“Robinson Crusoe”, written by Daniel Defoe contains several postcolonial elements that can be observed. The novel reflects the mindset of the colonial era, where Europeans believed in their superiority and the right to dominate other cultures and lands. Crusoe’s colonization of the island and his imposition of European values upon it can be seen as a representation of this colonial mindset. Additionally, the portrayal of Friday, a native character, as subservient to Crusoe reinforces the power dynamics of the colonizer and the colonized. These elements highlight the complex issues surrounding imperialism and the exploration of the relationship between the colonizer and the colonized in the novel.
The novel deals with the binary relationship of colonise and coloniser relationship. In “Robinson Crusoe,” one can observe several examples of the colonizer and colonized relationships. Crusoe’s arrival on the island and his immediate assumption of ownership and control over the land and its resources demonstrates the colonizer’s mindset. Crusoe’s construction of a European-style dwelling and cultivation of crops on the island reflects the imposition of European values and practices upon the native environment. The character of Friday, who becomes Crusoe’s servant and loyal companion, represents the colonized individual who is subservient to the colonizer. Crusoe’s teaching of European language, religion, and customs to Friday can be seen as an attempt to assimilate the native culture into the colonizer’s way of life. The power dynamics between Crusoe and Friday, with Crusoe holding the authority and making decisions on behalf of both of them, further exemplify the unequal relationship between the colonizer and the colonized. These examples highlight the complex dynamics of colonialism portrayed in “Robinson Crusoe” and raise questions about power, dominance, and cultural assimilation.
The another postcolonial element is imperialism. In “Robinson Crusoe,” once can identify several instances of postcolonial imperialism including Crusoe’s colonization of the island, where he establishes his own settlement and asserts control over the land and its resources, reflects the imperialistic mindset of the colonizer. Crusoe’s imposition of European values, language, and religion upon Friday, the native character, demonstrates the cultural imperialism inherent in the colonizer’s actions. The unequal power dynamics between Crusoe and Friday, with Crusoe holding authority and making decisions on behalf of both of them, exemplify the hierarchies and dominance prevalent in postcolonial imperialism. Crusoe’s belief in his own superiority and right to dominate and civilize the native inhabitants of the island reflects the sense of entitlement and paternalistic attitudes often associated with imperialistic ideologies. The novel’s portrayal of the colonizer’s control over the land and its resources, as well as the subjugation of the colonized, serves as a critique of the imperialistic practices that were prevalent during the time the novel was written.These examples highlight the postcolonial elements present in “Robinson Crusoe” and shed light on the complexities and consequences of imperialism.
The other instance of postcolonial element is hybridity. In “Robinson Crusoe,” one can observe elements of hybridity. Crusoe’s prolonged isolation on the island leads to a blending of his European identity with the environment and culture of the island. He adapts to his surroundings, learning to survive and thrive in this new environment. This fusion of different elements creates a hybrid identity for Crusoe, where his European background intersects with the island’s natural and cultural influences. This hybridity challenges traditional notions of fixed identities and highlights the fluid nature of identity formation in a postcolonial context.
The other aspect of postcolonialism is the element of subalternity. In “Robinson Crusoe,” one can identify several instances that illustrate the subalternity of Friday. Friday’s lack of agency and voice is evident throughout the novel. Friday is portrayed as being subservient to Crusoe, with limited agency and few opportunities to express his own thoughts and desires. Crusoe’s imposition of European culture and religion on the natives forcefully further reinforcing the power dynamics and the subaltern position of Friday. Friday’s role as a helper and a servant is depicted primarily as a loyal helper to Crusoe, performing tasks and following Crusoe’s instructions, which reinforces the subordinate position of Friday. Crusoe’s ability to communicate in English while Friday initially struggles with the language creates a power imbalance, as Crusoe can control the narrative and shape the relationship between them.These examples highlight the subalternity of Friday in “Robinson Crusoe,” where he is positioned as a marginalized character with limited agency and subject to the dominance of Crusoe.
2 Replies to “A Postcolonial Reading of Defoe Robinson Crusoe”