Which novel deals with a ship-wreck and the long life of a sailor in an alien island?
ARobinson Crusou
BHuckleberry Finn
CTreasure Island
DTom Sawyer
Answer:
A. Robinson Crusou
Read Explanation:
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.