Favorite Classics: Daniel Defoe

Robinson Crusoe and Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe

In this second instalment of some of my favorite classics, let’s talk about Daniel Defoe (c. 1660–1731). Defoe was one of the earliest advocates of the English novel and helped popularize the genre in Britain. Besides novels, Defoe wrote books and pamphlets on diverse topics, including politics, religion, and psychology. From modern standpoint, his novels are clearly products of their time, but Defoe's influence in the development of the genre is irrefutable. I’ve only read two of Defoe’s novels, but they are probably his best-known works, and well worth reading.

 

Robinson Crusoe

Do I even need to introduce this book? Defoe’s famous adventure novel Robinson Crusoe was published in 1719. The main character Robinson Crusoe suffers a shipwreck and is stranded on a deserted island, where he survives alone for twenty-eight years. He meets and “civilizes” a native man he names Friday. Finally, he is rescued from the island and comes back to Europe. The ending of the novel feels disconnected from the rest of the story, but this is English novel in its infancy. I wouldn't list this among my favorite classics, but it's definitely worth the read, as long as you can stomach the inevitable racism.

 

Moll Flanders

Moll Flanders was published in 1722. The book is a picaresque novel, which means it depicts the adventures of a lower-class heroine who lives by her wits. Born in Newgate Prison to an incarcerated mother, the titular character Moll Flanders is forced from her earliest childhood to make her own way in the world. She grows up to be a streetwise adventuress who gets tangled in a web of incest, adultery, prostitution, and theft. She savvily manipulates men, and ultimately after a life of trials earns her rewards.

This book was one of my favorite reads in 2021. The main character is a strong, resilient, and resourceful woman. You feel sympathy for her despite the crimes she commits, because as a woman of little means she has few other alternatives. The book was also really funny. I must admit I lost count of how many husbands Moll had!

As a sidenote, the cover of the Alma Classics edition is gorgeous! It was one of the inspirations for Caytee’s cover.