Literary and Historical Context of Robinson Crusoe and the Declaration of Independence

Daniel Defoe: Robinson Crusoe (1719)

This text is an excerpt from the first chapter of the novel “Robinson Crusoe”, written by Daniel Defoe in 1719. It is an extended prose fiction narrative that deals with the psychological elaboration of characters and the development of specific events. These characters are presented chronologically through different moments, and while most narratives of the time were inspired by historical moments, this novel is primarily fictional.

This novel achieved massive success during its period because of its innovative narrative style. In the 18th century, authors sought to achieve realism because readers were not yet mentally prepared for pure fiction. Novelists tried to project realism within a fictional world to avoid criticism from a public that felt deceived upon discovering a book was entirely made up. Defoe attempted to write a non-fiction style novel by utilizing specific literary techniques:

• Writing the entire story as if it were the diary of an adventurer named Robinson, who is seeking fortune and decides to travel the seas.
• Employing the first-person perspective to enhance credibility and realism.

Novelists needed to convince readers that their writing was true to combat widespread skepticism. Through these new methods, they aimed to immerse the audience and transmit the exact feelings experienced by the main characters. The text ultimately deals with the themes of self-discovery and soul-searching, functioning as a spiritual novel full of metaphorical events such as embarking on a journey of personal growth. The novel adopts a puritan perspective typical of the era. As noted earlier, this is not merely a story about a man traveling by sea; it is a spiritual journey. Robinson wanted to understand his identity, learn about himself, and submit to God's will under divine mercy.

The Beginning of the Journey and Social Background

When Robinson left his home and parents, he knew this journey would profoundly impact his life. In the opening paragraphs, Robinson introduces his family and establishes his class position, utilizing non-fiction elements like biographical personal information and the first-person perspective to create a realistic atmosphere.

Defoe introduces a realistic background in the second paragraph by mentioning a historical event—the Anglo-Spanish War that took place under Oliver Cromwell’s dictatorship—where Robinson's brothers are briefly mentioned. Incorporating historical events lends an authentic veneer to the text. Driven by ambition, Robinson ultimately decides to become a mariner, explore the world, and seek out new colonies and lands of opportunity to fulfill his dreams, directly disobeying his parents.

Robinson’s father wanted him to stay in his hometown of York and practice law. Because Robinson belonged to the middle class, he was expected to secure a profitable job and build a solid reputation. Ultimately, he rejected his father's counsel. Defoe presents society through the eyes of Robinson's father, who viewed the middle class as the ideal state of happiness—one where securing enough money and a good reputation brings fulfillment without reaching for unattainable extremes. In summary, Robinson Crusoe is a deeply spiritual, metaphorical work that uses realistic conventions to guide readers through a journey of self-discovery.

From the American Declaration of Independence

This text is a foundational statement adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. It announced that the thirteen American colonies, then at war with Great Britain, regarded themselves as independent states, severing all ties with the British Empire under King George III.

Historical Background and the Road to Revolution

By this time, the thirteen American colonies and Great Britain had been at war for over a year. Relations between the colonies and the mother country had deteriorated steadily since the end of the Seven Years' War in 1763. The costly conflict plunged the British government into deep debt, prompting Parliament to enact measures to increase colonial tax revenue. Parliament believed that acts such as the Stamp Act of 1765 were fair ways for the colonies to contribute to the maintenance of the British Empire.

The issue of parliamentary authority quickly escalated into a crisis. Many colonists viewed these taxes as a violation of the British Constitution and a direct threat to their liberties. Consequently, the First Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia to organize a boycott of British goods and petition the king to repeal the acts. Despite these efforts, and the subsequent outbreak of war, most colonists still hoped for reconciliation during the Second Continental Congress. When reconciliation failed, Congress resolved to declare independence.

Once the resolution was passed, Congress turned its attention to the committee's draft. After several days of intense debate, the final wording of the Declaration of Independence was approved on July 4, 1776, and sent to the printer.

Key Themes and Structure of the Document

The text marks the birth of a nation and its absolute will to exist, inciting revolution and societal change. It casts the American people in a positive light while portraying King George III as a tyrant. Furthermore, this document served as a major future inspiration for the French Revolution. The text is structured into several distinct parts:

• Natural Law and Independence: The first part asserts the inherent right of a people to assume political independence, provided the grounds for such action are fully justified.
• Unalienable Rights: The second part outlines core democratic ideals, asserting that individuals possess fundamental rights, and when a government violates them, the people hold the right to alter or abolish it.
• Grievances Against the Crown: The final section presents a detailed list of charges against King George III, demonstrating how he violated colonial rights and proving his unfitness to rule.