Sunday, April 22, 2012

Stranded on an Island: Robinson Crusoe

Our world has changed a lot since 1719 when Daniel Defoe wrote Robinson Crusoe. This book definitely reflects some of the attitudes of the times. For example (Spoilers Ahead), when Crusoe sees a native fleeing some of the cannibals, his first thought is that he could do with a servant. Crusoe feels it necessary to convert Friday to the Christian religion. He convinces Friday that his people's beliefs are incorrect. This isn't quite the tolerance that is so important today
The book doesn't cover just Crusoe's time on the island, but explains his previous adventures before he is stranded on a lonely island. Once he gets off the island, the novel continues to explain the settling of Crusoe's affairs and so on.
Robinson Crusoe also has strong religious themes. Crusoe flip-flops between blaming his misfortunes on God and thanking God for his salvation throughout the novel. He also teaches Friday, a native, about the Christian religion.
This page has more information on Crusoe and Defoe. You can buy the book here.

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