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==Introduction==__NOTOC__[[File:Robinson crusoe one.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A statue of Robinson Crusoe in Scotland]]There are some literary characters that become part of the culture and have entered the popular imagination. A select few fictional personages have achieved great fame and even mythic status. One of these is Robinson Crusoe, the hero of an eponymous set of novels. This character has inspired many other literary works, many movies and there is even an island named after the hero of the great survival story. It is still a popular favorite with children and those who simply love a good yarn. However, the figure of Robinson Crusoe is widely believed to have been based on a real historical figure. In this article, there is a discussion about the author who created the memorable hero, his adventures and the likely models for the immortal literary creation. [[File: Robinson crusoe one.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A statue of Robinson Crusoe in Scotland]]

==The man It is still a popular favorite with children and those who created simply love a good yarn. However, the figure of Robinson Crusoe==The author, who created the memorable character led is widely believed to have been based on a life that was almost as colorful as Robinson Crusoe’s adventuresreal historical figure. Daniel Defoe was born into In this article, there is a humble family in London in 1660. He was educated in a private school and later became an entrepreneur but went bankrupt. Defoe traveled widely in Europediscussion about the author who created the memorable hero, his adventures and the likely models for the immortal literary creation.   ====The writer was very interested in politics and he became embroiled in the bitter political battles of the Tories and the Whigsman who created Robinson Crusoe====[[File: Robinson crusoe. jpg|200px|thumbnail|left|Daniel Defoe was a supporter of ]]The author, who created the Tories and he wrote memorable character, led a number of pamphlets in support of their conservative policies <ref>Novak, Maximillian Elife that was almost as colorful as Robinson Crusoe’s adventures. Daniel Defoe: Master of Fictions: His Life and Ideas (Oxford, Oxford, University Press, 2001), pp 45-85</ref>. He wrote was born into a humble family in London in 1660. He was educated in a great many works that attacked Christians who were not members of the Church of England and foreignersprivate school and later became an entrepreneur but went bankrupt. Defoe traveled widely in Europe. In 1713 his polemics led to his imprisonment The writer was very interested in politics and being sentenced to the pillory. This meant that he was placed became embroiled in a wooden framework with holes for the head and hands and members bitter political battles of the public pelted him with rotten fruit Tories and garbage. However, this made him a hero in the eyes of many ToriesWhigs. Later Defoe became was a spy for the leader supporter of the Tory factionTories and he wrote several pamphlets in support of their conservative policies. Later in life when the Tories fell from power he began to work with the Whigs’ and he seemed to have been a double agent<ref>Novak, Maximillian E. After 1714, Daniel Defoe began to concentrate more on his creative writings : Master of Fictions: His Life and less on his journalism <ref>NovakIdeas (Oxford, Oxford, University Press, 2001), p 324pp 45-85</ref>. In 1719 he He wrote Robinson Crusoea great many works that attacked Christians who were not members of the Church of England and foreigners.  In 1713, Defoe's polemics led to his imprisonment and this was a great success, so much so being sentenced to the pillory. This punishment meant that he wrote a sequel a few years later. Defoe was an important figure placed in a wooden framework with holes for the development of head and hands and members of the English novelpublic pelted him with rotten fruit and garbage. Among However, this made him a hero in the other important novels that he wrote was Moll Flanders (1722) and Roxana: The Fortunate Mistress (1724). He was eyes of many Tories. Later Defoe became a prolific author and was popular with spy for the public, but he was always in debt and several times was imprisoned in a debtors’ prisonleader of the Tory faction. Defoe died Later in 1731life when the Tories fell from power he began to work with the Whigs’ and he seemed to have been a double agent. [[File: Robinson crusoe.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Daniel Defoe]]==The adventures of Robinson Crusoe==After 1714, Defoe wrote two novels about the life began to concentrate more on his creative writings and adventures of Robinson less on his journalism.<ref>Novak, p 324</ref> In 1719, he wrote Robinson Crusoe, who is the narrator of the story. He tells the reader and this was a great success, so much so that he wrote a sequel a few years later. Defoe was an important figure in the headstrong younger son development of an affluent familythe English novel. Crusoe longs for adventure and he goes to sea, despite his parents’ objections. During a storm in Among the Caribbean, other important novels that he is shipwrecked and is the only survivorwrote was Moll Flanders (1722) and Roxana: The Fortunate Mistress (1724). He narrates how was a prolific author and was popular with the public, but he was washed up on an island always in the Caribbean. Crusoe manages to salvage some items from the ship debt and his only companions are his dog and a goat several times he has tamedwas sent debtors’ prison. He is able to become self-sufficient on the islandDefoe died in 1731. However, he discovers, after 25 years to his horror that cannibals use a beach on the island for the ritual murder and eating of their victims ====The adventures of Robinson Crusoe====[[File: Robinson Crusoe three. One day one jpg|300px|thumb|left|Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile]]Defoe wrote two novels about the life and adventures of the cannibals’ prisoners Robinson Crusoe, who is going to be killed and eaten manages to escapethe narrator of the story. He tells the reader that he was the headstrong younger son of an affluent family. Crusoe saves him longs for adventure and decides he goes to use him as sea, despite his servant and he calls him Fridayparents’ objections. During a storm in the Caribbean, after the day he first met himis shipwrecked and is the only survivor. Later He narrates how he was washed up on an island in the Englishman teaches him English and converts him Caribbean. Crusoe manages to Christianity <ref>Novak, p. 451</ref>. Crusoe later ambushes salvage some items from the ship and his only companions are his dog and a part of cannibals who are going goat he has tamed. He is able to eat and kill become self-sufficient on the father of Fridayisland. Some 28 years after  However, he was shipwreckeddiscovers, the sailor is rescued and returns after 25 years to England. In his horror that cannibals use a sequel, beach on the island for the former castaway is living on a small farm ritual murder and eating of their victims. One day one of the cannibals’ prisoners who is going to be killed and is marriedeaten manages to escape. Defoe describes Crusoe saves him as being depressed and missing his ‘island’. After his wife dies, the former sailor returns and decides to use him as his island with servant and he calls him Friday, once more. During a voyage, Friday is shot and killed by an arrow fired by a cannibalafter the day he first met him.  Later Crusoe travels the Englishman teaches him English and converts him to Madagascar, China, and SiberiaChristianity. After ten years of travels<ref>Novak, he returns to Londonp. [[File: Robinson 451</ref> Crusoe three.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile]]==The literary antecedents of Robinson Crusoe==Every author is later ambushes a part of a literary tradition cannibals who are going to eat and none can escape kill the influence father of their peers and predecessorsFriday. There Some 28 years after he was a long-established genre in the literature concerning the adventures of shipwrecked individualsshipwrecked, the sailor is rescued and returns to England. In the 12th century, an Arab novelist Ibn Tufail wrote a philosophical novelsequel, entitled The Self-Taught Philosopherthe former castaway is living on a small farm and is married. This novel narrates the life Defoe describes him as being depressed and the development of a young man who grows to manhood isolated from societymissing his ‘island’. It portrays how he came After his wife dies, the former sailor returns to become his island with Friday, once more. During a philosopher voyage, Friday is shot and killed by an arrow fired by imitating nature and animalsa cannibal. This book is somewhat similar Later Crusoe travels to Robinson Crusoe who also becomes wise Madagascar, China, and philosophical after Siberia. After ten years of travels, he is marooned on the islandreturns to London. In the 17th century, the Spanish priest Balthasar Gracian wrote another philosophical novel also narrating the spiritual growth and development  ====The literary antecedents of Robinson Crusoe====Every author is part of a man stranded on an island <ref>Van Duzer, Chetliterary tradition and none can escape the influence of their peers and predecessors. "From Odysseus to Robinson Crusoe: There was a survey long-established genre in the literature concerning the adventures of early western island literatureshipwrecked individuals." Island Studies Journal 1In the 12th century, no. 1 (2006): 143an Arab novelist Ibn Tufail wrote a philosophical novel, entitled The Self-162 </ref>Taught Philosopher. This work was also translated into English in novel narrates the 1680s life and Defoe may have read it. Contemporary critics noted the similarities between the hero of the Spanish novel and Robinson Crusoe. Another possible influence on Defoe in the the development of his most famous creation was Puritan spiritual literaturea young man who grows to manhood isolated from society. Robinson Crusoe develops spiritually on the island and this is similar It portrays how he came to the characters in spiritual autobiographiesbecome a philosopher by imitating nature and animals. The creator of This book is somewhat similar to Robinson Crusoe was, it should be noted from a family with Puritan leanings <ref>Fishelov, David. "Dialogues with/and great books: With some serious reflections who also becomes wise and philosophical after he is marooned on Robinson Crusoethe island." New Literary History 39 In the 17th century, no. 2 (2008): 335-353</ref>. ==The the Spanish Robinson Crusoe==Reputedly in priest Balthasar Gracian wrote another philosophical novel also narrating the sixteenth century, during the Spanish conquest spiritual growth and development of the Caribbean and South America, a sailor by the name of Pedro Luis Serrano was shipwrecked, sometime in 1528. Most likely he was stranded man stranded on an island off Columbia and this uninhabited island has become known as Serrano Bank. The Spanish sailor was all alone on <ref>Van Duzer, Chet. "From Odysseus to Robinson Crusoe: a desert survey of early western island and he had no fresh waterliterature. Somehow he managed to survive by fishing and drinking the blood of birds and small animals" Island Studies Journal 1, no. Miraculously he survived for an astonishing eight years. But this took a terrible toll on 1 (2006): 143-162 </ref> This work was also translated into English in the Spaniard 1680s and he was quite mad by Defoe may have read it. Contemporary critics noted the similarities between the hero of the time he was rescuedSpanish novel and Robinson Crusoe. However, there is some debate as to whether or not Serrano Another possible influence on Defoe in the development of his most famous creation was a historical figure <ref> Simpson, Lesley Byrd (1929), "Puritan spiritual literature. Robinson Crusoe develops spiritually on the island and this is similar to the characters in spiritual autobiographies. The Spanish creator of Robinson Crusoewas, 1528-1536", The Hispanic American Historical Review, 9 (3): 368–376it should be noted from a family with Puritan leanings.</ref>Fishelov, David. ==English rebel==Research in recent years has yielded another potential candidate for the model of "Dialogues with/and great books: With some serious reflections on Robinson Crusoe. One possible model for the most famous castaway in the history of literature was the rebel and surgeon Henry Pitman" New Literary History 39, no. He was the personal physician of the Duke of Monmouth2 (2008): 335-353</ref> {{Mediawiki:AmNative}}====The Spanish Robinson Crusoe====Reputedly in the sixteenth century, during the illegitimate son Spanish conquest of Charles II. The Duke launched a rebellion against the pro-Catholic James II Caribbean and in order to claim South America, a sailor by the Throne name of England. Pitman took part Pedro Luis Serrano was shipwrecked, sometime in the rebellion but after Monmouth’s defeat at Sedgemoor, 1528. Most likely he was captured stranded on an island off Columbia and transported to a penal colony in the Caribbeanthis uninhabited island has become known as Serrano Bank. Pitman The Spanish sailor was able all alone on a desert island and he had no fresh water. Somehow he managed to escape from survive by fishing and drinking the colony, but during his escape, he was shipwreckedblood of birds and small animals. For a period of time Miraculously he survived for an astonishing eight years. But this took a terrible toll on the Spaniard and he was stranded on a desert island <ref>Severinquite mad by the time he was rescued. However, Tim In search of Robinson Crusoe (New York: Basic Books, 2002), pthere is some debate as to whether or not Serrano was a historical figure. 101</ref>. HoweverSimpson, he was fortunate to be rescued and eventually after the Revolution of 1688 and the deposition of James IILesley Byrd (1929), he was able to return to London"The Spanish Crusoe, 1528-1536", The Hispanic American Historical Review, and was pardoned. Pitman published a book on his adventures and this was quite popular. It is believed that Defoe may have lived in the same area as him and may even have met the former castaway 9 (3): 368–376</ref> Severin, p 78</ref>.   ====English rebel==Robert Knox- captive in Ceylon==Another possible Research in recent years has yielded another potential candidate for the Robert Knox (1641 – 1720) was an English sea captain model of Robinson Crusoe. One possible model for the most famous castaway in the service history of literature was the British East India Companyrebel and surgeon Henry Pitman. He served with his father on a ship that voyaged to was the personal physician of the East Indies. HoweverDuke of Monmouth, on their return journey, their ship was damaged in the illegitimate son of Charles II. The Duke launched a storm rebellion against the pro-Catholic James II and was forced in order to dock in Ceylon (modern Sri Lanka)claim the Throne of England. Robert KnoxPitman took part in the rebellion but after Monmouth’s defeat at Sedgemoor, his father he was captured and transported to a penal colony in the rest of the crew were invited Caribbean. Pitman was able to escape from the court of the King of Ceylon. Howevercolony, one of the Englishmenbut during his escape, possibly the young Robert Knoxhe was shipwrecked. For a period of time, offended the monarch and he refused them permission to leave his was stranded on a desert island-kingdom. For<ref>Severin, some 16 years Robert Knox Tim In search of Robinson Crusoe (New York: Basic Books, 2002), p. 101</ref>  However, he was confined fortunate to Ceylon be rescued and became a peddler to survive. During this time his father died. Knox eventually after the Revolution of 1688 and the deposition of James II, he was able to escape when he made his way to a Dutch trading post return to London, and from here he made his way to modern Jakartawas pardoned. Then he returned to England and Pitman published a book about on his adventures and became a captain with this was quite popular. It is believed that Defoe may have lived in the same area as him and may even have met the East Indies Company former castaway.<ref>Severin, p 11778</ref>.  ==Alexander Selkirk==Robert Knox- captive in Ceylon====Selkirk Another possible candidate for the Robert Knox (1641 – 1720) was born an English sea captain in Scotland in 1676 and he was the son service of a craftsmanthe British East India Company. He became an apprentice, but this was not to served with his liking and he ran off father on a ship that voyaged to seathe East Indies. He led However, on their return journey, their ship was damaged in a very colorful life storm and he was a rather headstrong and independent figureforced to dock in Ceylon (modern Sri Lanka). He was a sailor Robert Knox, his father and was even a pirate for a period the rest of time. During a voyage the crew were invited to the Pacific, he argued with court of the captain. There are two versions King of what happened nextCeylon. In However, one account of the captain stranded Selkirk on a desert island in Englishmen, possibly the Pacific. In another accountyoung Robert Knox, Selkirk believing that offended the ship was not seaworthy asked monarch and he refused them permission to be put ashore on the islandleave his island-kingdom. This was uninhabited For some 16 years, but Selkirk Robert Knox was able confined to Ceylon and became a peddler to survive. He was able to use some wild goats for food and even made clothes from their hidesDuring this time his father died. Selkirk Knox was also able to fish escape when he made his way to a Dutch trading post and even planted some cropsfrom here he made his way to modern Jakarta. The Scot was able Then he returned to live quite comfortably, until he was rescued by England and published a passing British pirate ship, after surviving 4 years book about his adventures and 4 months on the island. He later became a British captain and died on a voyage to Africa with the East Indies Company.<ref>Severin, p 119117</ref>. There are many similarities between  ====Alexander Selkirk====Selkirk was born in Scotland in 1676 and Crusoe. Defoe seemed to have used many he was the son of the details of the Scots experiences on the desert islanda craftsman. HoweverHe became an apprentice, there are also some important differencesbut this was not to his liking and he ran off to sea. Selkirk did not have He led a servant, called Man Friday very colorful life and indeed he was completely alone. Then the Scot a rather headstrong and independent figure. He was a sailor and was stranded on an island in even a pirate for a period of time. During a voyage to the Pacific while Crusoe was marooned on one in , he argued with the Caribbean <ref>Green, Martincaptain. "The Robinson Crusoe StoryThere are two versions of what happened next." In Imperialism and juvenile literatureone account the captain stranded Selkirk on a desert island in the Pacific. (ManchesterIn another account, Manchester University Press, 2017), pp 67-69</ref>Selkirk believing that the ship was not seaworthy asked to be put ashore on the island. ==Conclusion==Robison Crusoe is an iconic characterThis was uninhabited, but Selkirk was able to survive. The book is still much-loved, He was able to use some wild goats for food and it is the second most translated work apart from the Christian Bible in the worldeven made clothes from their hides. The immortal character is one that continues Selkirk was also able to capture the imagination of both children fish and adultseven planted some crops. Defoe appears  The Scot was able to have based the character on Selkirk. There are very many similarities between the Scot live quite comfortably, until he was rescued by a passing British pirate ship, after surviving 4 years and 4 months on the eponymous hero of one of the first English novelsisland. This is the popular view He later became a British captain and it is at least partly right. There was no one model for the character who was stranded died on a desert islandvoyage to Africa. Defoe was a famously taciturn man, after all, he had been a spy<ref>Severin, p 119</ref> There are many similarities between Selkirk and did not state who was his model for Robinson Crusoe. Based on an analysis Defoe seemed to have used many of the details of the two Crusoe novels it appears that there were many figures who inspired Scots experiences on the writerdesert island. It appears that SerranoHowever, Knoxthere are also some important differences. Selkirk did not have a servant, called Man Friday and Pitman, and their adventures all helped to inspire indeed was completely alone. Then the creation of famous castaway, and there may even have been others. There is also Scot was stranded on an island in the possibility that Defoe may have been influenced by novels Pacific while Crusoe was marooned on one in the Caribbean.<ref>Green, Martin. "The Robinson Crusoe Story." In Imperialism and even travelogues when writing his juvenile literature. (Manchester, Manchester University Press, 2017), pp 67-69</ref>  ====Conclusion====Robison Crusoe is an iconic character. The book is still much-loved, and it is the second most successful work. To conclude it seems that the Robinson Crusoe was not based on a single figure but is a composite of several other real-life castaways. translated work apart from the Christian Bible in the world. The immortal character is one that continues to capture the imagination of both children and adults. Defoe appears to have based the character on Selkirk. There are very many similarities between the Scot and the eponymous hero of one of the first English novels. This is the popular view and it is at least partly right. There was no one model for the character who was stranded on a desert island. Defoe was a famously taciturn man, after all, he had been a spy, and did not state who was his model for Robinson Crusoe.  Based on an analysis of the two Crusoe novels it appears that there were many figures who inspired the writer. It appears that Serrano, Knox, and Pitman, and their adventures all helped to inspire the creation of famous castaway, and there may even have been others. There is also the possibility that Defoe may have been influenced by novels and even travelogues when writing his most successful work. To conclude it seems that the Robinson Crusoe was not based on a single figure but is a composite of several other real-life castaways.{{MediaWiki:LongerAd}} ====Further Reading==Further Reading==

====References====<references/>[[Category:Wikis]] [[Category: Historically Accurate]] [[Category:19th Century History]]