A critical study of crusoe's mind and character

Abstract

Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe is considered as the most important precursor of the English Novel or even as the first English Novel. Literary critics have discussed the character of Robinson Crusoe from different literary perspectives. The purpose of this paper is to examine Crusoe's attitude towards business, religion arid non-Europeans in its historical context. These three elements of Crusoe's character are inseparably linked to each other and are therefore essential to an appreciation of Crusoe's mind and character. His attitude towards business and religion is motivated by practical considerations. He exploits non-Europeans for his own advantage and in his discriminating treatment he is supported by religious beliefs. The following discussion of three principal traits of Crusoe's character will help us to understand Crusoe's mind and character and enlighten us about the prevailing trends of the Eighteenth-Century.