Abstract

Defoe was the founder of realistic novels during the British Enlightenment period (17th-18th). His masterpiece Robinson Crusoe was his first personal autobiography. In this novel, the author established the important status of individuals for the first time, showing the obvious characteristics of individualism of the protagonist Robinson. This thesis will analyze the individualism embodied in this novel from several aspects. This paper consists of the following seven parts. The introduction part is a brief introduction of the author Defoe, the novel Robinson Crusoe, this thesis’ research methods, main contents and purposes. The second part introduces different definitions of individualism, the development of individualism and my new definition of individualism which is put forward on the basis of the former definitions. The third part is the literature review of this thesis’ topic. The fourth part discusses about the specific embodiment of individualism in this novel from five aspects: pursuit for individual rights and freedom, self-management, self-reliance and self creation, self improvement, self centeredness and constant pursuit of personal interests. The fifth part analyzes the causes of individualism in Robinson Crusoe from these two sides: the rapid development of capitalism and the influence of Puritanism. The sixth part elaborates the significance and influence of individualism in Robinson Crusoe to the society at that time and nowadays. At last, the conclusion part points out that the individualism is well reflected in Robinson Crusoe. What’s more, individualism plays an important role in the development of society as well as the capitalism and shouldn’t be neglected.

Key words: Robinson Crusoe; individualism; origins; capitalism; Puritanism

Contents

Abstract

摘  要

1. Introduction-1

2. Introduction of Individualism-3

2.1 Definition and Meaning of Individualism-3

2.2 Development and Influence of Individualism-4

3. Literature Review-5

4. The Specific Embodiment of Individualism in Robinson Crusoe-7

4.1 Pursuit for Individual Rights and Freedom-7

4.1.1 Robinson’s Choice of Going Sailing-7

4.1.2 Robinson’s Permission to the Rights and Freedom of his Subjects-7

4.2 Self-management-7

4.3Self-reliance and Self-creation-7

4.4 Self-improvement-8

4.4.1The Change of Robinson’s Social Status- from a Labor to a Governor-8

4.4.2 The Change of Robinson’s Religion Beliefs-from an Atheist to a Christian-9

4.4.3 The Change of Robinson’s State of Mind-9

4.4.4 The Change of Robinson’s Social Identities-10

4.5 Self-centeredness and the Constant Pursuit for Self-interest-10

5. The Causes and Origins of the Individualism in Robinson Crusoe-12

5.1The Rapid Development of Capitalism-12

5.2The Influence of Puritanism-12

6. Social Influence and Significance of Individualism in Robinson Crusoe-15

7. Conclusion-16

references-17