Moll Flanders
Daniel Defoe's novel depicts a woman that uses her resources to achieve her financial and economic desires. To the audience, whoever that may be it may seem that Moll Flanders is a money hungry harlot who does not have any regard to anyone but herself. Instead Moll uses her characteristics, greed, sexuality, and crime to help her survive this unforgiving time during the 18th century. When women were insignificant in culture and society. Moll's money worries begin at an early age when she figures out a way to avoid being placed in servitude. She tells the nurse who has taken her in that she can work, and when the nurse expresses doubt that Moll can really earn her keep, Moll responds, "I will work harder, says I, and you shall have it all"(15). At a early age Moll knows that she doesn't want any part of being in serventhood, "that we are born into the world helpless and incapable" (128). The comments men make about Molls beauty entice her and give her confidence in herself; this pride is the start of a steady downfall in her life. " He took these freedoms with me... when this was over he stayed but a little while, but he put almost a handful of gold in my hand..." (26), in essence for remaining his
Not knowing how to sell the items, she returns to her old friend, the governess, who, as it happens is a pawnbroker that encourages Moll to pursue stealing as an occupation. Moll claims to be penitent just before her death sentence is commuted to "transportation," as does the governess, stricken with grief over Moll's fate. Against all odds Moll Flanders does make a profitable living even up till the day she dies. Many people call Moll Flanders a dirty harlot with no morals and that completely dismiss Defoe's work, more credit should be given to the novel and the author. It is up for debate wither Moll is a harden criminal or just a petty thief. Later in the story, Moll becomes acquainted with a woman who persuades Moll to work for her as a prostitute. Moll dabbles in a few other areas outside of theft and picking pockets, but she realizes that theft is her strong suit and wisely does not venture far from it. Moll never feels that it is her fault for stealing; she puts the blame on the devil and that she would not be able to survive with out the money she gets from the items she steals. Defoe seems to suggest that material ambition can lead both to moral corruption and to spectacular financial success. Her looks are faded and in a daze she steals a bundle of silver goods. being forsaken of my virtue and my modesty, I had nothing of value left to recommend me, either to God's blessing on man's assistance" (30). As she searches for men who have money and tries to give them the impression that she is wealthy when she is really very poor.
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