Themes: Colonialism
The theme of colonialism is central to Robinson Crusoe. The novel serves as an allegory for European colonialism, with Crusoe representing the European "master" and Friday the "good savage." Crusoe's actions on the island reflect the colonial mindset of the time, emphasizing domination, exploitation, and cultural superiority.
Upon being shipwrecked, Crusoe immediately claims the island as his own, mirroring the European colonialists' approach to the "New World." He views the island as a resource to exploit, demonstrating a sense of entitlement and ownership typical of colonial attitudes. When he encounters Friday, Crusoe imposes his beliefs and values on him, reinforcing the notion of European superiority. Friday's role as a servant rather than an equal highlights the power dynamics inherent in colonial relationships.
‘You do great deal much good,’ says he; ‘you teach wild mans be good, sober, tame mans; you tell them know God, pray God, and live new life.’ ‘Alas, Friday!’ says I, ‘thou knowest not what thou sayest; I am but an ignorant man Robinson Crusoe myself.’ ‘Yes, yes,’ says he, ‘you teachee me good, you teachee them good.’
Crusoe's view of himself as the "absolute lord and lawgiver" of the island further illustrates the colonial mindset. He regards the island as his personal property, with an "undoubted right of dominion." This reflects the colonial belief in the right to rule over and exploit foreign lands and peoples. His treatment of Friday as a subordinate who must call him "Master" underscores the unequal power dynamics typical of colonial rule.
My island was now peopled, and I thought myself very rich in subjects; and it was a merry reflection, which I frequently made, how like a king I looked. First of all, the whole country was my own property, so that I had an undoubted right of dominion. Secondly, my people were perfectly subjected—I was absolutely lord and lawgiver—they all owed their lives to me, and were ready to lay down their lives, if there had been occasion for it, for me.
Crusoe's actions and attitudes are consistent with the colonial project of the time, which involved taming and controlling both nature and people. His conquest of the island and subjugation of its inhabitants reflect the broader colonial enterprise, where European powers sought to impose their will on foreign lands. The novel critiques this mindset by highlighting the self-serving nature of Crusoe's actions, which benefit him more than they do the people he claims to "civilize."
Expert Q&A
Colonialism in Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe."
"Robinson Crusoe" explores themes of colonialism through Crusoe's domination over the island and its inhabitants. Crusoe imposes his European values and practices on the land, treating it as his own property. His relationship with Friday, whom he names and converts, further exemplifies the colonial mindset, reflecting the era's attitudes towards empire and cultural superiority.
Discuss the portrayal of racism in Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe.
Racism was so engrained in the society of the early eighteenth century that most of the racist attitudes in Robinson Crusoe are quite unconscious. Crusoe engages in the slave trade, which he regards as a matter of course, and assumes that he is "king" of the island on which he is stranded. When he encounters Friday, he immediately assumes that their relations will be those of master and servant.
Analyze Crusoe's relationship with Xury in "Robinson Crusoe".
Crusoe's relationship with Xury in Robinson Crusoe is one of master and servant, influenced by age and race. Although Crusoe promises to make Xury a great man, he treats him as a subordinate. Crusoe eventually sells Xury to a Portuguese captain as an indentured servant for ten years, on the condition of converting to Christianity, which falls short of his initial promise.
Where does the theme of colonialism appear in Robinson Crusoe?
The theme of colonialism is apparent throughout Robinson Crusoe. It is particularly evident when the narrator asserts his "undoubted right of dominion" over the island and describes its other inhabitants as his subjects.
How does the relationship between Robinson Crusoe and Friday symbolize imperialist ideology?
The relationship between Crusoe and Friday exemplifies imperialist ideology through Crusoe's treatment of Friday as a possession rather than an equal. Crusoe assumes superiority, renames Friday, and teaches him to call him "Master," erasing Friday's heritage. He values Friday based on European norms and physical features resembling whiteness, reflecting early 18th-century racism. Michael Tournier's retelling offers a post-colonial perspective where Friday has much to teach Crusoe.
How does Crusoe become a master and what are his achievements in Robinson Crusoe?
Crusoe in Defoe's Robinson Crusoe becomes a master by mastering himself and learning mechanical skills, and then by working hard to cultivate his island. His achievements include building two plantations of rough dwellings, cultivating two fields of grain, keeping a herd of goats, and gathering and storing all the timber and food he could possibly need. Hard work, experimentation, persistence, and planning afford him a comfortable life.
What are the results of saving Friday in Robinson Crusoe?
Saving Friday results in Crusoe gaining a servant who assists him in daily tasks and helps in his eventual escape from the island. Crusoe's motivations are self-serving, driven by his belief that cannibalism is evil rather than by concern for Friday. This dynamic reflects colonialist themes, where actions appear beneficial to the colonized but primarily serve the interests of the colonizer, highlighting the power imbalance and exploitation inherent in colonial relationships.
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