Daniel Defoe’s novel, The Life and Strange Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner, Written by Himself, remains as captivating today as it was upon its publication. The story of Robinson Crusoe’s adventures is not just an exotic travel narrative but also a reflection of Defoe’s defense of bourgeois Protestantism. Crusoe's journey from rebellion to spiritual conversion mirrors the societal and religious complexities of 18th-century England.

Robinson Crusoe: A Complex Character

Crusoe hails from York, a city known for its burgeoning middle class, and is the son of a successful tradesman. His father represents the mercantile, Puritan ethic—one centered on temperance and moderation—but Crusoe finds these values stifling. Driven by a desire for adventure and self-discovery, he chooses the perils of the sea over the comforts of middle-class life. This decision marks his youthful rebellion and reflects the Puritan spirit of individualism.

Crusoe's adventures lead him first to South America as a planter before he is shipwrecked on a deserted island. Initially despondent, he gradually transforms his despair into a testament of human resilience. Crusoe’s crafting of a calendar and his struggle to maintain a semblance of society highlight his survival instincts. His isolation forces him to confront existential questions, culminating in a profound religious conversion that aligns him with the principles his father once espoused.

Critical Reception and Interpretations

The novel, though not revolutionary in the book industry, was a commercial triumph, with pirated editions appearing almost immediately. Initial critical reception was dismissive, with commentators like Charles Gildon criticizing its style and perceived inaccuracies. However, the narrative's adventurous spirit captured the public imagination, influencing colonial and pioneering aspirations.

Over time, perspectives on Robinson Crusoe evolved. Theophilus Cibber praised Defoe's moral integrity in the mid-18th century, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau recommended the book for its lessons in self-sufficiency. Scottish critics, including James Beattie and Sir Walter Scott, lauded its realism and universal appeal. The character of Crusoe even took on a mythic status, often linked to the real-life mariner Alexander Selkirk.

Economic and Colonial Interpretations

By the 19th century, the novel became a subject of economic critique. Karl Marx interpreted it as capitalist propaganda, a view echoed by Ian Watt, who linked Puritanism with capitalism's rise. This economic reading dominated until more nuanced interpretations emerged in the late 20th century. Critics like James Joyce, Toni Morrison, Derek Walcott, and Edward Said explored the novel’s colonialist themes, viewing Crusoe's story as an allegory of European imperialism.

Peter Hulme further nuanced the debate by contextualizing the novel historically. He highlighted Defoe's attention to financial details and honesty while suggesting dual aspects of Crusoe's nature: the solitary individualist and the colonialist plantation owner. This duality poses a critical moment when Crusoe’s two personas converge, raising questions about identity and imperialism.