1. E NG 251 T HE R ISE OF THE N OVEL The Eighteenth Century Novel Daniel Defoe

2. W HAT IS A NOVEL ? There is no definite definition of the novel but it can be seen as follows: a novel is a narrative in prose, based on a story in which the author may portray: characters, a life if a age, analyze sentiments & passions, & the reactions of men & women to their environment.

3. D IFFERENT K INDS OF N OVELS Novel of Adventure Satirical Epistolary Novel The Gothic Novel Bildungsroman Science Fiction Picaresque novel Gothic novel The Regional Novel Historical

4. W HAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT THE NOVEL OF THE 18 TH CENTURY Focus on the individual experience. The plot was not based on mythology, history, legend, or previous literature. The plot had to be acted out by particular people in particular circumstances Characterization and presentation of background were paid more attention. The writers made the subject of the novels the exploration of their characters as they are defined by their past and present. The events took place in an actual physical environment.

5. R EALISM VS R OMANCE It depicts real life experience. Uses characters of low rank. Uses simple every day language. It is imaginary It uses elevated language. It is misleading about life. Events can never take place in real life. RealismRomance

6. V ERISIMILITUDE IN R EALISM Realism in literature is the depiction of subjects as they appear in everyday life. Verisimilitude is the appearance of truth; the quality of seeming to be true. It is significant in the novels of the 18 th century and emphasizes the realistic quality of the works we study. It holds that truth is discovered by the verification of the senses. In the novels realistic elements include the lists, repetition, diaries, and the ordinary nature of the characters. Also time is important. The events are presented in chronological order. The first person narrator emphasizes the aspect of realism in the novels.

7. ROBINSON CRUSOE (1719) Daniel Defoe wrote a novel that was easy and flowing. He had a sharp sense of realism The spiritual self-exploration takes place in Crusoe’s mind away from society emphasizing the puritan belief that a man’s religion is his own. Religion is discussed in a way that reveals it essence away from political influence. Defoe shows us Crusoe going through crisis after the other – in his faith, in his work ethics, & his reasoning of things – in order to finally present the perfect colonial figure.

8. T HEMES IN R OBINSON C RUSOE Colonialism Quest for individuality Necessity of repentance Survival Fear Self-importance

9. S TYLE IN R OBINSON C RUSOE Use of Irony: several scenes in the novel are represented ironically to emphasize the distance of Crusoe from his family, society, & the civilized world as a whole. Use of symbolism: the father’s words are symbolic of the society’s skepticism against change. the parents are symbolic of the society the shipwreck & the solitude afterwards are symbolic of the criticism of the society by depicting the perfect society that Crusoe creates. The first person point of view adds to the credibility of the novel.

10. T HE THEME OF COLONIALISM Colonialism is considered the controlling & dominant theme in the novel that offers a clarification of the other themes & allows a close analysis of the character of Robinson Crusoe. Tools of colonialism: reason – work-ethic – & faith Process of transformation into a colonialist: secure – possess Challenges to transformation: fear – patience Characteristics of a colonialist: manly independence – unconscious cruelty – persistence – intelligence – practical religiosity

11. M AJOR CONCEPTS IN R OBINSON C RUSOE The novel is more than an account of a practical man’s adjustment to his life & survival on a deserted island. It is about Crusoe’s struggle to conquer his fear & find God. Defoe believed that the Englishman must be ruthless yet reasonable in order to become a colonialist & to conquer nature and receive God’s reward. After the dream, & after Crusoe starts reading the Bible regularly, his mind is essentially at peace; & the remainder of the novel is an account of the due rewards & powers of the man who has been saved. He believed that a colonialist must overcome his fear (of the unknown – of failure – of the wilderness – of the enemies – of punishment).