Robinson Crusoe

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Robinson Crusoe is an Englishman from the town of York in the

seventeenth century. Despite his family's objections, he decides to


pursue a life at sea instead of studying law as his father wished. After
several voyages, he becomes a successful merchant in Brazil.
However, during a slave-gathering expedition to West Africa, his
shipwrecks off the coast of Trinidad, and Crusoe becomes the sole
survivor.

On the deserted island, Crusoe salvages supplies from the wreckage


and learns to survive. He marks the passing of time, builds a shelter,
and cultivates food. He experiences a religious awakening and finds
pleasure in his solitude. One day, he discovers footprints on the beach
and realizes cannibals inhabit the island. Crusoe saves a captive
named Friday from the cannibals and they become companions.

Friday shares valuable information about the cannibals and reveals that
there are other survivors, including his own father. Crusoe helps save
the other survivors and defeats a group of cannibals. Eventually, they
encounter mutineers from a ship, and with Friday's help, Crusoe
manages to take control of the situation. He arranges for their return to
England.

Back in England, Crusoe discovers that his family has passed away,
except for his two sisters. He also finds out that his investments in
Brazil have been profitable. After settling his affairs, Crusoe considers
returning to Brazil but decides against it. He marries, but his wife dies,
and he eventually embarks on a trading expedition to the East Indies.
Before leaving, he revisits his island and finds it flourishing under the
governance of the rescued Spaniards.

A Marxist Analysis of "Robinson Crusoe"

Daniel Defoe's novel "Robinson Crusoe" is not just an adventure story


but it's also a reflection of the social and economic conditions of its time.
Applying Marxist criticism to the novel shows a deeper understanding of
its themes. by exploring key aspects of capitalist society such as social
class, labour exploitation, alienation, colonization, and the critique of
private property.

Class Struggle: "Robinson Crusoe" introduces the protagonist, Crusoe,


as a member of the bourgeoisie, representing the richer class in
society. Crusoe's successful merchant ventures and plantation
ownership in Brazil exemplify the accumulation of wealth through the
exploitation of labour. The novel illustrates Crusoe's control over the
labour of others, particularly through his involvement in the slave trade.
This highlights the oppressive class structure of the colonial era, where
the bourgeoisie benefits from the labour of the proletariat, supporting
social inequality.

Capitalism and Exploitation: Capitalism and the pursuit of profit form the
driving force behind Crusoe's actions. His slave-gathering trip to Africa
and the establishment of his plantation in Brazil display the capitalist
mindset of exploiting both natural resources and human labour for
personal gain. The commodification of slaves and their reduction to
mere objects reflect the dehumanizing effects of capitalist systems.
"Robinson Crusoe" thereby reinforces the notion that the accumulation
of wealth takes precedence over ethical considerations, exacerbating
social disparities.

Alienation and Isolation: The novel explores the theme of alienation and
isolation, reflecting the consequences of capitalist systems. Crusoe's
prolonged solitude on the deserted island signifies the isolation that can
arise under capitalism. While initially experiencing a religious
awakening, Crusoe gradually becomes estranged from society,
detached from communal bonds, and dependent solely on himself. This
narrative thread serves as a critique of the individualism and
atomization intrinsic to capitalist societies, where meaningful
connections and collective well-being are often compromised.

Colonization and Imperialism: "Robinson Crusoe" portrays Crusoe as


an agent of colonization, symbolizing the expansion of dominant
powers. Crusoe's assertion of authority over the island and its
inhabitants presents the imposition of values, culture, and control. His
relationship with Friday, whom he assumes a dominant position over as
a master-servant dynamic, echoes the colonialist mentality of
subjugating indigenous populations for economic gain. The novel thus
exposes the exploitative and oppressive nature of colonialism within a
capitalist framework.

Critique of Private Property: The concept of private property is


reinforced throughout "Robinson Crusoe." Crusoe's obsession with
ownership is evident in his salvaging of goods from the wrecked ship
and his construction of a shelter. The novel upholds the idea that
individual rights to possess and control resources are paramount for
survival and prosperity. However, this emphasis on private property
aligns with the principles of capitalism, perpetuating the unequal
distribution of resources and reinforcing the divide between the
bourgeoisie and the proletariat.

Overall, a Marxist analysis of "Robinson Crusoe" reveals the novel's


underlying themes of class struggle, capitalism, and the exploitative
nature of labor relations. It highlights the ways in which the story reflects
and perpetuates the dominant ideologies of its time, critiquing the
inequalities and injustices inherent in a capitalist society.

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