In Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, appropriately titled in honor of the main character, young Robinson is a middle-class man seeking a career. Although pushed by his family to study law, Robinson longs for an ocean adventure, longing to escape to a life at sea. Against his father's wishes, his subsequent rebellion and decision to board a merchant ship further damages his already fragile and underdeveloped view of God, which withers completely when he joins godless sailors. Crusoe's assessment of sunlight of Providence is, at best, foggy, and seems to label God's justice as ruthless, rather than merciful and forgiving. This nascent faith is cultivated as the life experience unfolds, especially during his experience on the island. Robinson Crusoe travels in his attitude towards Divine Providence from an initial rebellion against what he perceives as disinterested authority, to an initial repentance and conversion through dream-vision, and, finally, to an active and mature faith in a loving God, who protects and guides everything since the end of his stay on the island. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay As Crusoe's adventures began to unfold, his vision of God remained timid and he maintained a reluctance to accept the wise plan that God held for each of his flock. Crusoe's childlike devotion is revealed when, on his maiden voyage, the ship nearly sinks and he prays to God for the first time from a place of danger. Since his first passage concerns a near-death experience, he concludes that it must be the will of his heavenly Father that he obey the will of his earthly father. However, the ocean calls to him and his vision of God as a punishing power does not develop for several years. Crusoe's dangerous life is full of risk, and reward and punishment travel hand in hand. Just when things seem to be going perfectly, Robinson finds himself the sole survivor of a shipwreck and, battered by the waves, is washed ashore on an exotic island. Despite his initial gratitude for his salvation, loneliness overwhelms him and he is filled with ingratitude for his misfortune. During this period Crusoe considers himself the author of his own miseries, believing that his misadventures are the merchandise of his past misbehaviors, and would often sit and weep as he pondered "why Providence should utterly ruin his creatures and make them so utterly miserable ". .” Just as Crusoe was shipwrecked physically, he seems to have been shipwrecked spiritually too, searching for a reliable island while struggling for survival in waves of doubt. Various events lead the bold castaway to take on a new attitude towards Providence, and he begins to appreciate his liberation on the island. In a dream he realizes his need for repentance and wakes up in tears when he realizes his ingratitude. Robinson recognizes the “stupidity of the soul” (p.81) with which he has lived, and his prayers go from rude to grateful. His thoughts of self-pity are now followed by thoughts of self-reproach, and the Bible begins to influence him profoundly. Ashamed of his past ways, Crusoe launches into a vigorous reading of the New Testament. Joined by a new companion, Friday, Crusoe is finally once again in the company of his own kind, and again develops his understanding of humans as he observes Friday's humble servitude. The arrival of the mutineers and their deposed captain on the island further challenges Crusoe and, as he works with.
tags