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Colonial Interpretation of Daniel Defoe
Colonial Interpretation of Daniel Defoe
OF DANIEL DEFOE’S
ROBINSON CRUSOE
Safaa Alsaragna
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Dec 11, 2018 · 11 min read
by SAFAA ALSARAGNA
[1] All the references to the novel will be abbreviated as RC.
Abstract
Crusoe could claim himself as a master with the help of only few
simple tools that he brought out from the shipwreck making it
such distinctive way of claiming authority. Moreover, during
Crusoe’s “Survey of the Island” (RC 156) and by nature, he
officially claims the land ownership for himself and England:
“to think that this was all my own, that I was King and Lord of
all this Country indefeasibly, and had a Right of Possession;
and if I could convey it, I might have it in Inheritance, as
completely as any Lord of Manor in England.” (RC 159).
“I saw about ten or twelve ears come out, which were perfect
green barley, of the same kind as our European — nay, as our
English barley.” (RC 123).
The announcement of Crusoe’s ownership of the island came
late, however, it might not be late for Crusoe himself because he
might had that feeling of hesitation that prevented him from
announcing it earlier, in addition, he was not sure whether the
island is occupied or not, yet his faith was so strong to see
himself being the king over this island:
Finally, Crusoe finds himself sitting for dinner side by side with
his own first “subjects” a parrot, two cats and a dog:
Crusoe’s main aim was to stay alive no matter what to do, his
fear from the unknown is always present, all that led him to his
colonization and immunization of the island, to secure himself
“from ravenous Creatures, whether Men or Beasts” (RC 92)
adding new synonym “Beasts” to the “savages”. Crusoe self-
confidence and faith in the principals he granted himself pushed
him to create secure environment around himself, he had his
own precautions and a shelter or “Castle”. Crusoe’s way of
leading is pretty similar to a “monarchical system” he as well
believed that he was chosen by God as he is the only survivor
from the shipwreck, so Crusoe is in the process of creating his
self-image.
“I let him know his name should be Friday, which was the day I
saved his life: I called him so for the memory of the time.” (RC
328).
“At last he lays his Head flat upon the Ground, close to my
Foot, and sets my other Foot upon his head, as he had done
before; after this, made all the Signs to me of Subjection,
Servitude, and Submission imaginable, to let me know, how he
would serve me as long as he lived…” (RC 328).
Crusoe might had this power, a hidden power that could capture
Friday’s sense and mind that made him happily accepts to be
obedient towards Crusoe that he would serve him for eternity.
Crusoe had taught Friday the language and after that he started
teaching him the religious knowledge, it seems like Crusoe is
trying to create such deep impression in Friday’s mind through
giving his own beliefs. The process of imposing Crusoe’s culture
on Friday made Crusoe proud of saving the soul of this savage
by directing the true religious knowledge and the Christian
doctrine, he is trying to make him a servant with European
mentality or a civilized servant:
References