Civilization in Robbinson Crusoe

Civilization

Into the novel Robbinson Crusoe

Civilization is a kind of system of norms that governs Crusoe's life, even when he was apart from the civil world. The concept of civilization in the book is based on experience, culture, and European ideologies that Crusoe has been acquired since his childhood.

Book references and insights

As a result, he did not recognize that the savages have a civilization of their own. The author never mentioned that Robbinson made an effort to adopt Friday's language or his customs, he insisted that Friday give up his cannibal ways, wear clothing, and learn to speak English.

CIVILIZATION

COLONIZATION

RELIGION

Civilization

Religion

Colonization

Religion

Colonization

“My Island was now peopled, and I thought my self very rich in Subjects; and it was a merry Reflection which I frequently made, How like a King I look’d. First of all, the whole Country was my own meer Property; so that I had an undoubted Right of Dominion. 2dly, My people were perfectly subjected: I was absolute Lord and Law-giver; they all owed their Lives to me, and were ready to lay down their Lives, if there had been Occasion of it, for me.”

When Robinson Crusoe arrived to the island. He thought that the island is an opportunity for colonial expropriation. Then he started working in that Island made it of him.

He practices the purest British colonialism with his Friday: he captures, subdues, and evangelizes him in his religion. Crusoe teaches Friday his language.

We can see in the whole story the faith that Robinson Crusoe have on God. We can find many times when he is grateful with God for all that he allows him to do. Robinson is grateful because of the protection, mercy that God had with him.

When Crusoe introduce Friday into the social order of the Island. The name of this man isn’t Friday by birth, Crusoe change his name because that was the day when he met him.

When Crusoe "gives" Xury to the Portuguese sea captain; one of his requirements was that he has to convert to Christianity.

"At last he lays his head upon the ground, close to my foot, and sets my other foot upon his head...and after this made all the signs to me of subjection...I let him know his name should be Friday, which was the day I saved his life... I likewise taught him to say Master; and then let him know that was to be my name."

“I fell to my knees and gave God thanks for my deliverance, resolving to lay aside all thoughts of my deliverance by my boat”

“He offered me also 60 Pieces of Eight more for my boy Xury, which I was loath to take, not that I was not willing to let the Captain have him, but I was very loath to sell the poor Boy's Liberty, who had assisted me so faithfully in procuring my own. “

“In a little Time I began to speak to him, and teach him to speak to me; and first, I made him know his Name should be Friday, which was the Day I sav’d his Life; I call’d him so for the Memory of the Time; I likewise taught him to say Master, and then let him know, that was to be my Name…”