Discuss on the theme of
Individuality in Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe.
Defoe’s novel celebrates the idea of individuality. This means
that the character lives according to his own way. He serves his own way. Thus,
the novel focuses on the life of individual character. Robinson, the main
character of this novel, seeks self-realization, so he yearns to go his own way
through life. He acts independently and as he chooses, against the advice of
others. This idea goes with the concepts of age of reason. Defoe’s novel is
emotionless because it was written in the Age of Reason. Thus, it
appeals to the reader’s mind and focuses on the importance of the individual.
Defoe’s novel is mainly concerned with the idea of individuality which is shown
through Crusoe’s life.
Robinson Crusoe deals with the
life of an individual character who yarns to work his way up from the common
middle position of life to a high one. Robinson decides his way through life
according to his own thoughts and inclination. He is overambitious. He wants to
get rich quicker. He is not satisfied with the quiet middle station of life. He
seeks self-realization, so he refuses to lead a stable life or to remain
inactive for any length of time, and as a result, he rejects his father’s
advice to accept the middle position of life. His desire to go to the sea
pushes him to leave home and go on voyages. He is seized by an overwhelming
desire to travel abroad. He goes on a voyage bound for London against his
father’s will. During the voyage, a storm overtakes the ship, he feels
regretful and decides veer again to think of going on a voyage if God saves his
life. After he is saved, he refuses to turn home. He has no longing for his family.
He proves to be hard-hearted and disobedient. He follows his own inclination
and design. In spite of his former oath, he goes on a voyage bound to Africa as
a trader. He succeeds in making some money and thereafter decides to become a
merchant. He wants to create a life by his own way. He yarns to succeeds as an
individual. He does not want to depend on his father or inheritance. This time,
his ship is attacked by pirates and he is held as a slave. He finds himself
alone and miserable. He makes plan to set himself free. When his master asks
him to take a boat into the sea to catch fish, he prepares to furnish himself,
not for a fishing business but for a voyage. He takes the necessary equipment
and food for a long voyage. This shows that he follows his individual thoughts.
