Presenter: Alexandria M. Tamburrini

Faculty Sponsor: Scott Aaron Nowka

School: Salem State University

Research Area: Literature

Session: Poster Session 4, 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM, Auditorium, A71

ABSTRACT

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe is widely considered the first English novel and the most influential castaway story in literary history. Defoe’s detailed, rambling narrative style can be found across many of his works and often offers an opportunity for his readers to enter the unique minds of his characters. The title character of Robinson Crusoe takes control over the island that he has been stranded on and asserts himself as the dominant figure in his dynamic with his sole companion, Friday. Crusoe finds no fault in his actions throughout his narrative, describing them to his audience as necessary and natural as the plot goes on. Crusoe is often guided by his religious beliefs and states his observations of the world as being based in fact rather than opinion. His perspective is provided as the only perspective to have with no room for disagreement from the audience. Despite this, his actions are brought to question by many literary scholars and critics. His behaviours are commonly categorised as colonialist and the nature of his relationship with Friday is questioned as not being as mutually beneficial as he let on. In connection to these preexisting conversations, I will consider how Crusoe’s new-found and inconsistent religion may be used to justify his control over Friday and how religion plays a role in minimising his colonial actions.