Enlightenment Themes in Daniel Defoe’s "Robinson Crusoe"

One of the themes of Enlightenment, that people think, so they are considered human, can be observed in the relationship between Crusoe and Friday. Soon after having helped Friday, Crusoe seeks to learn more about him, discussing his religious beliefs and understanding of the world. The newcomer, although less educated about the world manages to ask Crusoe questions that make him lack the answer and makes Crusoe learn more about himself. Friday demonstrates his intellectual capacity for learning and understanding, and soon becomes more than just a slave for Crusoe: ‘In a word, I so plainly discovered the utmost affection in him to me, and a firm resolution in him, that I would never send him away from me, if he was willing to stay with me’ (2008: 229). Although Friday referred to Crusoe as ‘Master’ and Crusoe often referred to Friday as a ‘creature’ not a person, the relationship over the course of their companionship grew into a comradery. Crusoe was ready to let Friday return no his homeland, even help him, if he wished so, which is not typical to a master-slave relationship in its traditional sense.…