, who becomes infatuated with Sarah Woodruff, a mysterious and enigmatic woman known as the French Lieutenant's Woman.

2. The novel explores themes of love, desire, social class, and the constraints of Victorian society. It also delves into the complexities of human relationships and the struggle between passion and duty.

3. Sarah Woodruff is a complex and enigmatic character who challenges societal norms and expectations. She is seen as a fallen woman by society due to her affair with a French lieutenant, but she also represents a sense of freedom and independence that Charles finds alluring.

4. The novel is known for its metafictional elements, as the author frequently breaks the fourth wall and inserts himself into the narrative, offering commentary on the characters and their actions.

5. The ending of the novel is ambiguous and open to interpretation, leaving readers to ponder the fates of the characters and the choices they have made.

6. The French Lieutenant's Woman is considered a postmodern classic and is praised for its innovative narrative structure, rich character development, and exploration of complex themes.

Key Points

Setting and Historical Context:
- Set in Victorian England (1867)
- Explores class divisions, societal expectations, and the changing role of women

Characters:
- Charles Smithson: A gentleman whose life is disrupted by an encounter with a mysterious woman.
- Sarah Woodruff: The "French Lieutenant's Woman," a former governess living in isolation.
- Ernestina Freeman: Charles's pragmatic and independent fiancé.

Plot:
- Charles falls in love with Sarah, despite their social differences and the fact that she has a past.
- Their relationship challenges Victorian norms and threatens their respective positions in society.
- The novel explores different interpretations of the affair, including Charles's own past and Sarah's hidden truths.

Themes:
- Love and Social Class: The boundaries and conflicts that arise between people from different socioeconomic strata.
- Victorian Identity and Repression: The strictures and expectations placed on individuals, particularly women, in Victorian society.
- Historical Perspective: The novel examines the past through a contemporary lens, exploring how it shapes present-day understandings.
- Metafiction and Narrative Perspective: The novel's unconventional structure and multiple perspectives challenge traditional notions of storytelling.
- Free Will and Determinism: The extent to which individuals can control their own destinies or are determined by external forces.

Key Points:

- The novel presents a complex and nuanced portrait of Victorian society.
- It explores the psychological and emotional consequences of defying social conventions.
- The characters grapple with issues of identity, morality, and the search for purpose.
- The novel's ending is ambiguous, allowing for multiple interpretations.
- It is considered one of the most important works of postmodern fiction and has been adapted into a number of films and television series.