Colonialism, Slavery and Religion in Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe

This book discusses Daniel Defoe¿s Robinson Crusoe in the light of the development of colonization in the 18th century. Defoe¿s fictional castaway can be read as an expression of how the author viewed the current events taking place in his society. The characters of Robinson Crusoe and Friday will be analyzed as a reflection of the British society and its capitalist and colonizing policy. Robinson Crusoe as an 18th century fictional work will be examined in terms of three main issues; namely colonialism, slavery and religion. As such, the study attempts to provide a definition for each of these terms, making references to the relevant parts of the novel. Underlying Crusoe's relationship with Friday is the issue of colonialism, a theme that is closely associated with slavery and religion.