Crusoe as a Reflection of Defoes Beliefs - Coursework Example

Introduction Any work of art is a reflection of the artist’s thoughts. Post modernists theories try to separate the work of art from the artist and emphasize upon the role of the readers. According to the post modernist thinkers readers play significant role in decoding the text and it is the readers who actually give meaning to it. But at the same it cannot be denied that the work is ultimately the expression of the artist’s perception of reality. Robinson Crusoe has been variously interpreted but a psychoanalytical approach to the text reveals that both the theme and the character of Crusoe are built on Daniel Defoe’s beliefs and convictions about the 18th century issues of economic expansion and colonialism of the British Empire. Psychoanalytical interpretation focuses on the subconscious intentions of the writer that are otherwise implicit in the text. Crusoe as a reflection of Defoe’s beliefs His work shows that he was greatly influenced by the ideology of expansion and colonization. The character of Robinson Crusoe projects Defoe’s belief about the spiritual superiority of the British officers and also his admiration for the 18th century spirit of independent enterprise. Defoe has tried to merge the concepts of the colonizer and the Christian missionary in Crusoe. According to Defoe Robinson Crusoe represents the inherent good intentions of the colonizers in making colonies of different lands and enlightening the so-called uneducated primitive inhabitants with Christian ideals. Defoe’s perspective on the issues of the mercantile expeditions with the aim of colonizing is conditioned by the 18th century British conservative ideals. It has been pointed out by critics that Defoe’s protagonist Crusoe is a ‘male sexual neuter’ (DeLuna, 70). It is ironical that though Defoe has made his protagonist adventurous and heroic yet has kept away from commenting or even being suggestive of Crusoe’s sexuality. It seems as though Defoe more than portraying Crusoe as an individual is intent on making him the representative of the English trading class. It is apparent that Defoe does not want to get into depicting the intricacies of the psyche while drawing his protagonist’s character. He does not want to explore Crusoe as an individual but as a representative figure and perhaps that is one of the reasons why he deliberately avoided treating the character of Crusoe from more complex angles. Defoe too shares the belief that expansion of the British kingdom through trade was an inevitable historical reality. He indicates that Robinson is as if chosen by Providence to perform the role of the great explorer and saviour of the savage natives. To this purpose Defoe even constructs the narrative so that the death of Crusoe’s wife makes way for a wiser and graver Crusoe to venture out into the ‘wildernesses’ without any ties to pull him back. Defoe by making his hero go through a personal tragedy and loss of a close one is trying to generate a sense of romanticism about him. Crusoe does not seem to belong to the real world but to an ideal past that was predominately guided by optimism and fellow feeling. Defoe as the promoter of Imperialism and Expansionism Defoe is romanticizing the political concepts of colonization and imperialism. His intentions seem to be that of a propagandist who wants to convince people about the validity and righteousness of the aim of capitalism that is “to generate great cities even from bog” (DeLuna, 79). Defoe seems to be hard bent to promote English International trade that he believes to be a great achievement. But at the same time he wants to set an example through the character of Crusoe of the ideal combination of sharp intelligence and good nature essential for a successful colonizer. The theme of colonialism and the importance of trade in achieving it form the central idea of Defoe’s novel. It reflects Defoe’s pro-colonial views about the British expansionist policy. Moreover through the character of Crusoe he wants to emphasize the virtues that characterize the British. Once again in his portrayal of Crusoe Defoe reveals his sense of racial superiority. The incident of Crusoe landing on an unknown island among cannibals and ‘religious and cultural others’, makes the ground for his rising to the occasion and asserting his racial and religious identity. Defoe could have dealt with the theme of alienation and psychological trauma that one might have faced in such conditions. But by making Crusoe retain his sense of identity and staying unaffected by the new culture Defoe is emphasizing on the actual intentions of the colonizer. Though Defoe exhibits the ideals of colonialism from the perspective of the colonizer but at the same time he tries to create an exemplary case of colonialism through Crusoe’s journey. He is trying to stress on the ideal form of colonialism and the colonizer. But the ideal situation of colonization that Defoe pictures is based on his biases of the superiority of the British culture and religion over the aboriginal culture of the colonized people. His portrayal of Man-Friday as subservient and intellectually inferior to Crusoe has been a subject of criticism. It might be said that though Defoe believes in colonialism as a noble attempt to civilize the world he has doubts about the methods used to achieve it. He was not unaware of the harsh reality and materialistic purposes behind colonialism but also believes that if the colonizers adopt a more humane approach to the whole issue it would do much good in getting local support and building a positive image. With this aim Defoe has made his protagonist Crusoe governed by philanthropic ideals. It is in his approach to the concept of imperialism that makes him different from other writers of his age. He upholds the Christian values of tolerance and acceptance that celebrates humanity over other material aims. “Crusoe, the quintessential colonizer, is an English colonizer, and Defoe distinguishes between Crusoes particular brand of colonialism and that of his European competitors. His brand involves free trade and the ‘improvement’ and upkeep of his colonial possessions, in addition to freedom of conscience.” (Mcinelly) Defoe’s religious ideals in relation to colonial expansion Defoe points out that religious tolerance and liberal approach are necessary when one sets out for imperialistic missions. He portrayed Crusoe as sharing his religious ideals for Defoe believed in freedom of religion (Mcinelly). Crusoe in his tolerance for other religions reflect Defoe’s views. Though Defoe converts him to Protestantism yet makes him respect other alternative religious beliefs. “It was remarkable too, we had but three Subjects, and they were of three different Religions. My Man Friday was a Protestant, his Father was a Pagan and a Cannibal, and the Spaniard was a Papist: However, I allowd Liberty of Conscience throughout my Dominions.” (241) It seems that though he believed in imperialistic ideals but was against oppression and extortion that in reality are strategies adopted to meet the colonialist ends. Defoe believed that religion must essentially be humanitarian in its objectives for religion is for human beings and not vice versa. The conversion of Crusoe to Protestantism is an example of Defoe’s personal beliefs that with the ‘Protestant work ethic’ (Maldonado, 79) and tolerant outlook the trust of the colonized people could be won over. Crusoe as an extension of Defoe Robinson Crusoe being shipwrecked and all by himself on a deserted island, embodies an institution-less existence. Defoe did not dwell much on his protagonist’s inner conflict or existential crisis but rather shows him trying to make the best of his present situation. On one hand Defoe projects Crusoe as the lone survivor also signifying his ability to retain his cultural and racial identity and on the other he makes Crusoe gradually build up his own kingdom on the island. He creates new institution that would go with the context in which he finds himself. Defoe seems to point out that the very essence of colonization is to prepare for the unknown, remain unfazed and make the best of the native resources without getting lost in the savage world. Robinson Crusoe’s life is drawn on the real experiences of Defoe. Defoe too had gone through disastrous experiences no less than being shipwrecked. He had gone bankrupt in business, been imprisoned and even served as a secret informer apart from being a renowned novelist, journalist and shrewd advisor of powerful men (Maldonado, 83). Defoe had experienced both the moments of being an ideal representative of social institution as well as one who had rejected it. Therefore he makes Crusoe form an alternative institution in his own way that is neither in acceptance or rejection of the existing institutions of his society. Conclusion It might be concluded by saying that Defoe’s depiction of Crusoe’s journey is from one state of social existence to another. Though Defoe could not help being conditioned by the 18th century imperialistic philosophy but it is evident that he makes a conscious effort to neither condemn nor eulogize the cultural Other. Rather Defoe makes him one without cultural inhibitions so as to accept his present condition and strategically work to improve it. Moreover by showing him sensitive towards the natives as well as other forms of religion and culture Defoe has drawn the character of the ideal colonizer much as a well wisher of the poor and uncivilized people. It might be said that Defoe wanted the colonizer to be looked up as the saviour of the downtrodden. Works Cited Defoe, D. Robinson Crusoe. Edited by J. Donald Crowley. Oxford: Oxford, UP. 1972. DeLuna, D-A. Robinson Crusoe, Virginal Hero of the Commercial North. Eighteenth Century Life. 28.1 (2004) 69-91. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Capilano University Library. Retrieved 29th March 2009 Maldonado, T. Defoe and the ‘Projecting Age’. Design Issues. 18.1 (2002) 78-85. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Capilano University Library. Retrieved 29th March 2009 Mcinelly, B.C. Expanding Empires, Expanding Selves: Colonialism, the Novel and Robinson Crusoe. Studies in the Novel. 35.1 (2003). Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Capilano University Library. Retrieved 29th March 2009 Read More