6.2 Defoe's contributions to the novel form

Daniel Defoe revolutionized English literature by pioneering the novel form in the early 18th century. His works, like "Robinson Crusoe" and "Moll Flanders," focused on ordinary individuals and everyday experiences, combining elements of autobiography, journalism, and adventure stories.

Defoe's novels departed from earlier prose fiction by introducing extended narrative and complex, flawed characters readers could relate to. He balanced entertainment with social commentary, exploring moral dilemmas faced by ordinary people while incorporating detailed descriptions of contemporary society and settings.

Defoe's Role in the Novel

Pioneering the English Novel

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• Daniel Defoe pioneered the English novel in the early 18th century
• "Robinson Crusoe" (1719) and "Moll Flanders" (1722) established early examples of the novel form
• Focused on ordinary individuals and everyday experiences rather than aristocratic heroes
• Combined elements of autobiography, journalism, and adventure stories
• Emphasized psychological realism and character development
• Demonstrated commercial viability of long-form prose fiction
  • Proved novels could be both popular and profitable
  • Encouraged other authors to explore the form

Departing from Earlier Prose Fiction

• Introduced extended narrative prose fiction
• Created template for future novelists to follow
• Shifted focus from mythical or legendary tales to realistic stories
• Developed complex, flawed characters readers could relate to
• Incorporated detailed descriptions of contemporary society and settings
• Explored moral and ethical dilemmas faced by ordinary people
• Balanced entertainment with social commentary and critique

Realism and Verisimilitude in Defoe

Journalistic Style and Historical Context

• Employed journalistic style presented fictional events as factual accounts
• Included meticulous details about locations, historical events, and social conditions
  • Described London streets and neighborhoods in "Moll Flanders"
  • Referenced real historical figures and events (Great Plague of London in "A Journal of the Plague Year")
• Incorporated real historical events and figures into fictional narratives
  • Blurred lines between fact and fiction
  • Enhanced sense of authenticity for readers
• Attention to practical and economic aspects of characters' lives
  • Detailed Crusoe's efforts to survive on the island
  • Described Moll's financial struggles and criminal activities

Character Development and Narration

• Presented characters as complex individuals with virtues and flaws
• Used first-person narration created illusion of authenticity and immediacy
  • Robinson Crusoe's personal account of his island experiences
  • Moll Flanders' confessional narrative of her life
• Portrayed realistic human psychology and motivation
  • Explored characters' inner thoughts and decision-making processes
  • Showed how circumstances shaped characters' choices and actions
• Created relatable protagonists readers could empathize with
  • Crusoe's loneliness and resourcefulness
  • Moll's struggle for survival and social advancement

Narrative Techniques in Defoe

First-Person Narration and Character Development

• Used first-person narration allowed readers to connect with protagonists
  • Provided direct access to characters' thoughts and feelings
  • Created sense of intimacy between reader and narrator
• Employed confessional tone with characters reflecting on past actions
  • Added depth to personalities and motivations
  • Explored moral implications of characters' choices
• Characters underwent significant development throughout stories
  • Reflected real-life personal growth and adaptation
  • Showed how experiences shaped characters' worldviews and behaviors
• Incorporated moral dilemmas and ethical quandaries
  • Added complexity to characters and stories
  • Forced characters to make difficult decisions (Crusoe's relationship with Friday)

Storytelling Structure and Descriptive Elements

• Utilized episodic structure maintained reader interest
  • Created series of adventures or incidents
  • Allowed for varied pacing and multiple plot threads
• Incorporated elements of suspense and foreshadowing
  • Built narrative tension
  • Kept readers engaged throughout long narratives
• Used vivid, sensory descriptions immersed readers in story settings
  • Detailed accounts of physical environments (Crusoe's island)
  • Brought 18th-century London to life in "Moll Flanders"
• Balanced action with introspection and reflection
  • Provided exciting plot developments alongside character growth
  • Allowed readers to experience both external and internal journeys of protagonists

Social and Political Commentary in Defoe

Class and Social Mobility

• Addressed contemporary social issues (class mobility, gender roles, economic inequality)
• Critiqued rigid class structure of 18th-century England
  • Explored themes of social advancement and pursuit of wealth
  • Showed characters striving to improve their social standing (Moll Flanders)
• Portrayed struggles of marginalized groups (women, criminals, working class)
  • Offered insight into experiences often overlooked in literature
  • Highlighted social injustices and inequalities of the time

Political Themes and Allegory

• Reflected Defoe's own experiences and beliefs in his works
  • Supported religious tolerance and constitutional monarchy
  • Drew from his background in journalism and political pamphleteering
• Incorporated allegorical elements to comment on current events
  • Avoided direct naming of controversial topics
  • Used fictional scenarios to explore real-world political issues
• Explored tension between individual desires and societal expectations
  • Highlighted moral complexities of 18th-century society
  • Examined conflicts between personal ambition and social norms
• Portrayed colonialism and cross-cultural encounters
  • Offered nuanced commentary on European expansion (Robinson Crusoe's interactions with Friday)
  • Explored impact of colonialism on both colonizers and indigenous peoples