The Story of the Life of Robinson Crusoe is a Truthful Representation of Human life.

Answer

“The story of the life of Robinson Crusoe is a truthful representation of human life.” Elucidate. 

Daniel Defoe’s (1660-1731) novel “Robinson Crusoe,” first published in 1719, is often considered a truthful representation of human life. The story follows the adventures and hardships of Robinson Crusoe, a man shipwrecked on a deserted island for 28 years. This narrative can be seen as a microcosm of the human experience, illustrating themes of survival, self-reliance, human ingenuity, quest for meaning, and economic motives.

Survival and Resourcefulness: One of the central themes in “Robinson Crusoe” is survival. Crusoe finds himself alone on an uninhabited island, and his primary concern becomes finding food, shelter, and protection from potential dangers.

yet I frequently caught fish enough, as much as I cared to eat;

This struggle for survival reflects the basic human instinct to endure and persevere in the face of challenges. Robinson Crusoe salvages materials from the wrecked ship, builds a hut, and even manages to create a calendar to keep track of time. Crusoe’s resourcefulness, as he learns to hunt, farm, and build a shelter, mirrors the human capacity for adaptation and problem-solving.

The Quest for Meaning: While Crusoe’s physical survival is a significant aspect of the novel, his internal journey is equally important. Initially, Crusoe’s life is driven by a desire for adventure and wealth, leading him to defy his father’s advice and go to sea. However, his isolation on the island forces him to confront deeper questions about life, faith, and purpose.

I was in complete darkness and ignorance; I was first a shipwrecked man, a prisoner without a help, and could hardly see a prospect of being delivered

Crusoe’s reflections on his past actions and his growing religious faith illustrate the human quest for meaning and redemption. He comes to see his time on the island as a form of divine punishment and eventually as a means of spiritual awakening.

Reflection of Society and Human Nature: Crusoe’s story also represents the broader societal themes and human nature. Crusoe’s background as a middle-class Englishman and his approach to his new environment can be seen as a microcosm of colonialism. The following line from the novel contains a colonial undertone:

I was king and lord of all this country indefeasibly, and had a right of possession;

His efforts to “civilize” the island and his interactions with Friday reveal attitudes toward race, culture, and power that were prevalent during Defoe’s time. These elements provide a critique of human behavior.

Life of Adventure for Gaining Name, Fame, and Money: Robinson Crusoe abandons his parents’ advice and chooses the seafaring life. He desires to be a prosperous and wealthy man.

I consulted neither father or mother nay more, nor so much as sent them word of it as they might,

In this way, he wants to rise above the middle status of life. The novel describes the miserable condition of a middle-class family in England. Crusoe is trying to be well off in the economic aspect of his life. Crusoe possesses a capitalistic tendency. He becomes a true materialistic man.

In conclusion, “Robinson Crusoe” is a truthful representation of human life, encompassing themes of survival, ingenuity, and the search for meaning. Crusoe’s journey from adventure-seeking youth to a resourceful and introspective survivor mirrors the universal human experience in the face of life’s challenges. Through Crusoe’s story, Defoe captures the essence of what it means to be human. It makes the novel a timeless exploration of the human condition.