The Chaser by John Collier Literary Analysis Essay Example

By analyzing the characters in The Chaser by John Collier, it becomes clear that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The main character, Alan, wants a girl named Diana to fall in love with him. He finds an easy solution to his problem, a love potion. Alan doesn't doubt his luck. "(The old man starts by presenting an expensive poison.)"I want nothing of that sort," said Alan (The old man then says):"Please a customer with one article, and he will come back when he needs another. Even if it is more costly." (Alan responded only with) "So, you really do sell love potions?"(...) (The old man carefully says he wouldn't have mentioned the poison if he didn't have a love potion)" (2 Collier). Alan expresses how impressed, interested he is in the love potion and disregards the old man’s hidden warning. The old man hints that many customers come back for the poison. This indicates that there is a bad outcome from the love potion, and they will need the poison to fix their mistakes. Alan is blindsided by the magic-like potion and is eager to get his hands on it since it’s cheap and effective immediately. He acts quickly and doesn't see anything wrong with the potion. "(Alan is mesmerized by the effects of the love potion) "Their effects are permanent (...)they substitute devotion. For scorn, adoration. Give one tiny measure of this to the young lady and(...)she will change altogether. She will want nothing but solitude and you." (the old man told Alan) "That is love!" cried Alan." (3 Collier). Alan thinks what the old man has described is love; however, it's not. It's someone being obsessed with you. Alan even said he couldn't ever imagine Diana acting jealous or being concerned about him, in love with him. Alan is being naive, he doesn't think about how irritating it can be to have someone obsessed with you, Diana will be very clingy. Everybody needs their own space so this will eventually make Alan unhappy. In conclusion, this story shows using Alan’s characterization, personality and conversations that things aren't always as they seem and you never know what you want until you finally have it.