Friday Serves a Significant Purpose in the Novel ‘Robinson Crusoe’

Answer

“Friday serves a significant purpose in the novel ‘Robinson Crusoe’”-Discuss. 

Friday serves a significant purpose in Daniel Defoe’s (1660-1731) novel “Robinson Crusoe,” published in 1719. Friday’s presence enriches the novel by bringing out themes of companionship, cultural interaction, and colonialism, and by facilitating Crusoe’s personal growth.

Rescuing Friday: After many years of solitude on the deserted island, Crusoe notices some strange footprints on the beach. He becomes anxious, fearing that he might not be alone on the island anymore. One day, while exploring the island, Crusoe witnesses a group of indigenous people landing on the shore in canoes. They have brought with them prisoners to kill and eat them. Crusoe arms himself with his guns and approaches the group cautiously. At the right moment, he attacks, killing some of the indigenous people and scaring the rest away. One of the prisoners, a young man, manages to escape. This young man is later named Friday by Crusoe because he was rescued on a Friday.

Companionship and Human Connection: One of Friday’s primary roles in the novel is to provide Crusoe with companionship. Crusoe has been alone on the island for many years, which has left him yearning for human interaction. Friday’s arrival fills this void. His arrival offers Crusoe someone to talk to and share his life with.

I was greatly delighted with my new companion, and made it my business to teach him everything that was proper to make him useful, handy, and helpful. (Chapter 14)

This companionship is crucial for Crusoe’s mental and emotional well-being. Before Friday, Crusoe’s only companions were the animals he tamed.

Cultural Interaction: Friday’s character introduces the theme of cultural interaction. When Crusoe saves him from being killed by other indigenous people, he takes Friday in and teaches him English and Western customs.

I began to speak to him and teach him to speak to me; – Chapter 14

This relationship represents a meeting of different cultures. Crusoe’s efforts to educate Friday and convert him to Christianity reflect the Eurocentric attitude of the time, where European culture was often seen as superior.

Colonial Undertone: “Robinson Crusoe” can be seen as a colonial novel. The relationship between Crusoe and Friday can be seen as a reflection of colonialism. Crusoe assumes a position of authority over Friday, considering himself Friday’s master. He renames him, teaches him his language, and imposes his religion on him.

I [Crusoe] likewise taught him [Friday] to say Master, and then let him know that was to be my name – Chapter 14

This dynamic mirrors the colonial mindset of the 18th century, where European colonizers imposed their culture and systems of belief on so-called savages. However, the relationship between Crusoe and Friday is more complex than a simple master-servant dynamic. Crusoe grows to respect Friday and relies on him as an essential partner in survival.

Crusoe’s Character Development: Friday’s arrival triggers significant development in Crusoe’s character. Crusoe, who had been self-reliant and solitary, learns to collaborate and share his life with another person after Friday’s arrival. This shift from isolation to partnership helps Crusoe rediscover aspects of his humanity that had been suppressed by his long years of solitude.

Loyalty and Friendship: Friday’s loyalty and friendship are vital to Crusoe’s survival and well-being. Friday remains devoted to Crusoe, assisting him with various tasks and standing by him in times of danger. This loyalty creates a deep bond between the two, transforming their relationship from one of mere necessity to genuine friendship. Their bond exemplifies the novel’s exploration of human relationships and the importance of trust and loyalty in overcoming adversities.

To sum up, Friday’s significance in “Robinson Crusoe” goes beyond being a mere companion; he is a catalyst for Crusoe’s personal growth and a symbol of cultural interactions. The relationship between Crusoe and Friday also has a colonial undertone, which mirrors the colonial mindset of the 18th century.