Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe

1-Genre :

This passage is taken from a picaresque novel. Picaresque novels, usually a First- person
narrative, typically feature a roguish, often female, protagonist who navigates a series of
adventures and misadventures.Moll Flanders recountes the adventures of a scoundrel or low-
class adventurer who moves from place to place and from one social environment to another
in an effort to survive.

2- Plot : Episodic plot : the narrative is not a conventional and structured plot but rather
jump from one misadventure to another.The passage follows the early life and experiences of
the unnamed protagonist, beginning with her mother's conviction for theft, which leads to the
protagonist being abandoned as a young child. The narrative explores the challenges and
uncertainties of her upbringing, including her time among the gypsies and eventual placement
with her nurse.

3-Elements of the Picaresque novel:

A- Rogue or Unconventional Protagonist: The narrator describes a life marked by a lack of

stable family structure, involvement in criminal activities, and a reluctance to reveal their
true identity. This unconventional protagonist fits the mold of a rogue or picaro which fits
the conventions of a picaresque narrative.
This is illustrated in this quoatation : "It is enough to tell you that as some of my worst
comrades, who are out of the way of doing me harm (having gone out of the world by the
steps and the string, as I often expected to go), knew me by the name of Moll Flanders, so
you may give me leave to speak of myself under that name till I dare own who I have
been, as well as who I am." This quote reflects the narrator's acknowledgment of a
criminal past, the use of an alias (Moll Flanders), and the reluctance to reveal their true
identity.

B-The theme of Social Marginality: The protagonist comes from a marginalized

background, born to a mother involved in petty theft, and left to navigate the challenges of
infancy without a stable family. This social marginality is a common theme in picaresque
novels.
"My mother was convicted of felony for a certain petty theft scarce worth naming, viz.
having an opportunity of borrowing three pieces of fine holland of a certain draper in
Cheapside. The circumstances are too long to repeat, and I have heard them related so many
ways, that I can scarce be certain which is the right account."
This quote highlights the protagonist's mother's involvement in petty theft, resulting in a
criminal conviction. The mention of the theft being "scarce worth naming" suggests a minor
crime, but it leads to significant consequences for the protagonist. The circumstances of the
mother's conviction contribute to the social marginality of the protagonist, born into a
situation of legal and social disadvantage, which aligns with the common theme of social
marginality in picaresque novels.
c-theme of Journey and Adventures: The text hints at the protagonist's early experiences,
including being with gypsies, and later being taken in by the authorities. The mention of
the Old Bailey and Newgate suggests a life of legal troubles. These experiences contribute
to a series of adventures and misadventures.The protagonist's early experiences and
suggests a life of adventures and misadventures:
"I have been told that in one of neighbour nations, whether it be in France or where else I
know not, they have an order from the king, that when any criminal is condemned, either
to die, or to the galleys, or to be transported, if they leave any children, as such are
generally unprovided for, by the poverty or forfeiture of their parents, so they are
immediately taken into the care of the Government, and put into a hospital called the
House of Orphans, where they are bred up, clothed, fed, taught, and when fit to go out, are
placed out to trades or to services, so as to be well able to provide for themselves by an
honest, industrious behaviour."

This quote alludes to the protagonist's early experiences, including the mention of being with
gypsies and the consequences of the mother's criminal activities. The reference to being taken
into the care of the government and the House of Orphans hints at a journey through different
circumstances and locations, contributing to the series of adventures and misadventures often
found in picaresque novels.

C-Episodic Structure: Picaresque novels often have an episodic structure, where the
narrative is composed of a series of loosely connected episodes or adventures. In the provided
text, the narrator recounts different stages of their early life, including interactions with
different caregivers and experiences in various locations.
The episodic structure in the text is evident in the narrator's recounting of different stages of
their early life and interactions with various caregivers. Here's a quote that exemplifies this
episodic nature:
"I was now in a way to be provided for; for though I was not a parish charge upon this or that
part of the town by law, yet as my case came to be known, and that I was too young to do any
work, being not above three years old, compassion moved the magistrates of the town to order
some care to be taken of me, and I became one of their own as much as if I had been born in
the place."
This quote highlights a specific episode in the protagonist's life, where the magistrates of the
town intervene and take care of the narrator, making them one of their own. The narrative is
marked by such episodes, each presenting a different stage or circumstance in the
protagonist's life, contributing to the overall episodic structure characteristic of picaresque
novels.

D-Social Critique and Satire: This passage is satirical its tone,Picaresque novels often
include social critique and satire. The social critique and satire in the text are evident in its
reflection on issues of social class, the treatment of orphans, and the legal system. This is
illustrated in the Moll’s narrative when she said
"I have been told that in one of neighbour nations, whether it be in France or where else I
know not, they have an order from the king, that when any criminal is condemned, either
to die, or to the galleys, or to be transported, if they leave any children, as such are
generally unprovided for, by the poverty or forfeiture of their parents, so they are
immediately taken into the care of the Government, and put into a hospital called the
House of Orphans, where they are bred up, clothed, fed, taught, and when fit to go out, are
placed out to trades or to services, so as to be well able to provide for themselves by an
honest, industrious behaviour."
This quote reflects a societal practice in a neighboring nation and indirectly critiques the lack
of a similar system in the narrator's own country. The mention of the House of Orphans
and the care provided to children condemned by the actions of their parents serves as a
critique of the treatment of orphans and the lack of a comparable system in the
protagonist's society. This reflects the satirical aspect of picaresque literature, where
societal shortcomings are observed and commented upon through the lens of the
unconventional protagonist's experiences.

H- Humor and Irony: Picaresque novels often employ humor and irony. The text, while
dealing with serious issues, includes elements of irony, such as the protagonist's
reluctance to reveal their true name and the satirical portrayal of the legal system and
societal norms.
The protagonist's reluctance to reveal their true name is one such instance, indicating a level
of secrecy and perhaps a sense of irony surrounding their identity. Here's a quote that
confirms this : ( this quote is repeated )

"It is enough to tell you that as some of my worst comrades, who are out of the way of doing
me harm (having gone out of the world by the steps and the string, as I often expected to
go), knew me by the name of Moll Flanders, so you may give me leave to speak of myself
under that name till I dare own who I have been, as well as who I am."

The use of the name "Moll Flanders" as an alias and the implication that the narrator is
known by this name to their worst comrades add a layer of irony to the text. The narrator's
reluctance to reveal their true identity suggests a certain playfulness or ironic distance from
the serious implications of their past. This aligns with the humor and irony often found in
picaresque novels, where the protagonist navigates through challenging situations with a
blend of wit and sarcasm.

E-Reflection on Society: Picaresque novels often serve as a mirror to society, highlighting its
flaws and idiosyncrasies through the experiences of the rogue protagonist. The text reflects on
the challenges faced by individuals in a society marked by legal and social inequalities.
. The reflection on society and the highlighting of its flaws and inequalities can be seen in the
provided text. Here's a quote that reflects on the challenges faced by individuals in a
society marked by legal and social inequalities:

"I was continued here till I was eight years old, when I was terrified with news that the
magistrates (as I think they called them) had ordered that I should go to service. I was able
to do but very little service wherever I was to go, except it was to run of errands and be a
drudge to some cookmaid, and this they told me of often, which put me into a great fright;
for I had a thorough aversion to going to service, as they called it (that is, to be a servant),
though I was so young..."

. This quote highlights the fear and aversion the protagonist feels toward being sent into
service, emphasizing the challenges faced by individuals, particularly those from
disadvantaged backgrounds. The mention of being a drudge to a cookmaid and the reluctance
to become a servant point to societal norms and expectations that may be oppressive or
unfavorable to certain individuals. This reflects a critical lens on the societal structures and
inequalities prevalent in the narrative, aligning with the reflective nature of picaresque novels
3-Characters:

1-The protagonist (unnamed in this excerpt): A young girl named Moll Flanders with an
unknown background who has been abandoned and left in the care of various caregivers,
including her nurse and the parish officers. Moll Flanders is the first-person narrator and the
central character of the this passage . She is recounting her life story from her birth to her
early years when she is sent into service. Moll's character is complex, as she is a survivor and
an adventurer, facing many challenges and hardships in her life. Flanders is a dynamic
character in the novel. She undergoes significant development and change throughout the
story as she navigates various adventures and circumstances. Her transformation from a
young child facing abandonment to a complex and resourceful adult is central to the novel

2-The protagonist's mother: Convicted of a petty theft, her fate leads to the abandonment of
her daughter, and she is subsequently transported to the plantations. Moll's mother plays a
minor role in the passage, and her character is not extensively developed. She serves as a
background figure whose actions have a lasting impact on Moll's life.

3-Nurse or caregiver: A woman who takes care of the young protagonist and provides her
with some education and religious upbringing. The woman who takes care of Moll in her
early years, provides her with a home, and teaches her various skills. She is portrayed as a
compassionate and pious woman who influences Moll's upbringing. The nurse/provider, who
cares for Moll, serves as a foil to Moll's mother. While Moll's mother is involved in a criminal
act, the nurse/provider is portrayed as a compassionate and pious woman who raises Moll
with good values, education, and manners. This contrast underscores the differences in their
characters and the impact they have on Moll's upbringing.

4-Magistrates: Local authorities responsible for making decisions about the protagonist's
future, including her placement in service.

5- The Gypsies : Foils to the nurse .They are briefly described as the people among whom
Moll had briefly wandered. Their nomadic lifestyle contrasts with the stability and care
offered by the nurse/provider.

4- Structure:

The stories are told in the first person from the 'hero's' point of view. The picaresque novel is
normally told as if it is an autobiography, albeit fictional.

The passage follows a chronological structure, starting with the protagonist's birth and early
childhood experiences and progressing to her impending placement in service. The narrative
is first-person, told from the perspective of the protagonist, allowing readers to gain insight
into her thoughts and emotions. The passage also presents elements of social commentary,
highlighting the lack of support for orphaned children and the harsh realities they face in
society. . It is formal and descriptive, with a focus on storytelling. The author employs a first-
person narrative style through Moll's voice, using phrases like "It is enough to tell you,"

5-Language:

The use of simple realistic language. This is partly because it is told in the first person and the
protagonist is portrayed as lowly. The story is told plainly and reflect the narrator’s
background.