Darwin Versus Daniel Defoe

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how Charles Darwin's "Journey of the Beagle" and Daniel Defoe's 18th century novel, "Robinson Crusoe", both provide 18th and mid 19th century encapsulations of the observable, natural world from the point of view of a naturalist and an unwitting traveler and survivor. It looks at how the deployment of narrative, drama, and personal experience in the accounts of both Defoe and Darwin exhibit similar literary elements, such as the use of dramatic narrative, dialogue, and the cataloging of picaresque or memorable details. It also discusses how Darwin sees himself in a different guise, the guise of a scientific observer, as well as an individual experiencing life in a strange place, while Defoe's fictional explorer, Robinson Crusoe, only sees himself as the latter.

From the Paper:

"Darwin, however, does not debate the classification of animals in relation to humanity; rather he classifies the animals simply as animals thus showing not only a less moral, but also a less andocentric view of the world than Defoe's literary progeny. Crusoe's narrative may have inspired wonder in his readers, but there is no corresponding wonder in the strangeness and lack of civilization rather Crusoe is delighted to find the early trappings moral civilization in wild places and wonders at his potential ability to recreate that civilization so far away from it. Once again, Crusoe's narrative and contrast between civilized and uncivilized, between the good practice of home and the wild unchristian island, is cast in a moral, rather than an exploratory tone from the beginning."

More papers on Darwin Versus Daniel Defoe:

• Book Review # 103025 : "The Supernatural in Daniel Defoe's Works"
• Book Review # 43105 : "Daniel Defoe's "Moll Flanders"
• Analytical Essay # 57931 : "Daniel Defoe's "Moll Flanders"

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