Focus on the “World” of the Writer and the Literary Work – Historical Approach

1. Focus on the “World” of the Writer and the Literary Work – Historical Approach Alexander Selkirk. In 1704 returned from 4 ½ years on an island off Chile what has come to be called Robinson Crusoe Island

2. Focus on the “World” of the Writer and the Literary Work – Moral/Philosophical Approach The Emphasis on the State of Nature

3. Poe in “The Philosophy of Composition” “It is my design to render it manifest that no one point in its composition is referable either to accident or intuition- that the work proceeded step by step, to its completion, with the precision and rigid consequence of a mathematical problem. . . . the vastly important artistic element, totality, or unity of effect. “

4. “For many twenty-first century readers, Defoe’s book anticipates rather than fulfills the modern realistic novel to which they are accustomed” – John Richetti - see p. xxvii

5. Cultural Studies approach Robinson Crusoe is “the embodiment of British imperialism.” He is “the true prototype of the British colonist . . . as Friday is the symbol of the subject races” – James Joyce

6. Mythological, Archetypal Approach “Crusoe’s transformation from terrified and confused survivor to colonial master and overlord of his island marks Robinson Crusoeas one of the key modern myths of English and even of European culture.” – John Richetti