English Superiority and Justic
Throughout Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe there is a recurring theme of superiority. During his stay on the island, Robinson Crusoe seems to be preoccupied with making the island his and changing it to his own wants and desires. He frequently calls it his island and refers to himself as "King" or "Governour". Crusoe's treatment of those around him, especially Xury and Friday, also show his feelings of superiority. Robinson Crusoe's sentiments are not just his own; they are reflections of those of English society. Robinson Crusoe was written during the time of European Imperialism. Defoe, as an Englishman, Used his novel to comment on how the other European nations, especially Spain, did not know how to deal with the "savages" they met in these new lands. He states that England's brand of justice is superior to that of Spain's. Crusoe criticizes the Spaniards' actions when dealing with the savages they ran into when conquering the Americas. He disagrees with the needless slaughter of the natives and the theft of their riches. ...the conduct of the Spaniards in all their barbarities practised in America, where they destroyed millions of these
Hakluyt also believed that England should be the nation responsible for the savages' education. Although, Crusoe looks down upon Friday as a subordinate, he does not mistreat him. However, Crusoe does not abuse Friday. Hakluyt's beliefs were that the natives of the New World had to be educated in the ways of civilized life. Thus they had to be taught and not killed or enslaved. He grants Friday his name as he would to any kind of pet. However, the English brand is much more humane than just needless slaughter of the natives, as was practiced by Spanish explorers that came to the New World. They should be educated in English morals and taught in the ways of Christianity. Nowe the Kinges and Queenes of England have the name of Defendors of the Faithe: By which title I thinke they are not onely chardged to mayneteyne and patronize the faithe of Christe, but also to inlarge and advaunce. The appearance of Friday will allow Crusoe to live out his role as ruler of the island. (Defoe 178) Robinson Crusoe felt that the ctions taken toward the savages were undeseved because the savages took no actions against the Spaniards. The fact that Robinson Crusoe does not even try to learn Friday's actual name is testimony to the European supremacy theme that runs through the book. Friday learns Christianity and in time comes to accept his new faith.
Common topics in this essay:
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Richard Hakluyt,
Crusoe Defoe,
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Acceptance Essays
