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Paper #103025 :: The Supernatural in Daniel Defoe's Works
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An analysis of the theme of the supernatural in Daniel Defoe's novels "Moll Flanders" and "Journal of the Plague Year".

Written in 2003; 1,995 words; 0 source; $ 63.95

Paper Summary:

This paper examines Daniel Defoe's ambivalent attitude towards the supernatural as seen in his novels "Moll Flanders" and "Journal of the Plague Year". The paper asserts that ambivalence is reflected in his realistic characters, who express contradictions in their feelings towards supernatural experiences. The paper points out that Defoe incorporates events that include the supernatural world into both novels, raising questions about his reasons for including such spiritual accounts in novels otherwise prided on their realism. The paper maintains that, most likely, the scenes involving supernatural phenomenon represent the divine world in which Defoe was living. The paper concludes that Defoe's attitude towards the supernatural remains unclear, for although he cannot deny its significance, he does lightly mock it by creating characters that remain themselves in doubt.

From the Paper:

"The supernatural plays an important role in Journal of the Plague Year because it sets the tone for most of the novel. Right from the start it is made to be a true account of events and these celestial interferences are prominent factors in portraying the attitude of H.F. In the early parts of the novel, H.F. struggles with the decision of whether he should stay in London or leave to escape the plague that was upon the city. He attributes his decision to stay mostly as "the direction of the Divine power" and "an intimation from heaven." His motivation comes mostly from a superstition common to people of his time and, as he goes on to explain, he felt his staying in London was the will of God and that ultimately God would protect his health and well-being. After explaining all this to his reader, H.F. makes the decision to remain in London, weathering and recording the plague's progress. The contradictions in H.F.'s views arise when, in the beginning of his story, he describes the black magic beginning to be found throughout the town. He calls the belief in astrologers, fortune tellers, and the like as "horrid delusions" and is disgusted by the fact that so many people are allowing themselves to fall into these money making traps."

Tags: doubt divine belief realism cynicism

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