This term paper deals with the representation of religion in general and especially the religious development of the protagonist in the novel Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe. Therefore different phases of the relationship to God and religion will be illustrated and compared with in the following elaborations. Moreover, the role of religion within the Empire and the way it is represented in the medium of the novel is another aspect that will be discussed. The importance of the role of religion in the novel is, as many other aspects as well and the novel as a whole, not only considerable for the reader of Defoe’s time, but is also valid nowadays and therefore timeless.
As Robinson Crusoe is
“told […] with a religious application of events to the uses to which wise men always apply them, viz. to the instruction of others by this example, and to justify and honour the wisdom of Providence in all the variety of our circumstances, let them happen how they will” (Frick 1986: 109).
By creating the protagonist Robinson Crusoe, Defoe has managed to give the readership a character they can easily identify with, because Crusoe awakens interest in his adventures by just being himself. “But […] that interest does not arise because Crusoe’s life resembles those of his contemporaries, not because he is a typical private man. Rather, his life is one of ‘wonders’ unparalleled, ‘variety’ without precedent” (Richetti 1975: 24). The reason why Crusoe’s story is that much worthy for public notice is, that it “is, obviously, being sold as an extravaganza to people who like all of us value the exotic and the various as a pleasurable relief from the humdrum and uniform quality of daily life” (Richetti 1975: 24). To sum it up, Richetti mentions that Crusoe “lives in an uncommon common fashion” (1975: 24f) and as his daily life is made public to the reader as a typical private person it gains attractiveness as well as relevance. Among other things he succeeds in doing so by creating contraries while introducing private and already well-known activities into exciting and exceptional events (cf. Richetti 1975: 24f).
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. The role and the development of religion throughout the novel
1.1 The initial situation concerning Robinson’s religious attitude
1.2 Robinson’s religious development during the stay on the island
1.2.1 First religious contacts
1.2.2 Robinson’s conversion
1.2.3 The conversion of Friday
1.2.4 Christian symbolism in Robinson Crusoe
2. Colonialism, imperialism and the role of the novel
3. Conclusion
4. Works cited
Objectives and Core Themes
This academic paper examines the representation of religion and its evolution in Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe," while simultaneously analyzing how the novel reflects 18th-century colonial and imperial ideologies. The central research question explores the intersection between the protagonist's personal spiritual awakening and the narrative's function as a prototype for colonial expansion and British identity.
- The religious development of Robinson Crusoe from an unrepentant sinner to a devout Christian.
- The interpretation of Robinson's experiences through the lens of Puritanism and biblical parallels.
- The role of the novel as a medium for imperial propaganda and the "Robinsonade" genre.
- The symbolic relationship between Crusoe, Friday, and the colonial project of civilization.
Excerpt from the Book
1.2.2 Robinson’s conversion
By discovering the first scions of the grain Robinson discovers also his religious feelings and believes in a miracle, at least as long as he has found a common explanation for it and he loses faith but not his gratefulness.
There are two further events that influence Robinson’s religious beliefs much more and convert him to be an honest Christian. The first one is the earthquake which frightens him a lot due to the massive destructiveness and his fear of being buried alive. Even if he admits that he has “not the least serious religious Thought” (Defoe 2008: 70), Robinson is addressing God by shouting “Lord ha’ Mercy upon me” (Defoe 2008: 70). The appendage “when it was over, that went away, too” (Defoe 2008: 70) illustrates that he is still only addressing God in bad times, as it is already discussed before. The second radical event is the serious disease that affects Robinson in the middle of June. He describes that he suffers from shivering, strong headaches and severe fever attacks. Although his state of health sometimes seems to improve, he gets weaker and weaker every day due to the fact that he cannot barely eat or drink. Robinson again begins to speak to God and prays for mercy and help: “Lord look upon me, Lord pity me, Lord have Mercy upon me” (Defoe 2008: 75).
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides an overview of the significance of religion and colonial themes in Robinson Crusoe, establishing the paper's focus on the timeless relevance of Defoe's protagonist.
1. The role and the development of religion throughout the novel: Analyzes the spiritual arc of the protagonist, beginning with his initial sinful state and tracing his path toward conversion through various trials and tribulations.
1.1 The initial situation concerning Robinson’s religious attitude: Examines Robinson's background and his early disregard for religious guidance, framing his voyage as an act of original sin and disobedience.
1.2 Robinson’s religious development during the stay on the island: Details the transition from sporadic, fear-based religious appeals to a consistent, internalized Christian faith.
1.2.1 First religious contacts: Discusses the early experiences of shipwreck and premonition that begin to stir religious consciousness in the protagonist.
1.2.2 Robinson’s conversion: Focuses on the turning point caused by physical illness and existential crisis, leading to his eventual submission to divine will.
1.2.3 The conversion of Friday: Explores the missionary aspect of the novel and the complexities of Robinson’s altruism in shaping Friday’s faith.
1.2.4 Christian symbolism in Robinson Crusoe: Deciphers the various narrative elements that function as religious allegories within the Puritan context of the 18th century.
2. Colonialism, imperialism and the role of the novel: Investigates the novel as a vehicle for imperial ideology and the establishment of Robinson as a prototype for the colonial adventurer.
3. Conclusion: Summarizes the lasting impact of Robinson Crusoe as a pioneer of the novel genre and its status as a foundational text for both religious and colonial literary motifs.
4. Works cited: Provides the bibliographic references used throughout the study.
Keywords
Robinson Crusoe, Daniel Defoe, Religion, Conversion, Colonialism, Imperialism, Puritanism, Bible, Friday, Empire, Spirituality, Sin, Redemption, Literary History, Robinsonade
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this paper primarily about?
This paper focuses on the duality of Daniel Defoe's novel, exploring both the spiritual growth of the protagonist through religious conversion and the text's role in promoting imperial and colonial ideologies.
What are the central themes of the work?
The core themes include the Puritan influence on the narrative, the concept of "original sin" in relation to colonial exploration, and the representation of the protagonist as an archetype for British identity and world domination.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to illustrate how Robinson Crusoe's internal religious development and his external actions as a colonizer are inextricably linked within the structure of the novel.
Which methodology is applied in this analysis?
The author uses a literary analysis approach, drawing upon historical context, contemporary criticism, and close readings of the text to support the arguments regarding religion and imperial propaganda.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the religious trajectory of Robinson, his relationship with Friday, the symbolic meaning of his isolation, and the critical analysis of the novel as a propaganda tool for British imperialism.
Which keywords best describe this study?
The study is characterized by terms such as religion, conversion, colonialism, imperialism, Puritanism, and the legacy of the Robinsonade genre.
How is the relationship between God and Robinson characterized in the early stages of the novel?
Early on, the relationship is described as one-sided and instrumental; Robinson views God mainly as a castigator, seeking divine intervention only during times of personal crisis or danger.
What significance is given to the conversion of Friday?
The conversion of Friday is interpreted as a significant move toward altruism, though it also reflects Robinson's colonial impulse to mold the "Other" into a reflection of his own faith and culture.
How does the author interpret the dream of the descending man?
The dream is seen as a manifestation of Crusoe's subconscious anxiety and a critical turning point where he finally confronts his own sinful nature and the necessity of repentance.
- Citation du texte
- Martin Eder (Auteur), 2011, Interfaces between Religion and Empire in Robinson Crusoe, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/281352
