Robinson Crusoe: Analysis of Major Characters
"Robinson Crusoe: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the key figures of Daniel Defoe’s novel "Robinson Crusoe," focusing on their roles and relationships within the narrative. The protagonist, Robinson Crusoe, is depicted as a self-reliant and innovative individual who survives for twenty-four years on a deserted island, showcasing his ingenuity and practical skills. His journey reflects themes of survival, faith, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. Crusoe's father, Mr. Crusoe, represents traditional expectations and societal norms, desiring his son to pursue a stable career rather than a life at sea. Another significant character is Friday, a native whom Crusoe saves from cannibals; he becomes a devoted companion and laborer, highlighting themes of friendship and cultural exchange. Together, these characters contribute to a complex exploration of isolation, companionship, and the quest for self-discovery. This analysis invites readers to consider the deeper implications of these characters' interactions and the societal contexts they represent.
Robinson Crusoe: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Daniel Defoe
First published: 1719, as The Life and Strange Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner
Genre: Novel
Locale: An island off the coast of South America and the Several Seas
Plot: Adventure
Time: 1651–1705
Robinson Crusoe, a self-sufficient Englishman who, after several adventures at sea and on land, is cast away on a small, almost uninhabited island. A practical, farsighted man of talents, he sets about making his island home comfortable, utilizing all his knowledge. His prudence and industry, aided by an imaginative insight, enable him to pass twenty-four years on the island, providing for himself in every way from the resources of the island itself and what he is able to salvage from the shipwreck that puts him in his predicament. A God-fearing man, he reads his Bible and gives thanks each day for his delivery from death. Eventually, he is rescued and returns to England after an absence of thirty-five years, only to go traveling again.
Mr. Crusoe, Robinson Crusoe's father, a middle-class Englishman. He wants his son to go into business and remain at home, rather than go to sea.
Friday, a native of a nearby island rescued from cannibal captors by Robinson Crusoe. He proves to be an apt pupil and learns how to participate in his rescuer's life and labors. He learns to speak English and becomes a friend and companion, as well as a fellow laborer.