About the Author
Born in London sometime in 1660 to James Foe, a chandler, and his wife, Daniel Defoe was originally educated for the Presbyterian ministry at the […]
Robinson Crusoe
Setting
The story begins in mid-17th-century York, with a brief account of Robinson Crusoe’s early years. From there it moves to the Moorish port of Sallee, […]
Themes and Characters
Robinson Crusoe, narrated in the first person, is dominated by the title character. The other major character, Friday, appears after two-thirds of the narrative has […]
Literary Qualities
Robinson Crusoe is an artistic achievement that is recognized as a major contribution to the development of English prose fiction. Especially interesting are the narrative […]
Social Sensitivity
Robinson Crusoe contains references to two issues-racism and religion-that should be addressed by parents and teachers of precocious young readers. Certainly Crusoe’s attitudes toward Xury, […]
Ideas and Topics for Papers
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION 1. In what ways does Robinson Crusoe attempt to “civilize” his environment? How successful is he in these attempts? How does his […]
Related Titles and Adaptations
Delighted with the incredible success of Robinson Crusoe, Defoe followed it four months later with Farther Adventures of Robinson Crusoe (1719) and shortly thereafter with […]