Daniel Defoe's novel "Robinson Crusoe" - tells the story of a man cast away on an isolated island who attempts to create a life for himself. An important thing to note in reading the novel is that Daniel Defoe was himself a dissenter and a strong advocate for the rights of dissenters to freedom of conscience. Many of his protagonist's spiritual developments reflect this.
◆Survival:-
The first theme in the book is one of survival. In his experience being shipwrecked , Crusoe must think about what is absolutely necessary for physical survival.
The theme of survival leads to a second theme,w which is awareness that which our lives in civilization we constantly long for many things we do not actually need.
Thus Crusoe reflects on the theme, or sin , of covetousness.
◆ Spiritual growth:-
The next theme is spiritual growth.
Away from the regular life of civilization, Crusoe begins to understand that religion does not require elaborate rituals or priests, but faith , a position which was the central tenet of dissenters.
◆ Colonialism:-
Another major theme us Colonialism, as it appears in Crusoe's relationship to Friday.,which is a microcosm of the British empire's relationships with indigenous people.
An additional theme is fear. It is only by overcoming his fear that Crusoe can create a happy life on the Island.
A final theme is a money., which is essential in the civilized world, but useless in the world of Island.
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