Paper
Moll Flanders: Sinner or Saint?
There are many reasons why Daniel Defoe’s classic novel Moll Flanders is still studied today. One of the reasons that it is still so widely studied is that there are significant reasons to doubt the sincerity of Moll’s repentance at the end of the novel. Her conversion is attained rather easily, perhaps too easily. Moll herself is supposed to be narrating this text after her conversion, yet her newfound morality is not apparent in her discourse. It seems, at times, that Moll is telling this story to entertain her audience rather than reform them. However, she repeatedly claims to be warning the readers of the horrors of criminal life. This claim appears at several points over the course of the novel, but it is more concentrated during the preface, the opening, and after Moll’s conversion. By connecting clues offered at the novels beginning with evidence found after Moll’s supposed repentance, one can find significant reason to question the sincerity of Moll’s repentance.
Defoe offers many clues about how to read this book in the preface. The preface suggests that this book is supposed to be a moral text, yet it also hints that morality could be a shroud under which a smutty novel is hidden. First, Defoe indicates that this novel strives to be different from less reputable fiction. Defoe states “The World is so taken up of late with Novels and Romances that it will be hard for a private History to be taken for genuine” (Defoe, 37). Indeed, in his essay, “Moll Flanders, Crime and Comfort,” Ian A. Bell suggests that Defoe wanted to be seen as “a pure, hard-working editor, rather than the reprehensible vendor of filth” (Bell, 121). Furthermore, Defoe hopes that “Readers will be more pleased with the Moral than the Fable” (Defoe, 38). These statements suggest that he does not want Moll Flanders to be seen as lowbrow, smutty entertainment. It is supposed to be seen as a novel of reform. Like a biblical story, we are supposed to learn from the mistakes of the protagonist. However, during the course of the novel, there is little sermonizing. Perhaps the reader would not recognize the moral value of Moll Flanders if Defoe did not identify it. The references to morality are sparse. It seems like Defoe is trying to look like he is covering up for Moll. Bell says, “the subdued meaning [of the preface] is that the editor [Defoe] is not fully in control of his material…”" (Bell, 119). The absence of morality and this lack of control lead to a very interesting question. To what degree can the reader trust Moll?
Defoe states in the preface that “the Author [Moll] is suppos’d to be writing her own History” (Defoe, 37). The word “suppos’d” implies some degree of doubt of Moll by Defoe. The reader need not take his word for it. In Moll’s opening statements, she indicates that Moll Flanders is not her real name. She suggests that she conceals her identity to protect herself and some of her accomplices. There is an alternative idea. Maybe the entire story is supposed to be seen as a fabrication by Moll. If one is to doubt Moll’s veracity at any point, why not at every point? Perhaps she was so well acquainted with other criminals that she stitched together this lengthy string of crimes out of the experiences of others. Perhaps, if she used her real name, the reader could discover that these events never occurred. It seems possible that Moll’s Nom de Plume is used as a mask behind which she can invent her own past. However, even if we assume that this theory is false the reader still has enough points upon which Moll s integrity can be questioned.
The first case of doubt lies in the preface. Defoe states that after Moll s repentance, she liv d to be very old; but was not so extraordinary a penitent as she was at first (Defoe, 42). This seems to be a slight contradiction. How can one be less of a penitent than one was previously? If one goes back on some of what made him/her a penitent, does that not return him/her to the status of sinner? In addition, the fact that Moll s penitence decreases over time suggests that it was possibly a ruse in the first place. This could be an example of Defoe trying to elevate this text from the status of lowbrow entertainment to the level of a moral text with literary merit. This leads us to examine Moll’s supposed repentance in the text. She says that her repentance is “really the best part of [her] life” (Defoe, 368). Furthermore, she claims that, after her reform, a “Penitent serious kind of Joy succeeded” (Defoe, 370). These are two of countless examples of Moll saying that she is repentant. Her examples of behavior are in clear contrast with this claim.
One example of behavior uncharacteristic of a remorseful soul is Moll’s testament of Money after her release from Newgate. She takes “a private drawer” with her “Bank of Money” to America (Defoe, 389). The money that she takes is ill gained. In fact, when Moll pools her money with her Lancashire husband, she remarks that “a worse gotten estate was scarcely ever put together” (Defoe, 392). A truly reformed criminal should try to return his/her booty to the proper parties and, failing that, give it to a worthy cause. Furthermore, she, on pages 421-422, gives one of her stolen gold watches to her son. This is hardly the act of a penitential woman. If I gave my mother a gift of stolen goods, she would have me drawn and quartered!
Not only does Moll live off of her ill-gained fortune, she apparently lives in luxury. She “put a guinea into [the hand of the Boatswain]” (Defoe, 394). This is a clear case of bribery. She bribes this person to get access to the captain of the ship to buy extra “Conveniences”. Indeed she meets the captain and orders
Brandy, Sugar, Lemons, &c. to make punch, and treat our Benefactor, the Captain; and abundance of things for eating and drinking in the voyage; also a larger Bed and Bedding proportion’d to it…we resolv’d to want for nothing in the Voyage. (Defoe, 397-398)
This is a clear case of Moll using her crime money for luxury. If she kept only enough money to live a humble, no-frills lifestyle, perhaps her reform would seem more believable. Instead, she lives more like a retired criminal than a reformed one.
Her post-repentance sins do not end with moll’s free use of her crime money. She continues to spin her web of lies almost to the end of the novel. In Virginia, she first conceals her identity from her brother/husband and son. A truly remorseful woman would instantly come clean and face up to whatever penalties she had to endure. This raises a larger issue. Should not Moll face up to all of her crimes, even those that she could still get away with? By neither taking her punishments nor making reparations for many crimes, Moll cops out on her repentance. She hopes the reader will focus on her words and not her actions. Defoe told the reader to do just that in the preface, but it is the “reformed” Moll, not the “criminal” Moll, whose actions are questionable. Her sins continue. When faced with the problem of her brother/husband and son, she loses a bit of sleep. When her husband inquires about her condition, she tells the reader “I was forced to form a Story” (Defoe, 406). Although Moll comes clean with this Lancashire husband in the last page of Moll Flanders, she perpetuates her lie for some time before this occurrence. This is the work of a sinner, not a Lamb of God. In the final sentence, moll proclaims that her husband and she spent the “Remainder of our Years in sincere Penitence for the wicked Lives we have lived” (Defoe, 427). Except for Moll’s encounter with the priest in Newgate, there is no mention of religion. A truly remorseful person in 1683 would turn to God after leading such a sinful life. Moll does not even utter his name.
It is unlikely that Moll finishes the novel in the good grace of God. Her penitence seems hollow. Defoe’s warning in the preface and Moll’s pseudonym coupled with her post-reform actions provide a strong case against her supposed penitence. The evidence in the text points to the idea that perhaps Moll asks the reader to follow her words, not her example, even when she is supposed to be reformed. Although it is unclear why Defoe would imply a false reform in Moll Flanders, this issue is certain to provide a worthy topic of debate for scholars to ponder for years to come.
Другие работы по теме:
Abraham Lincoln Essay Research Paper In Abraham
Abraham Lincoln Essay, Research Paper In Abraham Lincoln: The Man Behind the Myths, Stephen Oates interpretation of the Historical Lincoln had three examples of Lincoln’s actions; Moral decisions, his expression and progression. The first illustration that I see is his beliefs in moral determination.
SAINT PETER CLAVER Essay Research Paper Angel
SAINT PETER CLAVER Essay, Research Paper Angel Mendoza Saint Peter Claver St. Peter Claver was born at Verdu, Catalonia, Spain, in 1580. He descended from a very distinguished family . When
God Essay Research Paper I think this
God Essay, Research Paper I think this is all valid because Saint Thomas Aquinas is saying that God has to exist sometime in life to make the Earth and nature and so forth. If their were to be a infinity then there would be no first or last causes to have happened. There would be no first or last causes to have happened.
John Proctor Sinner Or Saint Essay Research
Paper John Proctor, Sinner or Saint No person can completely steer clear of the trials and tribulations of his or her society. He who does may be vulnerable to serious allegations. If a man is to work well in his surroundings, he must partake in all aspects of his society or he is leaving himself open to unfavorable charges.
From Sinner To Martyr The Evolution Of
John Proct Essay, Research Paper Was John Proctor a basically good man who thought he was just having a little fun with Abigail by cheating on his wife, or was he an evil sinner who had bad intentions while having an affair with Abigail in the first place? Was he or did he become a sinner or a martyr, someone who dies for their cause? Well, John Proctor changes throughout the play in many ways.
Dont Forget Essay Research Paper It is
Dont Forget Essay, Research Paper It is not a thing of the past, rather a clear vivid image I remember, I remember as if it had happened yesterday. We were called to go fight, Go to Europe and liberate.
Moll Flanders Madame Bovary
, & The Joys Of Motherhood Essay, Research Paper Moll Flanders, Madame Bovary, & The Joys of Motherhood Daniel Defoe’s Moll Flanders, Gustave Flaubert’s Madame Bovary, and Buchi Emecheta’s The Joys of Motherhood are three novels that portray the life of woman in many different ways. They all depict the turmoils and strife’s that women, in many cultures and time periods, suffer from.
MtSaint Helens Essay Research Paper Mount Saint
Mt.Saint Helens Essay, Research Paper Mount Saint Helens Mount Saint Helens, A volcanic peak in the Cascade Range, Mount St. Helens is situated in southwestern Washington State. Dormant since 1857, it erupted on May
Saint Colette Essay Research Paper SAINT COLETTENicolette
Saint Colette Essay, Research Paper SAINT COLETTE Nicolette DeBoilet was delivered into the loving arms of her parents on January 13, 1381. They immediately began to affectionately call her Colette. Her father, Robert DeBoilet, was the carpenter of the famous Benedictine Abbey of Corbie; her mother’s name was Marguerite Moyon.
Saint Helens Essay Research Paper Tracie Knowlton7th
Saint Helens Essay, Research Paper Tracie Knowlton 7th period Many things can happen before, during, and after a volcanic eruption. A volcanic eruption is an extraordinary thing. You never know what is going to turn out as in the end.
St Elizabeth Essay Research Paper I chose
St. Elizabeth Essay, Research Paper I chose the name Elizabeth for my confirmation name after Saint Elizabeth. I feel that she is a very important part in history.
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.
Blind Man Essay Research Paper This story
Blind Man Essay, Research Paper This story The Blind Man is about a woman named Isabel, who has a husband named Maurice. The two of them had been married for 4 years, before there was a certain accident. This accident took place at Flanders, and resulted in the blinding of Maurice. The two continued to live together for the next year, and pretty much, all was well.
St Augustine Confessions Essay Research Paper Saint
St. Augustine Confessions Essay, Research Paper Saint Augustine s Confessions Saint Augustine was believed to be the Christian Plato. He describes Plato with the adulation of an admirer and follower. He achieved most of his knowledge through the interpretations of the immensely popular neo-Platonists.
Scarlet Letter Who Should Punish A Sinner
? Religion, Society, Or Individuals Essay, Research Paper Scarlet Letter: Who Should Punish A Sinner? Religion, Society, or Individuals Who should punish a sinner? Should it be religion, society, or the
Moll Flanders By Daniel Defoe Essay Research
Paper Book Report Michelle Williams Moll Flanders by Daniel DeFoe CHARACTER SKETCH Moll Flanders: A woman in the 17th century who was born in Newgate ( a prison) and spent twelve years as a whore, twelve years as a thief, was married five times, committed incest, was sentenced to death, but given a reprieve, and was transported to Virginia were she finally prospered.
Moll Flanders Essay Research Paper The Role
Moll Flanders Essay, Research Paper The Role of Motherhood in Moll Flanders In Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe, there is no true development of maternal feelings over the course of the novel. At times throughout the story, what appear to be maternal feelings are really overshadowed by either guilt or a hidden motive.
Plato Essay Research Paper There are many
Plato Essay, Research Paper There are many ways in which the philosophy of Plato and Aristotle have reached that of that of Saint Thomas Aquinas, due to the fact that Aristotle thought the world that we live in today is the ultimate reality. While Plato thought the world that we see every day is real but is not the ultimate reality.
War Poetry Essay Research Paper During a
War Poetry Essay, Research Paper During a war people do not understand the pain, sacrifice, and hardship that the soldiers endure. Many are just interested with the outcome. Many questions asked are, ?Are we winning?? as if it is a game they are watching. Propaganda is used to lure boys into the army and comfort family members.
Saint Maybe Essay Research Paper Saint MaybeIn
Saint Maybe Essay, Research Paper Saint MaybeIn the novel Saint Maybe, by Anne Tyler, the church, led by Rev. Emmett, acts much like a psychologist, helping people get over their guilt. Ian, the main character of the story is involved in a horrible act and needs to find a way to forgive himself for it. With the help of Rev.
2 Paintings Modanno W Child And Angels
Essay, Research Paper The painting called Madonna and Child with Saint Francis and Dominic and Angels by Giulio Cesare Procaccini is one of many paintings labeled masterpiece. This painting contains brilliant brushwork and messages that are indirect.
Defoe Moll Flanders Essay Research Paper J
Defoe Moll Flanders Essay, Research Paper J Johnson English Novel to 1832 7/10/00 ?Moll Flanders: Freedom or Fate? In New Hampshire I had a Philosophy teacher that used to say, and I believe he was quoting another, ?People who believe in freewill are ignorant of the reasons of their actions?. This quote, in the context of Defoe?s Moll Flanders, brings about a multitude of questions and discussion.
Moll Flanders And Society Essay Research Paper
written by umut altan MOLL FLANDERS One of the earliest social novels in English , Moll Flanders features one of the most lively , convincing , and delightful rogues in literature .In the novel , through the harsh life of a woman , Daniel Defoe shows the reader how life was in the 18th century England .
Moll Flanders A Brief Summary Essay Research
Paper Moll Flanders (a brief summary) novel by Daniel Defoe paper by Sara Slaughter Moll Flanders is a story about the fall and rise of a beautiful woman who was born in Newgate Prison. Her mother was saved from the gallows because “she pleaded her belly”, and soon after Moll was born, her mother was shipped to the clonies to work out her sentence.
Moll Flanders Themes Essay Research Paper Moll
Moll Flanders: Themes Essay, Research Paper Moll Flanders: Themes Three recurring themes in Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe are greed, vanity, and repentance. Theme is defined as an underlying or essential subject of
The Parable Of The Prodigal Son Essay
, Research Paper “The Parable of the Prodigal Son” Jesus used parables when teaching. Parables are earthly stories that have a heavenly meaning. In using parables, the Lord was able to teach a spiritual concept is such a way that even the most illiterate person would be able to understand. Therefore, the parables are filled with symbolism.
Saint Raphael The Archangel Essay Research Paper
Saint Raphael the Archangel The saint I?ve chosen for my confirmation is Saint Raphael the Archangel. Saint Raphael is also known as the Angel of Love and the Angel of Joy. A few things he is a patron of are the blind, love, lovers, travelers, young people, and guardian angels. His name means ? God has healed?, or ? Healer of God?.
First Confession Essay Research Paper Mrs Ryan
First Confession Essay, Research Paper Mrs. Ryan and the Priest In Frank O?Connor?s story ?First Confession?, Mrs. Ryan and the priest are different. Mrs. Ryan and the priest approach Jackie differently and have different affects on him.
The Scarlet Letter Essay Research Paper THE
The Scarlet Letter Essay, Research Paper THE SCARLET LETTER Since the dawn of time people have read, studied andenjoyed books in which the hero or heroes fall from grace.No matter who
Different Not Dirty Essay Research Paper The
Different Not Dirty Essay, Research Paper The issue of women s cross-dressing during the Renaissance was an issue of tradition and norms. Many assumptions were made about a person of this era who did not follow the standard way of life. Society did not accept people who were different and automatically assumed they were immoral people.