ENH 303 - Restoration and 18th Century Fiction - Exam 2024
Premium
3rd Year 2021-22, Exam 2024
Suggestion and Answer for Part C (Essay-type)
by Literature Xpres
Restoration and 18th Century Fiction - ENH 303
Oroonoko
1. Depict the horrors of slavery and the harsh attitude of the European colonists in Oroonoko. Or, ‘Horrors of Slavery is one of the themes of the novel Oroonoko’—Discuss. ★★★
2. Sketch the character of Oroonoko. Or, discuss Oroonoko as a tragic hero. ★★★
3. What is colonialism? Discuss Oroonoko as an anti-colonial novel. ★★★
4. Discuss the major themes of the novel Oroonoko.
Tom Jones
5. Why is Tom Jones considered to be a picaresque novel? ★★★
6. What do you learn about 18th-century England from your study of Tom Jones? ★★★
7. ‘Tom Jones is a story of a man’s journey from innocence, through experience, to wisdom.’ Evaluate. ★★★
Robinson Crusoe
8. Discuss Robinson Crusoe as an adventure story. ★★★
9. The story of Crusoe is a truthful representation of human life—Elucidate. ★★★
10. Write a note on the allegorical significance of Defoe's novel Robinson Crusoe.
Gulliver’s Travels
11. Do you think that Gulliver’s Travels is a neurotic phantasy? Elucidate.
12. Is Swift a misanthropist? Give reasons for your answer. Or, Swift was not only a great critic of human nature but also a great lover of humankind. Do you agree? ★★★
13. Comment on Swift’s satire on English politics in Gulliver’s Travels. ★★★
Answers
1. Depict the horrors of slavery and the harsh attitude of the European colonists in Oroonoko.
Or, ‘Horrors of Slavery is one of the themes of the novel Oroonoko’—Discuss. ★★★
Aphra Behn’s (1640-1689) novella “Oroonoko” (1688) tells the tragic story of Oroonoko. Oroonoko is an African prince who is betrayed, enslaved, and ultimately killed. The novella shows the terrible reality of slavery. It also depicts how cruel European colonists were to the enslaved people. We will discuss the horrors of slavery and the harsh attitude of the European colonists below.
Betrayal: We get the first look at the horrors of slavery when we see how slaves are captured and sold. Oroonoko is a noble prince in Africa. He is loved by his people. But European slave traders trick him. An English ship captain invites Oroonoko to a friendly dinner on his ship. Once Oroonoko and his men are onboard, the captain captures them. He chains them like animals. He sends them to Suriname (a British colony in South America) to be sold. This betrayal shows the horrors of slavery. This also shows how European colonists used lies and false promises to trap people. The narrator says:
Life in Slavery: In Suriname, Oroonoko is renamed “Caesar” by the colonists. It shows slavery strips away the identity of the slaves. Even though he is a prince, the colonists treat Oroonoko like a slave. They force him to work in harsh conditions on sugar plantations. The colonists beat enslaved people for small mistakes. They separate families—parents from children, husbands from wives. Enslaved people have no freedom and no rights. They call Africans “savages,” but their own actions are far more brutal. Oroonoko says:“Never to credit one word they [European colonists] spoke.”
This means that the enslaved people are treated as unimportant property of the white colonists.“We are bought and sold ... to be the sport of women, fools, and cowards.”
Cruelty of European Colonists: The European colonists in “Oroonoko” are shown as selfish, greedy, and cruel. They constantly lie to Oroonoko. They promise him freedom but never keep their word. Trefry, a European overseer, seems kind to Oroonoko at first. But even he does nothing to help Oroonoko escape slavery. Oroonoko tries to rebel. He says:
The colonists promise to forgive him. But this is a lie. They tie him to a post. They beat him until his body is torn and bleeding. The governor of the colony, Byam, is the most evil of all. He pretends to be friendly but later betrays Oroonoko in the worst way possible.“Why ... should we be slaves to an unknown people?”
Brutal Killing of Oroonoko: The final scenes of the novella are the most horrifying. Here we are, heartbroken to see the horrors of slavery. Oroonoko kills his wife, Imoinda, to save her and their unborn child from slavery. He believes this is the only way to save her from more pain. The colonists capture Oroonoko. They cut off his body parts—starting with his fingers, then his ears, nose, and arms. The narrator gives a graphic description of the horror:
This brutal killing shows how heartless and savage European colonists were. Even in death, Oroonoko stays brave. He smokes a pipe calmly as he dies.“With an ill-favour’d Knife, they cut off his Ears and his Nose, and burn’d them;”
In conclusion, Behn’s “Oroonoko” exposes the extreme cruelty of slavery. It depicts the harsh attitude of European colonists, who betrayed, lied, tortured, and killed. They treated slaves worse than animals. The novel asks us to question who the real savages are: the enslaved Africans or the Europeans who profit from their suffering.
2. Sketch the character of Oroonoko.
Or, discuss Oroonoko as a tragic hero. ★★★
Aphra Behn’s (1640-1689) “Oroonoko” (1688) tells the tragic story of an African prince named Oroonoko. He is brave, noble, honest, and loving. He is born a prince but dies like a slave because of the Betrayal of the European colonists. His life moves from honour to suffering and finally to death. Because of his noble qualities and tragic end, Oroonoko can be called a tragic hero. Through his character, Behn shows the cruelty of slavery.
A Noble Prince: Oroonoko is first shown as a great African prince of Coramantien. He is young, handsome, and very brave. He is trained in war and leadership from an early age. His people respect him deeply. He is also educated and intelligent. He can speak several languages and understands European culture. Even after he is betrayed into slavery, Oroonoko does not lose his dignity. That is why Behn says:
Oroonoko speaks politely, keeps promises, and respects honour. These qualities make him a true hero.“The royal youth appeared in spite of the slave.”
A Man of Honour and Truth: Oroonoko strongly believes in honesty and truth. He never breaks his word. When he gives a promise, he keeps it even if it causes him pain. This quality becomes the cause of his tragedy. He trusts the English ship captain who invites him for dinner. He believes the captain’s words and does not expect betrayal. But the captain captures him and sells him into slavery. Oroonoko later understands the true nature of the European colonists, that:
This line shows that Oroonoko learns the painful truth too late. His honesty and trust make him a victim of deceit.“Never to credit one word they spoke.”
A Loving Husband: Oroonoko’s love for Imoinda is pure and deep. Even when she is taken away from him, he never forgets her. He believes she is dead and mourns for her deeply. When they meet again in Suriname, he feels complete joy. Their love gives him strength in slavery. But this love also causes more tragedy. When he sees no escape from slavery, he kills Imoinda to save her honour and their unborn child. This act is painful but heroic. It shows his deep love and sense of duty.
A Rebel Against Slavery: Oroonoko cannot accept slavery quietly. The colonists force him to work in harsh conditions on sugar plantations. They beat enslaved people for small mistakes. They separate families, parents from children, husbands from wives. Enslaved people have no freedom and no rights. Oroonoko questions why free and noble people should be slaves. He inspires other slaves to rebel. He asks:
This rebellion shows his courage and leadership. However, the rebellion fails because the colonists deceive him again. They promise freedom but betray him. His rebellion leads directly to his tragic death.“Why ... should we be slaves to an unknown people?”
Oroonoko’s Tragic End: Oroonoko’s death is extremely cruel and painful. The colonists torture him slowly and brutally. They cut off his body parts one by one. The narrator describes:
Even in this terrible moment, Oroonoko remains calm and brave. He does not cry or beg. He smokes a pipe while his body is destroyed. His dignity in death proves his heroic nature. His suffering and death create pity and fear in the reader, which is a key feature of tragedy.“With an ill-favour’d Knife, they cut off his Ears and his Nose, and burn’d them;”
In conclusion, Oroonoko is a true tragic hero. He is brave, honest, loving, and honourable. His greatest qualities, such as truth, trust, and pride, lead to his downfall. Through Oroonoko’s tragic life and death, Aphra Behn strongly criticizes slavery and European hypocrisy. Oroonoko remains heroic even in death.
3. What is colonialism? Discuss Oroonoko as an anti-colonial novel. ★★★
Or, elaborately discuss the theme of anti-colonialism as you find in “Oroonoko.”
Colonialism is a system in which powerful European countries took control of weaker lands. They ruled these lands, used their resources, and enslaved the local people. In “Oroonoko” (1688), Aphra Behn (1640-1689) clearly shows the cruelty of colonialism. The novel presents how Europeans cheated, ruled, and destroyed African lives. Through the tragic story of Oroonoko, Behn strongly criticizes colonial power. For this reason, “Oroonoko” can be called an anti-colonial novel.
Colonialism: Colonialism means the control of one country over another. European nations like England, Spain, and Portugal colonized Africa, Asia, and America. They took land, gold, sugar, and labour. They forced native people into slavery in the name of civilizing them. Colonizers considered the natives as savages. They claimed they were bringing “civilization,” but in reality, they were greedy and cruel. In “Oroonoko,” we see this system clearly in the colony of Suriname, where Europeans rule through lies, violence, and fear.
Colonial Betrayal and Deceit: We find the first sign of colonial cruelty when Oroonoko is betrayed by an English ship captain. Oroonoko is an African prince. An English ship captain invites him to dinner and friendship. Oroonoko trusts him because he believes in honour and truth. But the captain betrays him, chains him, and sells him as a slave. This shows how colonialism works through lies. Oroonoko later understands this truth and says:
This line exposes the false morality of European colonists. They pretend to be civilized, but their actions are cruel and dishonest.“Never to credit one word they [the colonists] spoke.”
Slavery as a Tool of Colonialism: Colonialism survives through slavery. In Suriname, Africans are forced to work in sugar plantations. They are treated like animals, not humans. Oroonoko is renamed “Caesar.” This fact shows how colonialism takes away identity. Even a prince is reduced to property. Families are separated. Slaves are beaten and tortured. Oroonoko sadly says:
This means that the enslaved people are treated as unimportant property of the white colonists. Behn clearly shows that slavery is the darkest side of colonial rule.“We are bought and sold ... to be the sport of women, fools, and cowards.”
False Promises and Colonial Hypocrisy: European colonists often promise freedom but never keep their word. Governor Byam promises Oroonoko freedom if he stops the rebellion. Oroonoko believes him again. But Byam lies and tortures him instead. This shows colonial hypocrisy. Colonists speak of law and justice, but practice cruelty. Their power depends on cheating the colonized people. Behn presents Europeans as morally inferior, though they call Africans “savages.”
Resistance Against Colonial Rule: Oroonoko does not accept colonial slavery quietly. He questions why free people should serve strangers. He leads a slave rebellion. This rebellion is a strong anti-colonial voice. Oroonoko asks:
This question attacks the very idea of colonial authority. Though the rebellion fails, it proves that colonialism is unnatural and unjust.“Why … should we be slaves to an unknown people?”
Colonial Violence and Tragic Death: The final punishment of Oroonoko shows the extreme violence of colonialism. The colonists kill him slowly and brutally. They cut off his ears, nose, and limbs. The narrator describes this horror clearly.
This cruel killing proves that colonial power survives through violence, not justice. Oroonoko’s calm courage during death exposes the moral ugliness of colonial rulers.“With an ill-favour’d Knife, they cut off his Ears and his Nose, and burn’d them;”
In fine, “Oroonoko” is clearly an anti-colonial novel. Aphra Behn exposes colonial lies, cruelty, slavery, and violence. She shows Africans as noble and Europeans as greedy and dishonest. Oroonoko’s tragic life and death reveal the inhuman nature of colonial rule.
4. Discuss the major themes of the novel Oroonoko.
“Oroonoko” (1688) is a famous short novel by Aphra Behn (1640-1689). It tells the true story of a brave African prince who becomes a slave. Behn shows many dark sides of slavery and British colonial rule. She also writes about the lives of native people. In this story, we find three strong themes. They are the relationship between natives and Europeans, the evils of colonialism, and the pain of slavery. These themes make the story powerful and real.
Native and White: Behn says natives and whites live in peace. The native people help the whites in the forest. They are kind, simple, and honest. They live close to nature and have pure hearts. The whites, however, are often greedy and full of lies. They use sweet words but cheat others. The natives are better in morals. But the whites have more power. So they try to control the natives. Oroonoko and Imoinda are two special natives with royal and noble hearts. Through the quote below, the narrator compares the White cruelty to the Black innocence.
Evil of Colonialism: This novel is against colonial rule. Behn shows how badly the British treat others. The settlers break promises again and again. Byam promises to send Oroonoko home. But he tells lies and does not keep his word. When the slaves run away, the settlers go to catch them. They hurt and killed the slaves. Banister’s cruelty is beyond our imagination. Here is the description of Banister.“These people represented ... the first state of innocence, before man knew how to sin.”
Behn also leaves the land during the fight. These things show the British as fake friends and cruel rulers.“...Banister, a wild Irishman, and one of the council, a fellow of absolute barbarity, and fit to execute any villainy, but rich;...”
Fake Promises: Many settlers in the novel tell lies. They cheat Oroonoko again and again. The ship captain tricks him first. Then Byam promises to free him, but does not do so. They even wrote a paper to make the promise look true. But later they beat him and forget the paper. These lies bring great pain to Oroonoko. He loses trust in the white men. He also feels lost in life. He says white men do not even fear their own gods.
Truth of Slavery: Slavery is shown as a great evil. Slaves are caught like animals and sold for money. Oroonoko himself sold many slaves before. But later he becomes a slave too. His pain shows how bad this system is. Imoinda is also made a slave without any fault. They are treated like things, not people. They are given new names and no freedom. Their deep love and high birth do not save them. Slavery destroys human life, as Behn says,
In summary, the story of “Oroonoko” is full of pain and truth. Behn tells the real story of how British rule and slavery hurt good people. She praises the natives and their simple life. She shows that colonialism is full of lies and tricks. The love between Oroonoko and Imoinda is deep and noble. But in the end, both die because of slavery. The novel teaches us that freedom is the most important thing in life.“They had lost the divine quality of man, and were become insensible asses.”
5. Why is Tom Jones considered to be a picaresque novel? ★★★
A picaresque novel is a story about a hero who is low-born and lives a wandering life full of adventures. The hero faces many troubles, meets many kinds of people, and learns lessons from life. Henry Fielding’s (1707-1754) “Tom Jones” (1749) is often called a picaresque novel because it shows the long journey, adventures, and moral growth of its hero, Tom Jones. The novel presents society through the hero’s experiences.
Picaresque Novel: The word “picaresque” comes from the Spanish word ‘picaro,’ which means a rogue or a poor young man. In such novels, the hero is usually of low birth. He lives by his wit and moves from place to place. The story is told through many episodes instead of one tight plot. Fielding’s “Tom Jones” follows this pattern clearly. Tom is an orphan. His parents are unknown. He grows up without wealth or social status. His life is full of mistakes, joys, and sufferings, which is typical of a picaresque hero.
Tom Jones as a Picaro (Rogue Hero): Tom Jones is not a perfect hero. He is kind and generous, but he is also careless and impulsive. He helps poor people and feels sympathy for others. For example, he gives money to Black George’s family even when he himself has little. At the same time, he gets involved with several women, like Molly and Mrs. Waters. Mr. Allworthy says that Tom is good at heart.
This mixture of virtue and fault is a main feature of a picaresque hero.“I am convinced, my child, that you have much goodness, generosity, and honour…”
Journey and Adventures: A major feature of a picaresque novel is travel. Tom is forced to leave Paradise Hall and go on a long journey. During this journey, he faces many adventures. He meets soldiers, innkeepers, beggars, ladies, thieves, and gentlemen. We see Tom’s love with Sophia. We see the selfish, upper-class Lady Bellaston, who wants to separate Sophia and Tom. Each episode shows a different side of English society. The novel moves like a chain of adventures rather than a single straight story.
Realistic Picture of Society: Picaresque novels show society as it really is. In “Tom Jones,” Fielding presents all classes of society, such as the rich and poor, honest and corrupt. We see hypocrisy, greed, kindness, and love. Characters like Blifil and Thwackum represent false morality. Fielding shows that hypocrisy is more dangerous to religion and goodness than openly bad people. As the narrator says:
This social realism is a key feature of the picaresque tradition.“Both religion and virtue have received more real discredit from hypocrites than… infidels could ever cast upon them.”
Episodic Structure: Unlike tragic or heroic epics, “Tom Jones” does not follow one serious plot. It is divided into many episodes. Each episode adds color and meaning to the story. Tom’s love affairs, fights, mistakes, and growth form a loose but lively structure. This episodic nature is typical of picaresque novels.
Moral Growth of the Hero: Though Tom is a rogue at first, he learns from his sufferings. By the end of the novel, he becomes more responsible and mature. He learns to say no to wrong choices. For example, he refuses Lady Bellaston because he loves Sophia. Fielding writes:
This shows Fielding’s belief that good people, like Tom, can learn and grow. While truly immoral people, like Blifil, are unlikely to change. Tom’s gradual moral growth through life experience is another strong picaresque element.In conclusion, “Tom Jones” is considered a picaresque novel because it follows the life of a low-born hero, Tom. He moves through society, faces many adventures, and learns from his mistakes. The realistic social picture, wandering journey, and flawed but kind-hearted hero make it a perfect example of a picaresque novel.“It is much easier to make good men wise, than to make bad men good.”
6. What do you learn about 18th-century England from your study of Tom Jones? ★★★
Present a pen-picture of the contemporary social traits as depicted in the novel “Tom Jones.”
Or, “Tom Jones’ is a faithful representation of mid-eighteenth-century England.” Elucidate.
Or, “Tom Jones” reflects the social picture of mid-eighteenth century England. Elucidate.
Henry Fielding’s (1707-1754) “Tom Jones” (1749) is a famous 18th-century comic novel. The story follows Tom Jones’s adventures, from a foundling raised by Mr. Allworthy to his involvement with many romantic affairs and social classes. Through Tom Jones’s adventures, we get a clear and lively picture of mid-18th-century English society. We find different classes, professions, lifestyles, moral values, and social problems of that time.
Social Class and Society: The society in “Tom Jones” is divided into classes. Mr. Squire Allworthy and Lady Bellaston are examples of the upper class. They have money and power. Mr. Allworthy’s servants, like the gamekeeper Black George, are examples of the lower class. Squire Western is an example of the wealthy middle class, who hunt, drink, and seek pleasure. Fielding also depicts class prejudice. Tom was found as an infant in Mr. Allworthy’s bedroom, with no clue of his parents. So, the society treats him as a “bastard,” although he is good-hearted. This gives us a picture of a harsh social system.
Hypocrisy in Religion and Society: Fielding shows that hypocrisy is a big problem in society. Blifil pretends to be obedient and religious. But he is actually greedy, jealous, and deceitful. He lies to Squire Allworthy to make Tom appear bad. Thwackum, Tom’s tutor, pretends to teach religion but uses religion to punish Tom and support Blifil. Through these characters, Fielding shows that hypocrisy is more dangerous to religion and goodness than openly bad people. As the narrator says:
Love and Sexuality: Fielding also shows the condition of love and sexuality in contemporary society. Tom follows his sexual desire too quickly. His relationships with women like Molly, Mrs. Waters, and Lady Bellaston cause a lot of trouble. We also learn that Miss Bridget is the real mother of Tom. She gave birth to Tom after her secret relationship with a young man named Summer. This caused a lot of trouble for her, as she had to abandon Tom in Mr. Allworthy’s bedroom to save her honor. These relationships show that unchecked sexual desire can create problems. We also find true and balanced love between Tom and Sophia. As Tom matures, he realises that true love should be based on respect and commitment, not just physical attraction.“Both religion and virtue have received more real discredit from hypocrites than… infidels could ever cast upon them.”
The Fashionable Lifestyle: Fielding gives us a glimpse of the fashionable upper-class London society through Lady Bellaston. She spends time in fashion, parties, gossip, and pleasure. She cares only about her desire, what she wants. She wants Tom’s love and tries to separate Sophia from Tom. She even plans to ruin Sophia’s honour. As the narrator notes:
Through her character, we see how the upper-class people were often selfish, cunning, and pleasure-seeking in 18th-century England.“She [Lady Bellaston] resolved to get rid of her [Sophia] by some means or other.”
Condition of Women: Fielding shows that women had limited freedom in society. Their marriages were often controlled by fathers and guardians. For example, Squire Western, Sophia’s father, is obsessed with forcing Sophia to marry whom he wants.
Rural and Urban Life: Fielding contrasts rural life and urban life in England. The rural areas, like the Western estate, are filled with hunting, drinking, and traditional customs. The urban life in London is full of luxury, parties, and fashion. We see urban lifestyle through Lady Bellaston and her circle.
Charity and Humanity: Fielding also shows the importance of charity and kindness. Mr. Squire Allworthy represents charity and benevolence. When he finds infant Tom on his bed, with no clue of his parents, Alloworthy adopts the baby. Moreover, when he finds out Black George’s family is starving, without food or clothes, he helps the family. The narrator describes Allworthy as:
In fine, Henry Fielding’s “Tom Jones” is like a pen-picture of mid-eighteenth-century social traits of England. His lively characters and detailed storytelling help us understand the society, culture, and human nature, and also entertain us.“An agreeable person… and a benevolent heart;”
7. ‘Tom Jones is a story of a man’s journey from innocence, through experience, to wisdom.’ Evaluate. ★★★
Henry Fielding’s (1707-1754) “Tom Jones” (1749) is not only a comic novel of adventure. It is also a moral story of growth. In this novel, Tom Jones starts as a kind-hearted but careless youth. Through suffering, travel, and self-realisation, he becomes a mature and wise man. In this way, the novel clearly presents Tom’s journey from innocence, through experience, to wisdom.
Tom’s Innocence and Kindness: Tom Jones is brought up in Paradise Hall by Mr. Allworthy. He does not know his parents. He grows up as a foundling. Though Tom has no social status, he is innocent at heart. He is generous, loving, and full of sympathy. He helps poor people and feels sympathy for others. For example, he gives money to Black George’s family even when he himself has little. Mr. Allworthy says that Tom is good at heart.
However, Tom is also careless. He does not understand the consequences of his actions. His innocence makes him impulsive, especially in matters of love and pleasure.“I am convinced, my child, that you have much goodness, generosity, and honour…”
Lack of Experience and Early Mistakes: Tom’s innocence is mixed with ignorance. Because he lacks experience, he makes many mistakes. He trusts people easily. This is why Blifil deceives him again and again. Tom also fails to control his passions. His relationships with Molly Seagrim and Mrs. Waters show his moral weakness. Though his intentions are not evil, his actions often bring trouble. These early mistakes prove that innocence alone is not enough. A man must learn from life to become wise.
Journey and Experience: The turning point of Tom’s life comes when he is driven out of Paradise Hall. This begins his real journey through experience. Tom travels from place to place. He meets soldiers, innkeepers, thieves, ladies, and strangers. Each meeting teaches him something new. He suffers hunger, poverty, imprisonment, and humiliation. At Upton Inn and later in London, Tom sees the real face of society. Through these experiences, he learns discipline, patience, and self-control.
Suffering as a Teacher: Suffering plays an important role in Tom’s moral growth. When he is separated from Sophia, he feels deep pain and regret. His time in prison is especially important. He wounds Mr. Fitzpatrick with a sword and goes to prison. Though it was not his fault, he blames himself. There, he reflects on his past actions. He begins to control his desires and act more responsibly. Fielding shows that experience teaches better than strict rules.
Growth into Wisdom: Through his life’s journey, Tom becomes wiser and more mature. He learns to control his desire. He understands the value of love and loyalty. He refuses Lady Bellaston because he truly loves Sophia. Even when Lady Bellaston accuses Tom of his love for Sophia is not real, he says he values Sophia most. He says:
This line means that Tom would do anything for Sophia, but he would never leave her. Tom learns love and loyalty from his life.“I would sacrifice everything to the possession of my Sophia, but Sophia herself.”
Contrast with Blifil: Fielding clearly contrasts Tom with Blifil. Blifil appears wise and moral from the beginning, but he has no humanity. Tom, on the other hand, starts with innocence and gains wisdom through experience. Fielding writes:
This shows his belief that good people, like Tom, can learn and grow. While truly immoral people, like Blifil, are unlikely to change. Unlike Bliflil, Tom has grown from good to wise through experience.In conclusion, “Tom Jones” is truly a story of a man’s journey from innocence, through experience, to wisdom. Tom begins as a good-hearted but careless youth. Through travel, suffering, and self-realisation, he becomes mature and wise.“It is much easier to make good men wise, than to make bad men good.”
8. Discuss Robinson Crusoe as an adventure story. ★★★
“Robinson Crusoe” (1719) is one of the greatest adventure stories in English literature. In his novel, Daniel Defoe (1660-1731) tells the story of Robinson Crusoe. He leaves home in search of excitement and faces many dangers. Shipwrecks, storms, loneliness, wild nature, savages, and fights fill the novel. Crusoe’s life on a lonely island for twenty-eight years makes the novel full of thrilling events. At the same time, the story shows courage, survival, and faith. Therefore, “Robinson Crusoe” is a true adventure story.
Love of Travel and Early Adventures: The spirit of adventure begins at the very start of the novel. Crusoe is not happy with a quiet life. He has a strong desire to sail the sea. He says:
This line means that Crusoe’s head is filled with adventurous thoughts from an early age. His father advises him to live a safe and middle-class life. But Crusoe ignores this advice. He goes to sea again and again, even after facing storms and dangers. These early sea journeys show his restless nature and love for adventure. At the very outset, the readers are prepared for greater adventures ahead.“My head began to be filled very early with rambling thoughts.”
Shipwreck and Survival on the Island: The greatest adventure in the novel begins with the shipwreck. Crusoe’s ship is destroyed by a violent storm. He is thrown onto a lonely island. He narrates:
This moment is the start of his long struggle for survival. Alone and helpless, Crusoe must find food, water, and shelter. He explores the island, builds a house, makes tools, grows crops, and tames animals. Every small success is an adventure because failure means death. His daily life becomes a continuous fight against nature.“I am cast upon a horrible, desolate island.”
Fear, Danger, and the Cannibals: Adventure in Robinson Crusoe is not only physical but also mental. Crusoe lives in constant fear. When he sees a single footprint on the sand, his peaceful life is destroyed. He says that fear stayed with him for years. Later, he sees cannibals on the island. He discovers bones and blood. This fills him with horror. He thinks of killing them but fears revenge. His life becomes full of watchfulness, hiding, and planning. These moments of fear and suspense give the novel strong adventure elements.
Rescue of Friday—A Turning Point: One of the most exciting adventures in the novel is the rescue of Friday. Crusoe saves him from cannibals by killing his enemies. This moment changes Crusoe’s life. Friday becomes his loyal companion and helper. Crusoe proudly says,
Together, they explore the island, plan defenses, and prepare for future dangers. Their adventures include fighting cannibals, rescuing prisoners, and protecting their land. The story now becomes more active and dramatic.“I carried him into my cave, and he became my servant.”
Fighting Mutineers and Escape: The final part of the novel is full of action and excitement. A ship arrives near the island, but it brings mutineers. Crusoe cleverly plans an attack and helps the true captain regain control of the ship. This adventure is full of danger, bravery, and intelligence. At last, after twenty-eight years, Crusoe leaves the island.
Crusoe records the exact day he leaves the island. Thus, his story becomes a long adventure of survival and learning.“I had been upon it eight-and-twenty years, two months, and nineteen days.”
To sum up, “Robinson Crusoe” is a great adventure story because it is full of travel, danger, survival, fear, courage, and action. From sea voyages and shipwrecks to island life, cannibals, Friday, and the fight with mutineers, the novel never loses its adventurous spirit. That is why “Robinson Crusoe” remains one of the most famous adventure stories in English literature.
9. The story of Crusoe is a truthful representation of human life—Elucidate. ★★★
“Robinson Crusoe” (1719) by Daniel Defoe (1660 -1731) is more than a sea story. It shows real human life. Crusoe makes mistakes, feels pain, learns lessons, and grows better. He faces trouble but does not give up. He feels lonely, prays to God, and becomes wise. These things happen in real life, too. Crusoe’s life shows the truth of human nature. His hopes, fears, and dreams are like ours. So, the story is a good picture of real human life.
Mistake and Regret: Crusoe does not listen to his father. He leaves home for the sea life. He runs after freedom and money. He regrets,
Later, he suffers for his mistakes. He feels sad and thinks, “If he had obeyed, he would have been happy.” This shows the reality of human life. People often make mistakes and feel regret later. Like Crusoe, they learn from it. So, the story shows this truth about real people.“I had been well instructed by father and mother; ”
Suffer and Survive: Crusoe faces big problems. His ship sinks. He loses all his friends. He lives alone on an island. He says,
He builds a shelter, finds food, and keeps hope. He never gives up. This shows how people suffer but try to live. Human life is full of trouble, but people fight it. Crusoe’s life tells this truth clearly. It is a good example of human strength and courage.“I am cast upon a horrible, desolate island.”
Lonely and Afraid: Crusoe sometimes feels deep pain in his heart. He says,
He fears wild animals and strange people. He becomes sick and thinks he will die. He cries and feels helpless. This is a real picture of human emotion. People feel lonely and afraid in hard times. Like Crusoe, they pray and hope. So, the story shows the truth of how people feel in trouble.“I had now lived two years under this uneasiness.”
Faith and Change: Crusoe starts to believe in God. He reads the Bible and thanks God. Slowly, his mind becomes calm and strong. He learns to trust God. He says,
This is true in real life, too. When people suffer, they often turn to faith. They learn to be better. Crusoe’s change shows this truth clearly.“I sincerely gave thanks to God for opening my eyes.”
Hope and Work: Crusoe works hard every day. He makes a home, grows crops, and keeps a diary. He also makes tools and builds a boat. He does not sit idle or cry all the time. He keeps hope and works to live. This is a true picture of human life. People work to stay alive and build their future. Crusoe’s story gives us this real message.
In short, the life of Robinson Crusoe is full of truth. He makes mistakes, feels sad, and learns. He fights fear and prays to God. He works hard and never loses hope. These things happen in real life, too. Crusoe is not a hero with magic. He is like us—weak but strong, sad but hopeful. So, this story is a clear and honest picture of real human life. Defoe shows us the truth through Crusoe’s life.
10. Write a note on the allegorical significance of Defoe's novel Robinson Crusoe.
Allegory is a type of story where the characters, events, and places represent deeper moral, spiritual, or political meanings. The outer story is simple, but the inner meaning gives a big lesson about life, faith, or society. Daniel Defoe’s (1660 -1731) Robinson Crusoe (1719) is not only a story of survival or surface incident. It also has a deeper meaning. Crusoe’s life shows the journey of the human soul. He learns to obey God and trust Him. His time on the island shows faith, sin, hard work, and learning. So, the story is more than it looks. It is an allegory of human life.
Sin and Punishment: Crusoe disobeys his father. He leaves home and goes to sea. This disobedience is like man's sin against God. Later, his ship sinks. He becomes alone on an island. This is like God’s punishment for sin. Crusoe feels regret. This part shows the fall of man and the result of sin. The island becomes a place of correction. So, it has a deep, allegorical meaning.
Repent and Pray: On the island, Crusoe becomes sick. He feels weak and helpless. He thinks he will die. He reads the Bible and prays. He reads,
He feels sorry for his past life. He begins to believe in God. This is an allegory for spiritual awakening. Crusoe’s prayer and reading show man’s return to God. His soul starts to heal. He becomes a better man. This shows a strong religious meaning.“Call upon Me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.”
Faith and Peace: After praying, Crusoe feels peace in his heart. He reads the Bible every day. He lives a simple and honest life. He stops complaining and becomes thankful. His faith makes him strong and calm. He says,
Crusoe’s change shows the spiritual journey of man. It teaches that belief in God brings peace.“I sincerely gave thanks to God for opening my eyes.”
Hard Work and Hope: Crusoe does not sit idle. He works hard every day. He builds a house, grows food, and makes tools. He keeps a daily record of life. His work shows the duty of man on earth. It teaches patience, honesty, and hard work. He says,
His hope never dies. He continues his life. It tells us to work and trust God.“I had now lived two years under this uneasiness.”
Friday and Brotherhood: Crusoe saves Friday and teaches him. He teaches him English and religion. Friday becomes a Christian. They live together and help each other. Though Friday is from a different land, Crusoe treats him kindly. This is a symbol of love beyond culture.
Island as Own Land: Crusoe thinks the island belongs to him. He says,
He gives names to places like a king. He builds a home, sets rules, and controls the land. He sees no other person, but still calls it his land. This shows a strong colonial idea. This thinking is common in colonial times. Crusoe becomes the owner of the island without asking anyone. This is also another hidden picture in this novel.“I was lord of the whole manor.”
In short, Robinson Crusoe is full of hidden meanings. Crusoe’s life is not only about being lost. It shows the journey from sin to faith, live to rule. It shows the soul's return to God. His hard work shows a man’s duty in life. All these give the story allegorical value. Defoe teaches us about life, faith, and hope through Crusoe’s journey.
11. Do you think that Gulliver’s Travels is a neurotic phantasy? Elucidate.
“Gulliver’s Travels” (1726) is a famous book by Jonathan Swift (1667-1745). The novel looks like a book of strange dreams and unreal lands. Tiny people, giant men, flying islands, and talking horses make the story feel like a fantasy. Many critics call it a neurotic phantasy because it shows deep fear, anger, and mental tension. But this fantasy is not empty. Swift uses strange imagination to show real human problems. The book feels like a disturbed dream, but it is written with a clear purpose.
Strange Lands Like a Dream: In Gulliver’s Travels, everything feels unreal, like a dream of a troubled mind. In Lilliput, people are only six inches tall, but their pride is huge. They fight wars over how to break an egg. Gulliver says the Lilliputians are:
In Brobdingnag, people are giants, and Gulliver feels like an insect. In Laputa, the island flies in the sky, and people forget simple life for useless science. These lands do not exist in reality. They feel like the strange thoughts of a restless brain. This dream-like quality makes the book look like a neurotic fantasy.“Human creature not six inches high…”
Fear and Confusion in Gulliver’s Mind: Gulliver himself often feels fear and confusion. In Lilliput, he is first treated like a hero. Then, the Lilliputian king plans to kill him. In Brobdingnag, he is always afraid of being crushed. In Laputa, he feels bored and mentally tired. His mind never feels calm. Each journey makes him more confused about the world. This shows inner mental struggle. The story moves like the changing thoughts of a worried man. This is why many see the book as neurotic.
Extreme Hatred of Humanity: The strongest sign of neurotic fantasy appears in the last voyage. Gulliver meets the Yahoos, who look like humans but act like animals. They are dirty, greedy, and cruel. Gulliver feels deep hatred and shame. He compares all humans with Yahoos. When he sees his own reflection, he hates himself:
This reaction is very extreme. Gulliver loses his balance of mind. He forgets human love and kindness. This hatred feels emotional and unhealthy. It shows mental disturbance, not normal thinking. This type of hatred makes the novel a neurotic phantasy.“I turned away my face in horror and detestation of myself.”
Love for Houyhnhnms and Escape from Reality: Gulliver’s love for the Houyhnhnms, the wise horses, is also unnatural. He wants to live like them forever. He wishes to leave human society. When he returns home, he avoids people and talks to horses. This escape from human life feels like a mental breakdown. It is not realistic behavior. This strong desire to escape reality makes the story feel like a neurotic dream.
But Fantasy with a Purpose: Even though the book feels neurotic, it is not meaningless. Swift uses fantasy to criticize human pride, war, politics, and false knowledge. The strange lands help him speak freely. Behind every dream-like scene, there is a real message. The egg war shows religious conflict. The Yahoos show how low humans can fall without reason. Laputa shows useless science. For example, the scholars of Laputa try to extract sunbeams from cucumbers:
So, Swift’s fantasy is controlled and thoughtful.“He had been eight years upon a project for extracting sunbeams out of cucumbers.”
In fine, Gulliver’s Travels can be called a neurotic phantasy because it is full of strange dreams, fear, hatred, and mental unrest. Gulliver’s mind becomes broken by his journeys. But this neurotic fantasy has a strong aim. Swift uses it to attack human pride and foolishness. So, the book is a neurotic fantasy, but a meaningful one. It shocks the reader to make them think and change.
12. Is Swift a misanthropist? Give reasons for your answer.
Or, Swift was not only a great critic of human nature but also a great lover of humankind. Do you agree? ★★★
Or, do you think Jonathan Swift is a misanthropist? Justify your answers.
Or, “Swift was a great humanist in spite of his being a misanthropist.”—Substantiate.
Or, consider Swift as a great humanist.
Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) was a famous satirist. He wrote “Gulliver’s Travels” (1726) to show the bad sides of people. Many think he hated people. This is called misanthropy. But some say he wanted people to change. They call him a humanist. In this book, Swift laughs at people’s pride, lies, and silly fights. He shows how bad society can be. But deep inside, he hoped for better. So, Swift was a critic, not a hater of mankind.
Hate of Yahoos: Swift shows strong hate for the Yahoos. They look like humans but act like beasts. They are dirty, greedy, and wild. Gulliver feels disgusted when he sees them. He says,
Swift shows how people act with no reason or truth. The Yahoos love money and fight often. This makes many people think Swift hates all humans. But he may just show how low people can fall if they forget good values.“Upon the whole, I never beheld in all my Travels so disagreeable an Animal, nor one against which I naturally conceived so strong an Antipathy.”
Love for the Houyhnhnms: The Houyhnhnms are clean, wise, and kind. They never lie or fight. They live by reason. Gulliver loves them more than humans. He wants to live with them forever. He even avoids humans when he returns home. This part shows Swift's dream. He wants people to be like the Houyhnhnms. It is not hate, but hope. He shows a better way of life. So, Swift does not hate people. He wants them to improve.
Satire with a Purpose: Swift laughs at kings, courts, and war. In Lilliput, people fight over how to break an egg. Thousands (11000) die in this silly fight. Six wars at different times occurred, as the issue violated their religious doctrine, which states:
He also shows stupid rules and games in politics. He makes fun of proud kings and corrupt ministers. These are not jokes for fun. He wants people to think. His goal is to help society get better.“That all true Believers shall break their eggs at the convenient end.”
Change and Loneliness: Gulliver changes a lot after living with the Houyhnhnms. He starts to believe that humans are bad, dirty, and full of evil thoughts. He compares people with the Yahoos and feels ashamed to be one of them. When he comes back to England, he cannot live normally. He does not like to see other people. Gulliver even starts to hate himself. He feels shocked and sad to know he is also a human. He says:
Now, he wants to live with horses. He thinks horses are wise and kind. So, he spends most of his time with them.“When I happened to behold the reflection of my own form in a lake or fountain, I turned away my face in horror and detestation of myself.”
In conclusion, Jonathan Swift looked like a misanthropist, but he was not. He only hated the wrong ways of men. He showed how bad things were. But he also showed a better life. He used satire to correct, not to destroy. His love for truth made him write such strong words. In fact, he was a true humanist. His dream was a wise and fair world. So, Swift was not a hater of man, but a lover of good mankind.
13. Comment on Swift’s satire on English politics in Gulliver’s Travels. ★★★
Satire is a way of making fun of something to show its problems or foolishness. Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) wrote “Gulliver’s Travels” (1726) to show the absurdity of his time. He used Gulliver's adventures to mock English politics. He visited two lands, Lilliput and Brobdingnag. Both are different, but both show problems in real life. In Lilliput, he shows pride, lies, and silly rules. In Brobdingnag, he shows wisdom and peace. Swift uses fun and jokes to point out serious faults. So, his book is a strong political satire.
Proud but Small: The Lilliputians are tiny in size. But they think they are great. Their king wants to rule the world. He gives silly titles and takes big actions. He wants to become:
Swift uses this pride to show how English rulers acted. They were not wise but proud. They fought for power, not for people. The king of Lilliput is a copy of a real English king. Swift makes him small to laugh at his pride and foolish goals.“Sole Monarch of the whole world.”
Silly Laws and Games: In Lilliput, jobs are not given for talent. People must dance on ropes to get high posts. The king likes only those who obey him. If the Emperor disfavours anyone, they can not join the government body as an official. This is evident in the following quote:
These silly rules mock real politics. Swift shows how real leaders chose people not for work but for support.“The disbelief in a Divine Providence renders a man in-capable of holding any public station.”
Fight for Nothing: The Lilliputians fight Blefuscu over how to break eggs. Some say the small end is right. Others want to break from the big end. This small thing starts big wars. Thousands (11000) die in this silly fight. Six wars at different times occurred, as the issue violated their religious doctrine, which states:
Swift uses this to mock real wars. English people also fought over silly religious rules.“That all true Believers shall break their eggs at the convenient end.”
Peace and Wisdom: In Brobdingnag, Swift shows a good king. He listens to Gulliver and asks smart questions. When he hears about war and guns, he feels sad. He calls English people dirty and cruel. He says the majority of Englishmen must be:
Swift uses this wise king to show what real rulers should be like. He is kind, just, and calm. This is a sharp contrast to Lilliput.“The most pernicious life race of little odious vermin that nature ever suffered to crawl upon the surface of the earth.”
Mocking English Politics: Swift mocks English politics through both lands. Lilliput shows how English kings act like fools. Brobdingnag shows how far England is from true peace. Swift uses small people to show small minds. He uses giants to show big hearts. He attacks the government, war, rules, and leaders. But he does not name anyone. This makes it safe and smart. Through Gulliver’s eyes, he says all he wants. That is why this book is a perfect political satire.
In summary, Swift was a master of satire. He used Lilliput and Brobdingnag to show the truth. Lilliput is a mirror of bad politics. Brobdingnag is a picture of good rule. He makes fun of wars, jobs, rules, and pride. But all this fun has a strong message. Swift did not just hate the system, he wanted to fix it.