Robinson Crusoe

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Notebook

Daniel Defoe

Robinson Crusoe

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Birth and Early Life: Born in 1660 in London, Daniel Defoe was originally Daniel Foe (he added the “De” later to sound more aristocratic). His family was Nonconformist, which means they didn’t follow the Church of England. He had an interest in business, politics, and religion.

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Defoe's bio

Plot

Robinson Crusoe

Friday

Rescue

Desert island

Dangers

Shipwreck

mmm

The Spaniard

Friday

Robinson Crusoe

Characters

Settings

Main setting: A deserted tropical island, somewhere near the coasts of South America. The island: It's lush and full of natural resources, but also dangerous with wild animals and occasional visits by hostile tribes. Time period: The story takes place in the 17th century, during a time of European exploration and colonization.

Forest

Logs

THEMES

Religion and Providence: Crusoe often reflects on his fate and believes that God has a plan for him. His faith grows stronger throughout his time on the island. Colonialism and Racism: Crusoe names the native man “Friday” and teaches him European ways. This relationship reflects European attitudes towards colonization, with some problematic themes about superiority and control.

Survival: The novel shows how a man can survive through ingenuity, hard work, and faith.Individualism: Crusoe’s journey reflects the rise of the individual in the modern world. He learns to rely on himself. Civilization vs. Nature: Crusoe brings European civilization (building a shelter, cultivating the land) to a wild, natural environment.

STYLE and LANGUAGE

Journal-like: The novel is written in the first person, as if Crusoe is writing a diary about his experiences.Contextualize your topicwith a subtitle

Realism: Defoe fills the novel with practical details of Crusoe's survival, from how he makes bread to how he builds a canoe. It feels like a true story.

Adventure and Moral Reflection: Though the novel is full of adventure, Defoe also includes Crusoe’s deep reflections on life, God, and human nature.

Simple, clear language: The novel is easy to read, with plain language, which made it accessible to a wide audience at the time.

IMPORTANCE OF ROBINSON CRUSOE

Philosophical Questions: The novel explores key themes about civilization, morality, and the human condition, which remain relevant today. Colonial Perspective: Today, the novel is also analyzed for its portrayal of colonialism and racial dynamics, which are seen as a product of its time.

Literary Influence: Robinson Crusoe is often considered the first English novel. It influenced the development of the novel as a genre. Adventure Story: It’s one of the most famous adventure stories in English literature and has inspired many adaptations (films, books, plays).

Genre: Robinson Crusoe is an early example of the “adventure novel” and the “survival story.” Cultural Impact: The story has inspired the term “Robinsonade” to describe stories about survival on deserted islands. Global Popularity: The novel was an immediate success and has been translated into many languages, becoming a symbol of human endurance.

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