Defoe's Vision of Society and Civilization

Paper Summary:

This paper is a review of Daniel Defoe's novels "Robinson Crusoe" and "Moll Flanders". The paper specifically discusses to what extent these novels represent a microcosm of the world of Defoe. The paper follows a tendency toward the poststructuralist method of deconstruction, which seeks to unlock a reflection of the text by exposing its counter side, and therefore showing what the work of Defoe, can tell us about the past.

From the Paper:

"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?"

Sample of Sources Used:

• Abrams, M.H. Norton anthology of English literature 6th ed, W.W. Norton & Co. New York, London.
• Burke, Peter (1994) Popular culture in early modern Europe, 3rd ed, Scolar Press, Hants
• Defoe, D. (1660-1731) Robinson Crusoe, Penguin (1994) Middlesex
• Defoe, D. (1660-1731) Moll Flanders, Penguin (1994) Middlesex
• Shelly, M. (1831) Frankenstein, edited by Smith J.M. Bedford, New York

More papers on Defoe's Vision of Society and Civilization:

• Essay # 99078 : "Chaplin's Vision of Compassion and Success"
• Book Review # 119305 : "The Edifice of Society"
• Research Paper # 51889 : "Civil Society and NGOs in Russia"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: