Although released at a time, in which the downfall of English Puritanism was already conspicuous, I claim that by contrasting the protagonists of the two works, Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe definitely contains theological elements. These are founded in the old-fashioned Puritan belief depicting the spiritual journey of a reluctant pilgrim to God.
In validating this thesis, I will primarily work with the two aforementioned works and another publication of Daniel Defoe, as well as the King James Bible which most likely has been the translation that the two authors might have had at their disposal. Due to the fact that Daniel Defoe has been raised in a Presbyterian home, I am also going to consult the Institutes of the Christian Religion by the French reformer John Calvin and other secondary literature. For the confirmation of my above-mentioned claim, I will structure the term paper as follows: The first section, will feature the spiritual lives of Crusoe and Christian before their conversion. The second section will cover their conversion experience as such and the crucial role of God’s providence. The last section focusses concisely on the possible intention of Daniel Defoe. I will conclude this paper by summarizing the different outcomes supporting my thesis statement and by mentioning some potential research topics based on this paper.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Crusoe’s and Christian’s Lives as Wretched Pilgrims
3. Crusoe’s and Christians’ Conversion Experience
4. Daniel Defoe’s Possible Intention
5. Conclusion
6. Works Cited
Research Objective and Themes
The primary objective of this paper is to demonstrate that, despite its appearance as a secular adventure novel, Daniel Defoe’s "Robinson Crusoe" contains significant theological elements that mirror the spiritual journey found in John Bunyan’s "The Pilgrim’s Progress," specifically through the lens of Puritan belief.
- The spiritual lives of Crusoe and Christian as unregenerate sinners.
- The transformative nature of the conversion experience in both narratives.
- The instrumental role of God’s providence in the lives of the protagonists.
- Daniel Defoe’s religious intentions and his Presbyterian background.
- The classification of "Robinson Crusoe" as a spiritual work containing Protestant doctrines.
Excerpt from the Book
2. Crusoe’s and Christian’s Lives as Wretched Pilgrims
Right from the beginning of the plot, the reader of Daniel Defoe’s novel Robinson Crusoe is introduced to the protagonist, called Robinson Crusoe, as being an adventurous young man. Born in 1632, he is the third son of a “good family” (Defoe, “Robinson Crusoe” 5). Although his parents wanted him to become a lawyer, Crusoe’s “Head began to be fill’d very early with rambling Thoughts” (Defoe, “Robinson Crusoe” 5). He expressed his wishes openly to his parents stating that he “would be satisfied with nothing but going to Sea” (Defoe “Robinson Crusoe” 5). Even after he has left his family, his mother utters that if he decides to leave, her son “will be the miserablest Wretch that was ever born” (Defoe, “Robinson Crusoe” 8). What his parents, and Crusoe himself apparently knew was the fact that the young adventurer did not live according to the law of God presented in the Scriptures.
He has left his family without respecting the counsel of his guardians and finds himself in a dreadful situation thereafter. As a matter of fact, he acknowledges his rebellious conduct and promises to God that “if it would please [him to] spare [his] Life” (Defoe, “Robinson Crusoe” 9) he would immediately return to his father “like a true repenting Prodigal” (9). In this context, Crusoe refers to the story of the Bible and possibly identifies himself with the Prodigal Son in the parable taught by Jesus Christ. Later, the reader realizes that all his vows were nothing but empty talk. Instead, it is noteworthy to mention that the young man “drowned all [his] repentance” (Defoe, “Robinson Crusoe” 10) that once was found in his heart when he became drunk on the ship.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter outlines the thesis that "Robinson Crusoe" contains theological elements and sets the methodology for comparing the protagonist with Christian from "The Pilgrim's Progress."
2. Crusoe’s and Christian’s Lives as Wretched Pilgrims: This section explores the spiritual state of both characters before their conversion, highlighting their shared status as sinners who neglected divine law.
3. Crusoe’s and Christians’ Conversion Experience: The author compares the transformative moments of both protagonists and emphasizes the importance of God's providence in their respective journeys.
4. Daniel Defoe’s Possible Intention: This chapter investigates Defoe's Presbyterian background to argue that his artistic intentions were fundamentally rooted in a desire to instruct mankind in virtue and piety.
5. Conclusion: The conclusion confirms the initial thesis, summarizing that Crusoe, like Christian, is depicted as a pilgrim who attains salvation through grace.
6. Works Cited: This section provides a list of the primary and secondary literature used to support the paper's arguments.
Keywords
Robinson Crusoe, The Pilgrim’s Progress, Daniel Defoe, John Bunyan, Puritanism, Conversion, Providence, Pilgrimage, Protestantism, Salvation, Allegory, Repentance, Spiritual Journey, Theology, Presbyterianism
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the theological dimensions of Daniel Defoe’s "Robinson Crusoe" by comparing it to the classic Puritan allegory "The Pilgrim's Progress" by John Bunyan.
What are the primary thematic fields covered?
The central themes include the depiction of the unregenerate sinner, the role of divine providence, the process of spiritual conversion, and the religious intentions behind Defoe’s writing.
What is the author's primary research question?
The author investigates whether "Robinson Crusoe," often seen as a secular adventure story, actually contains deep-seated theological elements based on Puritan beliefs.
Which methodology is employed in this study?
The author uses a comparative literary analysis, referencing primary works like the King James Bible, John Calvin’s "Institutes of the Christian Religion," and secondary scholarly literature.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the paper?
The main body treats the spiritual state of the protagonists before their conversion, the mechanics of their actual conversion experiences, and an analysis of Defoe's personal religious background and stated intentions.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Robinson Crusoe, The Pilgrim’s Progress, Puritanism, Divine Providence, Conversion, Allegory, and Spiritual Journey.
How does the author interpret Crusoe’s "Prodigal" moment?
The author views Crusoe's early promises to God, which he later fails to keep, as an identification with the biblical Prodigal Son, illustrating his unregenerate state.
What role does the "heavy burden" play in the comparison between Crusoe and Christian?
The burden symbolizes sin and spiritual weight; while both protagonists struggle with this, the author notes that their conversion experiences involve the successful lifting of these burdens.
- Quote paper
- John Kirsch (Author), 2020, Crusoe and Christian. Two Pilgrims on Their Journey to Salvation, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1060152
