Throughout Daniel Defoe s, Robinson Crusoe one may see the effects of solitude on the development and life of the main character. When Robinson Crusoe becomes stranded on a desolate island, he must do whatever is necessary to survive. After being on the island for several years Crusoe learns to adapt to his surroundings and live with what he has. One thing he does not have for most of his stay there is a companion, another person to talk to, someone to share his thoughts with and help him out. To fulfill his desires of wanting company, Crusoe decides to let God become his companion. He starts to read the Bible and learn Christianity. Defoe seems to be a very strong believer in God. He believes that God s providence shapes the lives of all men and that any unusual circumstances or misfortunes that occur happen because that is the way God wanted it. Throughout the novel one can see other instances of divine intervention in Crusoe s life. Even though Robinson Crusoe is under impractical circumstances, stranded on this remote island, his isolation enables him to learn numerous things and become a devote Christian. He learns how to become an architect, a carpenter, a baker, a tailor, a farmer, an umbrella maker, and even a preacher. Crusoe becomes a very independent and resourceful individual as the novel progresses.
In the 17th century, the Catholic reform was sweeping through many parts of Europe. The period from 1600 to about 1750 is known as the Baroque Era. Throughout this period the Catholic Church was fighting back against the effects of the Renaissance. The people of the Renaissance society started to question their beliefs in the church and tried to rationally explain the world around them. Several crusades were fought throughout this period and in the end England and France became Christianized. Robinson Crusoe was published during the Baroque Era and it contained a great amount of Catholicism. Crusoe becomes a good Christian during his lonely stay on the deserted island and he also converts his companion Friday when he arrives on the island from cannibalism to Christianity. Crusoe believes that God put him on the island because that was his fate and that he must be happy with what God has chosen for him. This is the reason why Crusoe looks at the positive side of all things. Crusoe has been placed on this barren island as a punishment for his sins (disobeying his father) and for leaving his middle station of life.
The psychological condition of Robinson Crusoe was not just totally imagined by Daniel Defoe. Defoe was not a stranger to the life of imprisonment. In the early 18th century, Defoe was imprisoned for about six months. He was thrown in jail because of a controversial pamphlet that he wrote called The Shortest Was With Dissenters. In this pamphlet Defoe humorously implied that all people who were not members of the Church of England should be killed. This imprisonment may have given Defoe several thoughts of what is like to be totally cut off from civilization. One may see the severity of Crusoe s loneliness and lack of human companionship after his illness goes away. When he is better Crusoe is crying to God asking him why he has being punished in such a cruel manner. This gives the reader an idea of how Crusoe is feeling at that time in his life. He is extremely unhappy with his secular condition and that he has nobody to live with or speak to. This point is very important later on in the novel.
As Robinson Crusoe survives on his island and adapts very well to his surroundings he becomes lonely and wishes for some companionship. During his stay on the island Crusoe trains a parrot to speak to him just so he can hear another voice, even though it is just a repetition of his own words. Since he has an enormous amount of time on his hands, he takes the time to learn his scriptures well and become a companion to the Lord. If he was not stuck on the island by himself, he would have most likely forgotten about his religion as he did in the beginning of the novel. When Crusoe takes his first voyage on sea he is met with a great storm. During this storm he promises God that he will go home to his father if he survives. Once the storm stops and his fears are over, Crusoe abandons the promise that he made to the Lord.
It seems as if Crusoe would have given anything just to have another person with him on the island, but that turns out not to be the case when he is walking on the beach one day. As he is exploring his island he notices a footprint of a man in the sand. If he would have found this foot print in the first part of his stay on the island he might have been extremely happy that he is not alone on the island. He would also have been relieved that there were other inhabitants of the island and that there was a hope of salvation, but instead he has found it after many years of hard work and dedication. Now that he finds this foot print he totally flips his lid. He becomes terribly paranoid and very careful. He goes and covers anything that would give the owner of the foot print an idea that he lives on the island. This goes on for several years as Crusoe constructs a wall that may not be penetrated around his house, his plantation and his animals. Originally Crusoe craved for a companion and to speak to another person, but now the thing that he yearned for the most was what he feared even more. As this fear set in Crusoe temporarily forgets about the Divine Providence of God and the possibility of being saved. Being in solitude for so long has finally started to have psychological effects on Crusoe. He becomes totally enraged with the thought of another human on his island and he prepares his house for a war. He arms all of his weapons and is ready to kill anyone that comes near his sacred home, grain, or animals. The discovery of this footprint brings out the best and worst of his desires, the possible reunion with a human being or the frightening thought of the penetration of his body and home. Man is now a threat as much as a savior is. His condition is now evident: the strength of his character that has made him flourish in isolation has now distorted all his social instincts and civilized manners. He only feels comfortable with himself, his animals, and the Lord in which he can trust
Crusoe lives in fear of the footprint for the next couple of years. The print made a huge effect on his lifestyle. He changed the way he did everything, such as killing goats without his gun. He spends much of the next few years in hiding instead of exploring. After several years of this fear, he finally realizes that his opposition might be a way for him to change his current status and escape off the island.
Crusoe has become extremely confused during his stay on the island. At first he dreams for someone to come and save him, then he fears that someone will try to destroy him, and then later on in the novel he once again wishes for companionship and rescues Friday from savages. This confusion on the part of Crusoe is due to his current state. He has been isolated from civilization for more than fifteen years and it has driven him to the point of uncertainty, paranoia, and slight lunacy. Once he saves Friday he is satisfied with his decision and is very glad to hear the voice of someone else even though he does not comprehend anything that Friday is saying. Crusoe believes that Friday is a present from the Providence and that he is not going to be on the island for much longer. Once again he thinks that Friday is the deliverance from God and that it is his time to escape because that is his destiny.
Throughout this work by Daniel Defoe, one can see the intervention of Divine Providence and the effect of the isolation on the life of Robinson Crusoe. As he is stranded on this barren island he has an unusually large amount of time on his hands that allows him to develop many skills, read the Bible and become a devoted Christian. Throughout the novel Crusoe has a change of mind several times in regard to the coexistence of another human being on his island.
Другие работы по теме:
Robinson Crusoe Essay Research Paper Daniel Defoes
Robinson Crusoe Essay, Research Paper Daniel Defoe?s most famous novel was published in 1719 with the full title, The Life and strange and surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe. It is based, in fact, upon the experiences of Alexander Selkirk who had run away to sea in 1704 and requested to be left on an uninhabited island to be rescued five years later.
To Kill A Mockingbird
– Lessons Scout Has Learned Essay, Research Paper This essay can be modified and used for self-benefit in any way. In To Kill a Mockingbird, a novel by Harper Lee, Jean Louise “Scout” Finch,
Robinson Crusoe And Gulliver Essay Research Paper
In the books Robinson Crusoe and Gulliver?s Travels, the characters are portrayed as resemble characters, being capable of clear thought during tense and troubled times. Also they are both related with shipwreck, but they are able to go on. This quality posses within Robinson Crusoe and Gulliver is a result of the author’s background and knowledge.
Friday
’s Moral Triumph Essay, Research Paper Rex Grey Mr. Volding English III 2 May 1999 Friday’s Moral Triumph The “primitive” Friday demonstrates exceedingly good values superior to those of the “civilized” Crusoe. Friday’s honesty, loyalty, and natural innocence are unequaled by Crusoe’s deceptiveness, lack of trust in Friday, and pessimistic ideas.
Robinson Crusoe Essay Research Paper From the
Robinson Crusoe Essay, Research Paper From the beginning of some life, people make many choices that affect their personal growth and livelihood, choices like what they should wear and/or what they should do. Even the littlest choices that they make could make a big difference in their lives. In the book, Robinson Crusoe retold by Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe, while on the island, made many choices, big and small, that affected his personal growth and contributed to why he survived for so long.
Survival In Solitude Essay Research Paper After
Survival In Solitude Essay, Research Paper After being stranded on an uninhabited island, Robinson Crusoe manages to discover his natural abilities that serve as indicators of his true character. At first glance the common adage, “Necessity is the mother of all inventions,” appears to account for the character of Robinson Crusoe; however, further analysis suggests that the intelligence, industriousness, and optimism are inherent to Crusoe’s personality.
Robinson Crusoe Essay Research Paper By definition
Robinson Crusoe Essay, Research Paper By definition, a savage is an uncivilized person. Friday would not fit this description because he was civilized. He was a product of the civilization that surrounded him where he came from. His appearance, behaviors, and beliefs were that of all the others in what might be called his tribe.
The Mockingbirds In Harper Lee
’s “To Kill A Mockingbird” Essay, Research Paper In this novel Aticus tells Jem and Scout that ?It?s a sin to kill a mockingbird.? This quote sums up the heart of the book. A mockingbird is a harmless creature
Robinson Crusoe And Deneil Defoe Essay Research
Paper Daniel Defoe, author of Robinson Crusoe, led a rather dramatic life, just like the character described in his novel. He had played various roles throughout his life. He used to be a successful merchant, though went out of business later. He published The True-Born Englishman, which was awarded by William III, and he also the author of The Short Way With The Dissentions, because of which he was sent to the court since the article ridicule the policy the government had taken towards the national church.
Robinson Crusoe And Gulliver
’s Travels: The Soldier Within Essay, Research Paper characters in Gullivers Travels and Robinson Crusoe are portrayed as resembling trained soldiers, being capable of clear thought during tense and troubled
Richard Cory Essay Research Paper EssayIn the
Richard Cory Essay, Research Paper Essay In the poem, ?Richard Cory?, Robinson describes the character, Richard Cory, as being wealthy, generous, handsome, and courteous. Regardless of his social status,
Crusoe Savage Man Essay Research Paper The
Crusoe Savage Man Essay, Research Paper The book Robinson Crusoe1 written by Daniel Defoe is about a young man who learns about the real world by “traveling the seas,” in doing so he skips the “middle station” of his life and away from the safety nets of his parents. Jean-Jacques Rousseau author of, The First and Second Discourses2, describes the savage man as he perceives him to be.
Caleb Williams And Robinson Crusoe Essay Research
Paper The Progression of the Eighteenth Century Novel Shows How Society Takes Over the Role of God The progression of the Eighteenth Century novel charts the transformation of the role of God into the role of society. In Daniel Defoe?s early Eighteenth Century novel, Robinson Crusoe, God makes the laws, gives out the punishments, and creates the terror.
To Kill A Mockingbird Thesis Essay Research
Paper TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD THESIS I feel that many characters in To Kill a Mockingbird showed courage. They did not all show the same type of courage, but I will try to explain the courage of Atticus, Scout, and Tom Robinson as I saw it.
Morality And Religion In Defoe
’s Writing Essay, Research Paper MORALITY AND RELIGION IN DEFOE’S WRITING ( ROBINSON CRUSOE AND MOLL FLANDERS ) Daniel Defoe was born in 1660.Daniel received a very good education as his father hoped he would become a minister , but Daniel was not interested.His family were Dissenters, Presbyterians to be precise, and those sects were being persecuted a bit at this time so maybe Daniel had the right idea.He was always very tolerant of other’s religious ideas himself he was a good puritan at the same time.He’d pretty much against the ministry,though he wrote and spoke in favor of the Dissenters all his life.However being a religious man he sometimes critisized Christianty .Somehow he reflected his beliefs in his books,writings.
Robinson Crusoe By Daniel Defoe c 16591731
) Essay, Research Paper An adventurous tale, The Life and Strange Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, as Defoe titled his novel, is especially loved by children, although there is certainly enough to keep
Robinsin Crusoe Essay Research Paper A book
Robinsin Crusoe Essay, Research Paper A book review of Daniel Defoe’s: Robinson Crusoe Robinson Crusoe is an imaginary story about a merchant-adventure marooned on a desert island off the northern coast of South America. Daniel Defoe wrote this novel in 1719.He based the story partly on the experiences of a Scottish sailor, Alexander Selkirk, but defoe’s realistic account of Crusoe’s like is much more interesting, and has become one of the most popular books in English.
An Essay On Robinson Crusoe And Foe
Compairing Man Friday Essay, Research Paper inte‘To make the voice of Friday articulate would be to betray it sentimentally into… lligibility, for the comfort of the guilty self; but not to articulate its silencing would be an even worse treachery.’ Discuss the ways in which Defoe and Coetzee represent Friday.
Robinson Crusoe
& Friday Essay, Research Paper By definition, a savage is an uncivilized person. Friday would not fit this description because he was civilized. He was a product of the civilization that surrounded him where he came from. His appearance, behaviors, and beliefs were that of all the others in what might be called his tribe.
The Imperialistic Views Of Robinson Crusoe Essay
, Research Paper The Imperialistic Views of Robinson Crusoe In Robinson Crusoe, Daniel Defoe illustrates the beliefs of a 18th century British citizen. Robinson Crusoe, stranded on an island, takes it upon himself to better those around him. He takes the time to educate Friday and teach him ?civil? ways.
Edwin Arlington Robinson And Edgar Lee Masters
Essay, Research Paper The Realist Poets incorporated the theme of death into their works. Edwin Arlington Robinson and Edgar Lee Masters both wrote about thetheme of death and is clearly shown in their works. Edwin Arlington Robinson wrote ?Richard Cory?. ?And Richard Cory,one calm summer night, Went home and put a bullet through his head.? Thisis clearly showing a theme of death because he went home and killed himself.
Symbolism Essay Research Paper In the novel
Symbolism Essay, Research Paper In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, symbolism is the key literary device. Symbolism is when one thing stands for another. It is a sin to kill a mockingbird. This is because mockingbirds do not harm anything, they just sing to you. The mockingbird symbolized both Tom Robinson and Boo Radley.
Robinson Crusoe- Emergence Of The Modern Self
Essay, Research Paper In the novel Robinson Crusoe, Defoe illustrates the contradictions that drench the thoughts and actions of man as he strives to reach for God while also forced to face the realization that he must ensure his own safety in the world. Defoe uses Crusoe?s journey on the canoe to exemplify how Crusoe lives in a world where he longs to please and obey God but must also contend with his instinct, which looks to himself for his savior.
A Book Report Of Robinson Crusoe By
Daniel Defoe Essay, Research Paper A Book Report of Robinson Crusoe By Daniel Defoe The Book Robinson Crusoe is an adventure story about a man named Robinson Crusoe who?s bad luck puts him alone on a desolate island. He has to survive through very tough conditions and keep his sanity. Throughout the book Crusoe question?s himself and his faith time and time again, “Why did god put me on this island all alone.” His faith in god fluctuates all through the story.
Robinson Crusoe Essay Essay Research Paper The
Robinson Crusoe Essay Essay, Research Paper The novel Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe shows the faith in a person to survive purely on determination and will. With no previous knowledge of tools, navigation, or even a belief in God, Robinson Crusoe learns to acquire these skills by himself when he is stranded on a deserted island.
Robinson Crusoe Essay Research Paper Robinson CrusoeThe
Robinson Crusoe Essay, Research Paper Robinson Crusoe The book Robinson Crusoe is an adventure story about a man who becomes trapped on a desolate island. Crusoe must survive through the harshest of conditions, and attempt to keep his sanity in tact. Throughout the book Crusoe questions his own faith in god time and time again, but never giving up hope for the best.
Robinson Crusoe Essay Research Paper Almost everyone
Robinson Crusoe Essay, Research Paper Almost everyone has heard of or read Daniel Defoe?s novel ?Robinson Crusoe?. ?Robinson Crusoe? is an inspired novel of adventure: The story of a man?s faith, courage and ability to survive on an uninhabited island facing all of the forces of nature and to emerge triumphant over hardships and adversity.
To Kill A Mockingbird Prejudice In Maycomb
Essay, Research Paper To Kill A Mockingbird: Prejudice in Maycomb Two major people in To Kill A Mockingbird are prejudged; Boo Radley and Tom Robinson. One man is the victim of prejudice; Atticus Finch. These men
The Maycomb Tribune Essay Research Paper The
The Maycomb Tribune Essay, Research Paper The Maycomb Tribune The Trial of Tom Robinson Maycomb was a quite old town. Nothing really happened in maycomb, Alabama until the one incedent where tom robonson was accused of raping Mayella Ewell on November 21, 1931.The trial began on august 21, 1932. Atticus Finch was asked to be the lawyer of Tom Robinson by Judge Taylor and Mr.
Baseball Essay Research Paper Robinson Jackiefirst black
Baseball Essay, Research Paper Robinson, Jackie first black baseball player in the U.S. major leagues during the 20th century, an infielder and outfielder for the Brooklyn Dodgers of the National League from 1947 through 1956.
Injustice Essay Research Paper Injustice Injustice is
Injustice Essay, Research Paper Injustice Injustice is a problem which everyone faces. Nobody likes to suffer from injustice, yet they do it to others. In the novel, ” To Kill A Mockingbird ” written by Harper Lee, there
John Johnson Essay Research Paper Jackie RobinsonBreaking
John Johnson Essay, Research Paper Jackie Robinson Breaking the Color Barrier Jackie Robinson was an American athlete, business executive, and civil rights leader. Born in Cairo, Georgia, to a family of sharecroppers, Jack Roosevelt Robinson attended Pasadena Junior College in California and the University of California at Los Angeles.