Robinson Crusoe Group

Question:


lovelydeer
Student
College - Freshman

White european man is very much related to colonialism europeans felt that they are center of civilization? Explain.

Give example according Robinson Crusoe

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Posted by lovelydeer on Friday November 6, 2009 at 11:25 AM and tagged with colonialism, robinson crusoe.

Answers:


  1. pohnpei397 Teacher
    Community / Jr. College

    eNotes Editor

    Many scholars believe that Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe" is largely about colonialism.

    In the book, Crusoe systematically subjugates the island on which he is lost.  All through his own efforts, he makes the tools that he needs to build himself a home with ten foot walls around the compound.  He imposes his will on nature by building this home and by showing the crows who's boss, essentially.  This was one of the main themes of colonialism -- imposing the will of the white Europeans on the wilderness.

    In addition, he imposes his will on Friday, who is a symbol for non-white people in general.  This, of course, is another major aspect of colonization.

    In imposing his will on his island, Crusoe is representing the view that Europeans had of themselves at that time.  He is the bringer of civilization to wild lands and wild people.

    Sources:
    http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/english/melani/novel_18...
    http://www.enotes.com/robinson-crusoe/robinson-crusoe-gui...

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    Posted by pohnpei397 on Friday November 6, 2009 at 11:45 AM