Robinson Crusoe and Gods Providence - Essay Example

1. Essay Topic Robinson Crusoe and God's Providence Expediency or Salvation: Does Robinson Crusoe Believe in Divine Providence In Daniel Dafoe's Preface to 'The Life and Strange Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe of York, Mariner...' he states that his intention is to ustify and honour the wisdom of Providence in all the variety of our circumstances.(xv). It is difficult to conclude that this is wholly fulfilled; the book may be interpreted on so many levels. On one, it seems to be a spiritual autobiography, showing the journey from sinner to saved, on another, a heroic adventure tale, and on yet another, a reflection on how to deal with the traumas of life and triumph over adversity. With so many facets, examining the book does provide much material for discussion on God's plans. Perhaps it is true to say that everything which occurred is interwoven into that Providence, and with the relationship between man and God. There is no doubt that a portrayal of that relationship is an integral part of the story. Symbolic of this relationship is that which Crusoe has with his father, whose loving advice and guidance he ignored. The warning signs of danger, or even of Providential intervention, such as storms and slavery, are also ignored, though Crusoe expressed some understanding of the issues when he said, he Hand of Heaven had overtaken me, and I was undone without Redemption.(p. 20 Vol 1), this during his enslavement. Though he was rescued and brought to a wealthy life by the help of the Portuguese Captain, never once did he think to see God's hand at work, nor to offer thanks. God is blamed for his misery, when he is shipwrecked on the island; it took him a long time to realize how fortunate he had been. When he rew up the state of my Affairs in writing(p. 74 Vol 1), it is only that the God's intervention is mentioned in his 'good' list; ..He that 2. miraculously saved me from Death can deliver me from this conditionand od has wonderfully sent the ship in..(p. 75 Vol 1). Mastering his environment took up so much time that it was not until illness struck, and the vision frightened him, that a turning point was reached, a true acknowledgment of God's goodness occurred and a relationship began to be forged. He rayed to God for the first time since the storm off of Hull.(p. 99 Vol.1) and later he stated that he prayed to God to fulfill the romise to me, that if I called upon him in the Day of Trouble, he would deliver me.(p. 108 Vol.1). It is interesting to note that once Crusoe understood how well he was provided for, a happier and more peaceful state of mind developed. Prayers and thanks, reading his Bible, these became important to him as he became a more spiritual person. However, still wanting more, mainly human contact and to leave the island, Crusoe is willing to kill those who have done him no harm. More telling as to the fragile nature of his conversion, is that the fear of danger after seeing the footprint and discovering the cannibals, stops him communing with God, together with the over-riding desire to escape, which invades his dreams. He fell into very great Dejection of Spirit. 2 (p. 231 Vol 1). The expediency Crusoe hit upon was to capture a 'Savage' to help him, an outcome he achieved in saving Friday. While he perceived this as an opportunity o get me a servant..(p. 235 Vol 1), he believed too, that he had been all'd plainly by Providence to save this poor creature's Life.(p. 235 Vol. 1). Converting Friday to Christianity provided Crusoe with more learning and religious devotion - hat in laying things open to him, I really informed and instructed myself in many things...(p. 5 Vol 2). The remainder of his adventures, such as meeting the Spaniards, saving Friday's father and retaking the English ship from the mutineers were more practical and seemed to offer less time for religious and spiritual activity. There is almost a suggestion that once Crusoe became involved in worldly matters, his relationship with God, and consideration of Providence, took second place. But the actions he took later were significant with regards to those things. 3. In truth, it can be said that God and His work were an integral part of Crusoe's existence, and these were elements which contributed to his physical and mental well-being. He became less selfish, more self-aware and a more morally responsible person towards others. He sought to share his great wealth, yet never lost the desire to sail away again, back to the now-colonized island. In helping the inhabitants towards a better life, Crusoe may be either showing his Christian beliefs in action, or once again, living his dreams of seafaring adventure. Essay Topic 2 Crusoe and the Virtues of Charity and Justice Charity, Justice and Crusoe's Moral Character From an arrogant, self-centered young man, Robinson Crusoe progressed to become a person of moral integrity. In recounting the story of his amazing life, he honestly portrayed what was 'bad' in himself, his journey to becoming a better person, and finally by his actions, showed that he attained spiritual growth. He came to understand the meaning of justice, and applied it, alongside Christian charity, which he dispensed. From the outset, the absence of these virtues is made clear. Even while he knew that his parents were concerned for his safety and happiness, he took a course of action, dictated by what he wanted, with little concern for their feelings. This was neither just nor charitable, as on a whim, he took a ship form Hull to London, eaving them to hear of it as they might..(p. 6 Vol 1). Considering they had lost one son, and how anxious they were for his well-being, this was the action of a selfish, thoughtless person, denying respect or love for those who loved him. But Crusoe was a complicated character, with the sensitivity to understand and regret his behavior, while driven to fulfill his own desires. That he recognized the value of others can be seen in the description of, and charitable feelings expressed towards the Sea Captain who took him to the Guinea Coast, stating him to be onest and plain-dealing manand he only voyage..was successful in all my adventures..which I owe to the Integrity and Honesty of my friend the Captain. 4. (p. 17-18 Vol 1). Again, there is evidence of how he valued the boy Xury, a slave like himself, instrumental in helping him to escape. This did not, however, prevent him from selling Xury into a further 10 years of slavery and a forced conversion to Christianity. Though Crusoe suggested the boy was happy with this, there was a lack of loyalty, charity and justice in selling a friend thus, even if the Captain promised to ive the Boy an Obligation to set him free in ten years, if he turn'd Christian and let the Captain have him..(p. 37 Vol. 1) A more thoughtful and just person emerged after Crusoe's conversion, possibly due to his relationship with God, while on the island. Though tormented by fear of the cannibals, to the point of obsession, and determined to murder them, he was able to recognize how unjust such a course of action would have been. Instead, he made the decision to just carry on as before, hiding away from potential dangers. He questioned himself thus, and reached a fairer conclusion: ow do I know what God himself judges in this particular case;...it is not against their own consciences reproving.. These people had done me no injury..and therefore it could not be just for me to fall upon them (p. 198 Vol. 1). With regards to the mutineers from the English ship, Crusoe was in a position of strength and power over their life or death. His treatment of the men showed how far he had come from the selfish, thoughtless young man, to one whose wisdom and beliefs made him both charitable and just. In defiance of the Captain's wishes, he was able to stick to his principles, fulfill his promises. hey were my prisoners,..I would be as good as my word,..I would set them at liberty.(p. 71 Vol 2). He went so far as to leave arms and ammunition and instructions to help them survive. Crusoe gave those men a chance to live, as opposed to death by hanging and no longer was Robinson Crusoe the only thing which mattered to him, others and their needs impacted on his actions. After returning to the wider world, Crusoe did not fall back into selfish ways, despite his great wealth and opportunities. One aspect of his character which does not sit well with trusting in God, is his inability to trust his fortune to any but the Portuguese Captain or the old Widow. This 5. appears to be based on a desire to keep control of his destiny, to be wiser than his youthful self, and not from greed or fear. It was an enigmatic trait which seems contrary to belief in Providence. He freely gave of his fortune, as a just and charitable gesture of gratitude to the Captain; my good old Captain, who had been first charitable to me in my Distress, kind to me in my Beginning and honest to me at the end..(p. 82 Vol 2). Not only did he share with the Captain, but left his son money for life. With regard to his other trusted old friend, the Widow of that first honest captain, Crusoe made every effort to find her and ensure her comfort in her old age. Finding a merchant in Lisbon to contact London to find her, he had them arry her in money, an hundred pounds from me...telling her she should, if I lived, have a further supply..(p. 83 Vol 2) Robinson Crusoe, an older and wiser man, with a deeper understanding of the word of God and its application to life, demonstrated that understanding by acting as honestly, unselfishly, justly and charitably as his experiences and character dictated. Having come through many trials and won, spirit enhanced and unbroken, he appeared to carry out the teachings of the Bible, living his life as he believed God would have wanted. Read More