Robinson Crusoe : Quotations
Robinson Crusoe is a notable literary work by Daniel Defoe. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Robinson Crusoe.
Quotations
Crusoe’s birth and background:
“I was born in the year 1632, in the city of York.”
Explanation: Crusoe begins his story with this line. He introduces himself to the reader and sets the stage for his journey. It shows that the story is written in a personal and autobiographical tone.
“I had been well instructed by father and mother;”
Explanation: Crusoe remembers the moral teachings of his parents. This line shows his guilt and self-reflection for ignoring their advice.
“It was my great misfortune that in all these adventures I did not ship myself as a sailor;”
Explanation: Crusoe regrets not formally becoming a sailor. This line reflects his self-awareness and the mistakes he made by acting on impulse without proper training or preparation.
“I am cast upon a horrible, desolate island”
Explanation: Crusoe expresses his fear and helplessness. This moment marks the beginning of his isolation and survival struggle on the island.
“I had now lived two years under this uneasiness.”
Explanation: Crusoe admits his long-term fear of being discovered by hostile natives. It shows the psychological strain of isolation and insecurity.
“I showed him my ladder, made him go up, and carried him into my cave, and he became my servant;”
Explanation: Crusoe immediately assumes authority over Friday. It reflects the colonial attitude of dominance and forced servitude.
“It is never too late to be wise.”
Explanation: This quote expresses self-realization. Crusoe realizes his past mistakes and begins to change.
“I was king and lord of all this country indefensibly, and had a right of possession;”
Explanation: Crusoe claims ownership over the island. It shows his belief in absolute power and the right to rule, symbolizing colonial conquest.
“This was the first time I could say, in the true sense of the word, that I prayed in my life.”
Explanation: It shows Crusoe’s spiritual rebirth. In his lowest moment, he turns to God sincerely.
“I was lord of the whole manor.”
Explanation: Crusoe calls himself a king. This reflects his colonial mindset. He takes control of the island and treats Friday as a subject. This line shows the colonial theme in the novel.
“I had the lives of all my subjects at my absolute command;”
Explanation: Crusoe sees others as his subjects. This highlights his controlling nature and colonial superiority over those around him.
“Call upon Me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.”
Explanation: This Bible verse brings comfort to Crusoe. It represents his spiritual transformation and growing dependence on divine guidance.
“I gave humble and hearty thanks that God had been pleased to discover to me”
Explanation: Crusoe expresses gratitude to God for spiritual insight. This line highlights his growing faith and dependence on divine grace.
“(Thus I left the island) in the year 1686, after I had been upon it eight-and-twenty years, two months, and nineteen days;”
Explanation: Crusoe marks the exact length of his stay. This detail shows his strong sense of time, discipline, and the significance of his long journey of survival and transformation.
Morall Lessson :
- True faith and sincere repentance bring inner peace and strength during life’s greatest hardships.
- Hard work, patience, and self-reliance help a person survive and succeed against all odds.