Robinson Crusoe 3
By definition, a savage is an uncivilized person. Friday would not fit this description because he was civilized. He was a product of the civilization that surrounded him where he came from. His appearance, behaviors, and beliefs were that of all the others in what might be called his tribe. The simple fact that he had religious beliefs is evidence of him being somewhat civilized. A savage can also be thought of as anyone or anything not European. Clearly Friday was not European, yet his features were not consistent with what would normally be considered "savage". He is described as having "a very good Countenance, not a fierce and surly Aspect...", "he had all the Sweetness and Softness of an European in his Countenance too...", "His Hair was long and black, not curl'd like Wool...", "The Colour of his Skin was not quite black, but very tawny; and yet not of an ugly yellow nauseous tawny, as the Brasilians, and Virginians, and other Natives of America are...", and "his Nose small, not flat like the Negroes, a very good mouth, thin Lips, and his fine Teeth well set, and white as Ivory" (Defoe 205). When the two characters meet, Friday approaches Robinson Crusoe in a very sedate manner, Friday is terrified yet he does not
Along with teaching Friday to speak his language, Robinson Crusoe also made attempts to retrain his eating habits. Friday was a cannibal like those who had brought him to the island in the first place. He enjoyed consuming flesh and Robinson Crusoe made it clear to Friday that this was not acceptable behavior. With reference to the savages that Robinson Crusoe had saved Friday from, "...making signs to me that we should dig them up again, and eat them..." (Defoe 206). "I found Friday had still a hankering Stomach after some of the Flesh, and was still a Cannibal in his nature... I had by some Means let him know, that I would kill him if he offer'd it" (Defoe 208). In time Robinson Crusoe teaches Friday to eat the meat of animals rather than hmans. lash out at Robinson Crusoe. He does not seem wild, ferocious or barbaric in any way. He uses sign language at first to communicate, which indicates knowledge of some sort of primitive language. He is quick to learn Robinson Crusoe's language and is eager to learn more while Robinson Crusoe stays clear of learning Friday's language. Defoe allowed Robinson Crusoe to remain abandoned on this island for many years before Friday appeared. There was
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 815
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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