By Daniel Defoe

Discussion Prompt by Gregory Thornquest

First published in 1719, the adventure novel Robinson Crusoe, written by Daniel Defoe, has definitely earned its place in history on the shelf of influential classical novels. Over three hundred years later its penetrating and virtuous themes continue to enlighten readers and help us point our moral compass toward truth. Although the vast majority of people on this planet will never find themselves on a deserted island in the Caribbean ultimately everyone at some time in their life will find themselves with the feelings of being stranded, alone, hopeless, and lost on an allegorical island of despair. Whether that despair arises from the death or sickness of a loved one, or an overwhelming and challenging struggle within the workplace, or just the monotony of the day to day stagnation of life, the themes throughout Robinson’s lifelong journey are continually applicable and can be a ray of comforting warmth that can bring hope to the hopeless.

As one turns Defoe’s pages they are immersed in a sermon of virtues. Shipwrecks are a mere opportunity to display fortitude instead of discouragement. Lack of food can be a chance for temperance and moderation while honing one’s gift of prudence and agriculture. Cannibals partaking on the island is an occasion to ponder justice and one’s place as a judge in this world. Even the question of who and when do people deserve charity is guiding the reader. Of course none of these virtues could be accomplished without the hope of survival, faith of a Creator, and love of creation.

Hope, faith, and love, are the bedrock that juxtaposes a Robinson Crusoe from a movie like Cast Away. Crusoe’s island refined him into something better while Tom Hanks island dehumanized the character. In Robinson Crusoe we are taught that God provides everything mankind needs, not necessary for life on earth but for an eternal life. Crusoe is saved decades before he leaves the island. He is saved when he comes to the realization, calls on his Lord, and states “Lord, what a miserable creature I am”. He first focuses so much on his deliverance from his circumstances but later is spiritually delivered when he is baptized by his acknowledgment of gratitude to the Lord for his survival. His repentance leads to his contentment and salvation. 

Daniel Defoe’s novel Robinson Crusoe forces us to ask ourselves the question ‘What good is having life and all the comforts of life if we have no meaning and purpose in that same life?’ In an age where we have far more than any other civilization before us, reading this novel propels me to set my moral compass toward the greater virtues of life and to continually remain thankful for the eternal foundation I have been blessed with.