Question

Which novel deals with a ship-wreck and the long life of a sailor in an alien island?

• A. Robinson Crusou
• B. Huckleberry Finn
• C. Treasure Island
• D. Tom Sawyer

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Robinson Crusou

Key Information about Robinson Crusoe

• Author: Daniel Defoe
• Publication Year: 1719
• Genre: Novel, Adventure Fiction, Realist Fiction
• Subject Matter: The novel is a first-person narrative detailing the 28 years of isolation of a sailor, Robinson Crusoe, who spends most of his life on a remote tropical desert island after a shipwreck.
• Themes: Survival, self-reliance, faith, colonization, human nature, the relationship between humanity and nature.
• Narrative Style: Written in the epistolary form (though not strictly a collection of letters, it employs a diary-like structure and a direct, personal tone).
• Impact and Legacy:
  • Considered one of the earliest and most influential English novels.
  • Popularized the 'Robinsonade' subgenre of fiction, which features characters stranded on a deserted island.
  • The character of Robinson Crusoe has become an archetype for the resourceful survivor.
• Background Context:
  • Inspired by the real-life experiences of Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk, who was marooned on the Juan Fern ilde{a}ndez Islands for over four years. Defoe likely encountered Selkirk before writing the novel.
  • Reflects the growing interest in exploration, colonialism, and maritime trade during the 18th century.
  • Emphasizes themes of Puritanical values and self-improvement, aligning with the religious and social sentiments of the era.
• Exam Relevance:
  • Frequent inclusion in English Literature syllabi and competitive exams.
  • Questions often focus on the plot, characters (Robinson Crusoe, Friday), themes, historical context, and Defoe's literary contributions.
  • Understanding the 'Robinsonade' genre and its origins is crucial.