Double Standard in Daniel Defoes Robinson Crusoe :: Defoe Robinson Crusoe Essays

The Double Standard in Robinson Crusoe As I read the excerpts from Robinson Crusoe I was quite affected by the reprize standard that was evident on the part of our hero. This theme of the double standard is one that is realized in most antiquated texts. In explanation, whatever action the white European male performs is exceptionable behavior, but if a nonher character, like a adult female or a non-European does the same thing it becomes unexceptionable. An obvious example is Mr. Crusoe whose chosen profession was striver trader turned slave, a condition that was not an attractive lifestyle for him, but was fine for those who did not fit into his racial grouping. He formulates an escape for himself, an action that would have infuriated him if a slave had tried to escape from him when he was in his social function of slave merchant. Additionally, I was agog, as was Allison, that he threw the Moor overboard and threatened him death if he did not return to shore, and a certain exis tence in the role of slave. That Crusoe did not offer the Moor the same stab at liberty he was giving himself was unforgivable. Directing my discussion to the excerpt involving Friday, again the double standard was evident, though it was realized in a different variation. here Crusoe the issue of slavery was still present, but also the discourse on the appearance of Friday. He was quite vociferous in remarking upon Fridays uphold and how that countenance matched or varied with the appearance of other ethnic groups. I entrap this to be much in keeping with the precedent set by the writings of the first explorers from Columbus onward. These men would make descriptions of the people they encountered on their journeys and made comparisons with everything from beasts to animals to mythical beings. Last semester in my history seminar my final reputation was the historical context of William Shakespeares Tempest, and I found many parallels with the writings of the primary election texts I used to that of Defoes