-Daniel Defoe
Plot
construction of Robinson Crusoe
The plot structure of Robinson Crusoe is loosely constructed. It is episodic. It is not integrated. W.H.Hudson
has observed about this novel, "No attempt was made towards the
organization of the material into a systematic plot". The theme that runs
throughout his words provides unity to them. It is the justification of the
ways of God to men and the surety of eternal life. The novel 'Robinson Crusoe '
is also harmoniously bound by its theme.
The plot of 'Robinson_Crusoe ' is
the theme of the Prodigal_Son . In the biblical parable we read that the son
runs away with his share to a far-off country, spends it, starves , feels lone
, returns to his father , repents for his sin and is forgiven by his father who
asks his servant to kill a fatted calf so that they may eat and make merry. We
have in 'Robinson Crusoe' sin , punishment, repentance and forgiveness. The
father who forgives Robinson is God, the father of us all. Robinson commits
several sins. He runs away without seeking the permission of his father and the
blessing of God. In Brazil he commits the sin of satisfying the immoderate
desire of rising faster than nature permits. On the island, in his venture of
going around the island on the canoe, he runs away from imprisonment.
God first cautions him when his
ship bound to London is tossed about by the waves of the sea. Robinson Crusoe
promises to return home if God spares his life. But he commits the sin of
breaking his promise and he is made slave. God the father does not kill him
because he wants him to realize his sin and repent. He tortures him with
loneliness. Robinson cries from the depth of his heart:
O that there had been but one or two , nay,
or
but one soul saved out of this
ship.
God the father melts. He offers
him first a savage Friday and then Friday's father and a Spaniard. The fearful
dream does not allow him to sleep. He has evil conscience.
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