Who is your favourite literary character?
Robinson Crusoe, the main character of the book Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe is my favourite literary character.
Briefly about the Author
Daniel Defoe (c. 1660 – 24 April 1731), born Daniel Foe, was an English trader, writer, journalist, pamphleteer and spy. He is most famous for his novel Robinson Crusoe, which is second only to the Bible in its number of translations.
Daniel Defoe was the founder of the realistic novel. He was also a brilliant journalist and in many ways the father of modern English periodicals. He founded and paved the way for many magazines ( “The Revue”, “The Spectator”).
Daniel Defoe was born in London, his father, a butcher, was wealthy enough to give his son a good education. Defoe was to become a priest, but it was his cherished desire to become wealthy. His wish was never fullfilled. He was bankrupt several times. He was always in deep debt. The only branch of business in which he proved to be succesful was journalism and literature.
When Defoe was about 23 he started writting pamphlets on question of the hour. He started writing pamphlets praising King William III, who was supported by the Whig party. No matter in whose defence his brilliant pamphlets were written their irony was so subtle, that the enemy didn’t understand it at first. But as soon as his enemy realised the real character of the pamphlets Defoe was sentenced to 7 years of inprisonment. It was a cruel punishment, and when they came for him to be set free, people carried him on their shoulders. This was the climax of his political career and the end of it.
In 1719, he tried his hand at another kind of literature – fiction, and wrote the novel he is now best known, “Robison Crusoe“. After the book was published, Defoe became famous and rich and was able to pay his creditors in full.
Defoe was a prolific and versatile writer, producing more than three hundred works — books, pamphlets, and journals—on diverse topics, including politics, crime, religion, marriage, psychology, and the supernatural. He was also a pioneer of business journalism and economic journalism.
Other novels written by Daniel Defoe were also very much talked about during his lifetime, but we do not hear much about them now. For example “Captain Singleton“(1720), “Moll Flanders“(1722).
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
I am fond of reading books about journeys and new discoveries. One of my favourite literary characters is Robinson Crusoe. The famous novel “Robinson Crusoe” was written by Daniel Defoe in 1719.
The novel gives great value to human work. Through hard work and courage, Robinson is able to survive many difficulties. His work saves him from falling into despair. In fact, working gives him a sense of purpose and even happiness.
What makes the novel so interesting is Robinson Crusoe himself. Defoe shows how Robinson changes as a person. At the beginning of the story, we meet a young and inexperienced boy who makes careless decisions. But as the story continues, he becomes a strong and determined man who can face all the challenges of his unusual life.
The most important quality of Robinson Crusoe is his optimism. His main rule in life is “never say die,” which means he never gives up. Of course, there are moments when he feels afraid: during earthquakes or when he gets sick, but these feelings never last long. He trusts himself and believes that people can overcome all problems and difficulties.
Another quality that helps him survive is his ability to focus fully on his work. Whatever he does, he puts his heart into it. He is always full of energy and hope.
Defoe shows that Crusoe is also very practical. He doesn’t pay attention to the beauty of the island. Nature’s beauty doesn’t impress him. He looks at the island as his own property. He feels proud to be the master of it. I personally don’t agree with this point of view. I believe we are not the owners of nature, we are a part of it.
The novel Robinson Crusoe celebrates the power of energy and hard work. It is more than just a fictional adventure story. It is also a deep look at one man and how he relates to nature, to civilization, and to the value of labour.
Answer the questions
- When was Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe written?
- Does Defoe show the development of his character?
- What is Crusoe’s guiding principle?
- What features of character saved Crusoe from despair?
- This novel is a praise to human labour, isn’t it?
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe, the Book About the Strength of Human Spirit
Robinson Crusoe is one of the most famous adventure novels in English literature. It tells the story of a man who is shipwrecked on a deserted island and has to survive on his own for many years. The novel is not just about physical survival, but also about the strength of the human spirit.
The main character, Robinson Crusoe, is very interesting and inspiring. At first, he is a young man who doesn’t listen to advice and wants to follow his own path. He chooses a dangerous life at sea instead of staying safe at home. But as the story goes on, we see how he grows as a person.
Robinson Crusoe becomes strong, brave, and practical. He learns how to build a house, grow food, make clothes, and even tame animals. He never gives up, even when he feels lonely or afraid. One of his best qualities is his optimism—he always tries to see the good side of things. Even in the most difficult situations, he believes that hard work and faith can help him.
What makes Crusoe a true hero is not just his ability to survive, but his ability to change and adapt. He learns to live in harmony with nature, and he becomes more thoughtful and responsible. His story shows that people can become better and stronger through challenges.
The book is not only an adventure, it also makes readers think about important topics like independence, hard work, the relationship between humans and nature, and personal growth. That’s why Robinson Crusoe is still loved and read by many people around the world.
Robinson Crusoe was my first serious book which I read from cover to cover. I have never heard that Defoe’s novel Robinson Crusoe is second only to the Bible in its number of translations. I liked this book a lot because the plot is very unusual and the author’s style of writing is brilliant. I agree with the author that a man should never give up and can survive in any situation thanks to hard work.
”Robinson Crusoe” is an adventure novel written by Daniel Defoe. The book was piblished in 1719.The story is about the adventures of Robinson Crusoe, who spent 28 years on a tropical island.
The action takes place on an island after the shipwreck. While they were sailing somewhere in the Caribbean they got into a storm and the ship crashed. After some time Robinson was alone on a big island somewhere far from his motherland.
Crusoe spends the next several years surviving on the island. He builds a shelter, grows crops, raises goats. He also reads the Bible, becoming more faithful as he reflects on his life. His skills in survival are improving. After many years alone, Crusoe discovers that the island is visited by cannibals who come to the island to kill and eat people. During their visit, Robinson saved a man. He named him Friday. Friday was the only friend of his.
Once near the island there was a British ship which gets Robinson to England.
After reading the book I was impressed by the adventures of Robinson. The plot is gripping. The book is easy-to-read. Characters are potrayed in a brilliant way. I recommend you to read this book because of a breathtaking plot.