Before an attempt can be made to construct any critical theory regarding Defoe’s vision of society and
civilisation, it is
necessary to put into context the corridors of thought which may lead to its interpretation. The idea that a response to a work is the same as its meaning demands the question: Can a work can have as many meanings as we have responses?
n Defoe’s
Robinson Crusoe ,here we have a
society which is totally contrived by Crusoe and becomes a manifestation of how he sees himself developing, or how he thinks he should develop in his role and situation. Defoe uses to full potential the idea of an Englishman who is shipwrecked on an island, initially thought to be devoid of people and incapable of sustaining life. The imperialist society in which Defoe moved is clearly represented in the emergence of Man Friday, and Crusoe is that Imperialistic power which sees itself as an informing benefactor; assuming a God given right (self expectation) both to educate/civilise, and convert to Christianity.