Robinson Crusoe

By Daniel Defoe

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe is a classic adventure novel that tells the story of a man’s survival on a deserted island. Defoe uses various literary devices such as foreshadowing, symbolism, and imagery to create an engaging and suspenseful narrative that explores themes of self-reliance, individualism, and colonialism.

Themes 📚

1. Survival and self-preservation
2. Man’s relationship with God and divine intervention
3. Slavery and colonialism
4. The concept of civilization and its limitations
5. The power of colonial expansion and trade
6. The dangers of isolation and loneliness
7. The importance of hard work and practicality
8. The conflict between the individual and society
9. The influence of fate and chance in one’s life
10. The development of a moral conscience and personal responsibility

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Imagery: The novel is filled with vivid imagery, allowing readers to imagine the setting and events vividly.
2. Symbolism: The parrot, Friday, and the footprint on the beach are all symbols used throughout the novel to represent different ideas and themes.
3. Foreshadowing: The novel employs foreshadowing to build suspense and tension, such as when Crusoe sees the skull and crossbones on a ship before his own shipwreck.
4. Flashback: Crusoe often reflects on his past experiences and tells stories of his life before being stranded on the island.
5. Irony: The novel uses irony, such as when Crusoe is initially afraid of the cannibals but later befriends Friday, who was previously a captive among them.
6. Personification: The island is personified at times throughout the novel, adding depth and meaning to the setting.
7. Allusion: The novel alludes to various religious texts and themes, such as when Crusoe begins to read the Bible and becomes more religious.
8. Repetition: The novel uses repetition, such as when Crusoe repeatedly tries to escape the island, to emphasize certain themes and ideas.
9. Metaphor: The novel uses metaphor, such as when Crusoe refers to his isolation on the island as a kind of death, to convey deeper meaning and emotion.
10. Hyperbole: The novel employs hyperbole, such as when Crusoe describes his fear of the cannibals as making him feel “dead with fright,” to create a dramatic effect.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

1. Foreshadowing

Example	Explanation
Crusoe’s father’s advice	Crusoe’s father advises him to stay at home and live a comfortable life. Crusoe’s decision to go against this advice foreshadows the hardships he will face.
The shipwreck	The shipwreck that leaves Crusoe stranded on the island foreshadows the theme of survival and self-reliance that permeates the novel.
The footprint on the sand	The footprint that Crusoe discovers on the island foreshadows the appearance of other people and the potential for both conflict and companionship.

2. Symbolism

Example	Explanation
The island	The island symbolizes both isolation and the potential for growth and self-discovery.
Crusoe’s journal	Crusoe’s journal represents his attempt to maintain order and control in his life, despite his isolation and the challenges he faces.
The cross	The cross that Crusoe builds and the religious conversion that he undergoes symbolize his spiritual growth and redemption.

3. Allegory

Example	Explanation
The story as a whole	The entire story can be read as an allegory for the importance of self-reliance, resourcefulness, and personal growth in the face of adversity.
Crusoe’s relationship with Friday	Crusoe’s relationship with Friday can be seen as an allegory for the colonizer and the colonized, and the problematic dynamics of power and control that exist between them.
Crusoe’s conversion	Crusoe’s religious conversion and his eventual escape from the island can be seen as an allegory for spiritual redemption and the journey towards salvation.

4. Setting

Example	Explanation
The deserted island	The deserted island serves as the primary setting for the novel, providing a backdrop for Crusoe’s isolation and personal growth.
The English countryside	The English countryside, where Crusoe is born and eventually returns to, represents the comforts of home and the life he leaves behind.
The various locations Crusoe visits	The various locations Crusoe visits throughout the novel, such as Africa and Brazil, provide a sense of adventure and exploration that contributes to the novel’s themes.

5. Epistolary Form

Example	Explanation
Crusoe’s journal	Crusoe’s journal serves as the primary form of narration throughout the novel, providing a first-person account of his experiences and reflections.
Letters and documents	Letters and documents mentioned in the novel provide additional context and background information for the story.
The novel’s subtitle	The novel’s subtitle, “The Life and Strange Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe,” suggests that the story is a collection of real-life accounts, adding authenticity to the narrative.

FAQs 💭