DANIEL DEFOE
1) What are the main events of Defoe’s life?
Defoe was born in London into a family of dissidents, worked as a merchant,
journalist and writer. He is considered the father of the English novel. He died in
poverty.
2) What are his main works?
His main works are: Robinson Crusoe, moll handers, a journal of the pledge year.
3) What are the main features of his novels?
The main characteristics of his novels are: they have an episodic structure. Their
characters are middle class, men or women of good family.
4) What is the plot of “Robinson Crusoe”?
Robinson Crusoe decides to leave his family alone. During one of his travels he is
shipwrecked on a desert island, where he survives for 28 years learning to live in
isolation. On the island he meets Friday, a native who becomes his servant.
Eventually, he is rescued and returns to England.
5) Why does he decide to leave his family and go travelling?
Because he wants to find his own way in life, and loves adventure.
6) What is Robinson’s attitude towards the island and towards the problems he has
to face?
Consider the island as a challenge to dominate and exploit nature. Face problems
with great adaptability: in each situation analyze the advantages and disadvantages
choosing the best option.
7) What does the island represent in the novel?
The island as a challenge to dominant and exploitative nature.
8) Why has the novel been defined as a spiritual autobiography?
The novel has been called a spiritual autobiography because it is full of
references to the Bible and to God.
9) Why has Robinson been considered as the prototype of the English colonizer?
He imposes his culture and authority on the island and on Friday, embodying British
colonial ideology.
10) Describe the relationship between Robinson and Friday.
Robinson converts Friday to Christianity, establishing a hierarchical relationship,
in which he is the master and Friday is the servant.
11)What are the themes of “Robinson Crusoe”?
Defoe and exalts the 18th century england exploring themes like survival, personal
growth and autonomy.
12) Describe Defoe’s style
Defoe’s style is realistic and detailed. He uses a clear and simple language.
1) What are the main events of Defoe’s life?
Defoe was born in London into a family of dissidents, worked as a merchant,
journalist and writer. He is considered the father of the English novel. He died in
poverty.
2) What are his main works?
His main works are: Robinson Crusoe, moll handers, a journal of the pledge year.
3) What are the main features of his novels?
The main characteristics of his novels are: they have an episodic structure. Their
characters are middle class, men or women of good family.
4) What is the plot of “Robinson Crusoe”?
Robinson Crusoe decides to leave his family alone. During one of his travels he is
shipwrecked on a desert island, where he survives for 28 years learning to live in
isolation. On the island he meets Friday, a native who becomes his servant.
Eventually, he is rescued and returns to England.
5) Why does he decide to leave his family and go travelling?
Because he wants to find his own way in life, and loves adventure.
6) What is Robinson’s attitude towards the island and towards the problems he has
to face?
Consider the island as a challenge to dominate and exploit nature. Face problems
with great adaptability: in each situation analyze the advantages and disadvantages
choosing the best option.
7) What does the island represent in the novel?
The island as a challenge to dominant and exploitative nature.
8) Why has the novel been defined as a spiritual autobiography?
The novel has been called a spiritual autobiography because it is full of
references to the Bible and to God.
9) Why has Robinson been considered as the prototype of the English colonizer?
He imposes his culture and authority on the island and on Friday, embodying British
colonial ideology.
10) Describe the relationship between Robinson and Friday.
Robinson converts Friday to Christianity, establishing a hierarchical relationship,
in which he is the master and Friday is the servant.
11)What are the themes of “Robinson Crusoe”?
Defoe and exalts the 18th century england exploring themes like survival, personal
growth and autonomy.
12) Describe Defoe’s style
Defoe’s style is realistic and detailed. He uses a clear and simple language.
