Allegorical Significance of Defoe’s Novel “Robinson Crusoe.” 

Answer

Write a note on the allegorical significance of Defoe’s novel “Robinson Crusoe”. 

Allegory is a type of story where the characters, events, and places represent deeper moral, spiritual, or political meanings. The outer story is simple, but the inner meaning gives a big lesson about life, faith, or society. Daniel Defoe’s (1660 -1731) Robinson Crusoe (1719) is not only a story of survival or surface incident. It also has a deeper meaning. Crusoe’s life shows the journey of the human soul. He learns to obey God and trust Him. His time on the island shows faith, sin, hard work, and learning. So, the story is more than it looks. It is an allegory of human life.

Sin and Punishment: Crusoe disobeys his father. He leaves home and goes to sea. This disobedience is like man’s sin against God. Later, his ship sinks. He becomes alone on an island. This is like God’s punishment for sin. Crusoe feels regret. This part shows the fall of man and the result of sin. The island becomes a place of correction. So, it has a deep, allegorical meaning.

Repent and Pray: On the island, Crusoe becomes sick. He feels weak and helpless. He thinks he will die. He reads the Bible and prays. He reads,  

 “Call upon Me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.” 

He feels sorry for his past life. He begins to believe in God. This is an allegory for spiritual awakening. Crusoe’s prayer and reading show man’s return to God. His soul starts to heal. He becomes a better man. This shows a strong religious meaning.

Faith and Peace: After praying, Crusoe feels peace in his heart. He reads the Bible every day. He lives a simple and honest life. He stops complaining and becomes thankful. His faith makes him strong and calm. He says, 

“I sincerely gave thanks to God for opening my eyes.” 

Crusoe’s change shows