Father Themes in Robinson Crusoe

A detailed Summary of Father Themes in Robinson Crusoe

Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, is a novel rich with its varying themes. Among these, is a theme about fathers and sons. This is seen throughout the novel with actual fathers and father figures. Concerning Robinson Crusoe himself, this theme acts as a developmental tool which can be seen from the beginning to the end.

At the beginning, we are introduced to Robinson Crusoe and his father. This of course is an obvious observation to make. As the story progresses, we see Crusoe befall many misfortunes, which can be traced to his "original sin" concerning his father, and his disobedience to his prophetic warning about going to sea.

Short way into the story, we meet Xury. Crusoe and Xury were both captives, or to say slaves of a Captain of the Moors. When both of these characters escaped from their master, Crusoe made Xury swear more or less an allegiance to him. This Xury agreed to without any questions asked. Through time, it seems that Xury, became more of a close companion to Crusoe than that of a slave. Together, being in slavery and going through some adventures, you could say that Crusoe developed an emotional tie to him, more than that of slave and master. This can clearly be seen when the Portugese Captain off

ers to buy Xury and take him from Crusoe's hands. Crusoe felt sorry for this, as he was selling the freedom of his new found companion who was instrumental in gaining his own. These can be viewed as somewhat close emotional ties with his boy Xury, acting more of the father than the master, though he sold him anyway.

When the savages returned once again to the island to partake in their ritual consumption of human flesh, Crusoe decided that he and Friday shall attempt to rescue the prisoners. Upon doing so Friday encounters his natural father. He then became joyous and excited at this find. Seeing these emotional outbursts toward his father, Crusoe can be said to feel an emotional loss with regards to his feelings with Friday, his "son".

As stated in the above examples, the reader can see the regularly occurring theme of fathers and sons. Through this Crusoe went through a growth process. This process was one in which his character evolved from the beginning to the end. It also acted as a personal and emotional development for Crusoe. Being a son and a father throughout his trial and tribulations, Crusoe became a better person emotionally and through his actions towards all things in general and those concerning his fellow man.

The most occurring example of this theme, is that of Crusoe's relationship with his narro

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Approximate Word count = 904
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English