Comparative and critical analysis of Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe" and J.M. Coetzee's "Foe"
This blog is written as a task given by Megha ma'am from the English Department M.K.B.U.
In this blog I am going to deal with a question from the unit J.M.Coetzee's Foe. The question is here-
Write a blog on Comparative and critical analysis of Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe" and J.M. Coetzee's "Foe".
Daniel Defoe
Daniel Defoe (1660 – 1731) was an English writer, journalist, and pamphleteer best known for his novel "Robinson Crusoe," one of the earliest works of English fiction. Defoe was a prolific author, contributing to various literary genres such as novels, travel narratives, political essays, and journalism. His literary career emerged during a time of political and social upheaval in England, and his works often reflected the turbulent socio-political landscape of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Defoe's writing style was characterized by vivid storytelling, realism, and a focus on moral and ethical themes, influencing the development of the novel as a literary form.
Robinson Crusoe
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe, first published in 1719 and often credited as marking the beginning of an English novel, is considered the most representative colonial work. It showcases Robinson Crusoe, the eponymous protagonist of the novel, as an invincible, all-sufficient colonial patriarch who can live all by himself absolutely independent of everyone. The most striking feature of the novel is the absence of any female character in it. This absence can be taken to have both positive as well as negative implications vis-à-vis the role and place of women in the 18th century. Taken generally in the context of basic human society and environment, this absence denotes the extent of marginalization of women in those times. It shows how insignificant women have been in the patriarchal narratives of heroism and how easy it was to do away with them. Moreover, this complete absence of woman in the life of Crusoe on the island and then his emergence as a mighty figure – industrious, self-sufficient, just like a god of small things – may be a conscious effort on the part of the writer to show the benign effects of this absence, women thus being considered as an obstruction in the way of realizing the full potential of a man. On the other hand, if we consider Robinson Crusoe as a master narrative of colonialism, this absence can be taken positively, colonialism being solely a male enterprise. Thus, it keeps women free of the guilt of the biggest oppression of mankind by casting them off the scene.
J.M. Coetzee
J.M. Coetzee, a South African-born writer, is a renowned novelist, essayist, and literary critic. Born in 1940, Coetzee is celebrated for his thought-provoking and often controversial explorations of themes such as colonialism, apartheid, power dynamics, and human morality. He is a two-time Booker Prize winner, known for his compelling narratives and poignant examinations of societal injustices. Coetzee's works often challenge traditional storytelling methods, inviting readers to confront uncomfortable truths about history, identity, and the complexities of the human condition.
Foe by J. M. Coetzee
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The absence of women in Defoe's work has been felt so acutely that there have been efforts to undo this, both in cinema and literature, most radical of them being the novel written by J. M. Coetzee is entitled Foe. The Foe,published in 1986, completely subverts the original Crusoe"s narrative as Susan Barton is washed
ashore as a castaway at Cruso"s island, thus breaking the monopoly of men over the "castaway" theme by trying to make it the story of a "female castaway" – a thing that never existed before, because women's lives were not supposed to be meant for such adventures. Her inclusion adds postcolonial dimension to the most acclaimed colonial tale as the novel documents her efforts to dig out the story of the silencing of Friday and to get her island story told in its original form so as to draw the attention of the readers to such silent histories or historical silences. She strongly resists the temptation of converting her story into something else by changing its focus to make it aesthetically more appealing as repeatedly recommended by Mr. Foe (the fictional character drawn on by the writer Daniel Defoe), to attract more readers so that it can be a commercial success. Cruso here is not Defoe's mighty colonizer, but an ordinary man subject to all human frailty, as Coetzee deprives him of all his wisdom, power, and insight. The story of his island is no longer an unchallenged colonial tale as Susan casts doubts on his narrative.
A Comparative and Critical Analysis of Robinson Crusoe and Foe
Introduction
Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe" and J.M. Coetzee's "Foe" presents two distinct perspectives on the theme of survival, colonialism, and the power dynamics embedded in storytelling. This comparative analysis will explore key points of convergence and departure between these works, shedding light on their narrative structures, character dynamics, and the socio-political contexts that shaped them.
Narrative Structures
Robinson Crusoe
Defoe's narrative unfolds through Crusoe's first-person account, presented as a journal documenting his shipwreck, isolation, and eventual survival on a deserted island. The linear structure emphasizes Crusoe's subjective experience and personal growth.
Foe
Coetzee's narrative takes a more complex form, employing multiple perspectives. Susan Barton, a castaway, tells her story alongside the character of Foe, a writer attempting to capture her experiences. This fragmented structure challenges the singular authority of Crusoe's narrative and introduces layers of interpretation.
Character Dynamics
Robinson Crusoe
Crusoe embodies the colonial mindset of the 18th century, symbolizing the European explorer and colonizer. His resourcefulness and domination over the island, including the "civilizing" of the native Friday, reflect the Eurocentric ideals of progress and civilization.
Foe
Coetzee subverts the traditional character dynamics by centering on Susan Barton's perspective. Instead of reinforcing Crusoe's narrative, Susan challenges it, emphasizing her agency and the voice of the previously silenced Friday. The novel introduces ambiguity around Friday's agency, disrupting the power dynamics inherent in Crusoe's story.
Socio-Political Contexts
Robinson Crusoe
Defoe's work emerges in a historical context dominated by European colonial expansion. Crusoe's adventures symbolize the colonialist mindset, with the island serving as a blank canvas for European dominance and civilization. The narrative reinforces Eurocentric notions of superiority and progress.
Foe
Coetzee's novel engages with postcolonial themes, questioning and deconstructing the colonial narrative presented in "Robinson Crusoe." The text explores issues of cultural appropriation and challenges the authoritative voice of the colonizer, providing a more nuanced understanding of the impact of colonization on identity.
Silencing of Voices
Robinson Crusoe
Defoe's narrative largely overlooks the voices of indigenous characters, such as Friday, reducing them to supporting roles. The colonial perspective dominates, suppressing alternative viewpoints.
Foe
Coetzee confronts the silencing of voices by giving agency to Susan Barton and, to some extent, Friday. The novel explores the challenges of representing the experiences of those historically marginalized, offering a critique of the inherent biases in traditional colonial narratives.
Metafictional Elements
Robinson Crusoe
Defoe's work lacks self-awareness and metafictional elements. The narrative is presented as a straightforward account of Crusoe's experiences.
Foe
Coetzee introduces metafictional elements through the character Foe, who is aware of the act of storytelling. This self-awareness adds layers to the narrative, inviting readers to question the construction of stories and the role of the storyteller in shaping historical narratives.
Colonial Ideology
Robinson Crusoe
Defoe's narrative perpetuates colonial ideology, portraying Crusoe as the archetypal colonizer who claims ownership of the uninhabited island. The story reflects the Eurocentric notion of conquering and civilizing the "wild."
Foe
Coetzee interrogates and subverts colonial ideology by presenting Susan Barton's resistance to Crusoe's dominance. The novel questions the legitimacy of colonial narratives and exposes the darker aspects of colonization, challenging readers to reconsider the assumed virtues of Crusoe's actions.
Power Structures
Robinson Crusoe
The power dynamic in Defoe's narrative is heavily skewed in favor of the colonizer, Crusoe. His dominance over Friday and the land reinforces the hierarchical structures of colonialism, where the colonizer is positioned as superior.
Foe
Coetzee disrupts traditional power structures by placing Susan Barton at the forefront, allowing her to challenge and question the authority of Crusoe's narrative. The novel dismantles the assumed superiority of the colonizer and provides a platform for marginalized voices.
Narrative Authority
Robinson Crusoe
Defoe's narrative asserts the authority of the colonizer's perspective, reinforcing the idea that Crusoe's account is the definitive version of events.
Foe
Coetzee introduces Foe as a character who attempts to shape and control Susan Barton's narrative. This layer of storytelling complexity raises questions about who holds the authority in shaping history and whose voice is prioritized.
Symbolism of the Island
Robinson Crusoe
The island in Defoe's work serves as a blank canvas for Crusoe's colonization efforts. It represents the untouched, wild nature awaiting European influence.
Foe
Coetzee's novel challenges the symbolic significance of the island by highlighting the consequences of colonization. The island becomes a space where power dynamics play out, raising questions about the impact of European influence on indigenous cultures.
Role of Women
Robinson Crusoe
Defoe's narrative marginalizes female characters, with no significant role for women in Crusoe's adventures.
Foe
Coetzee foregrounds Susan Barton as a strong, independent woman challenging the traditional gender roles of literature. The novel explores the agency of women in the colonial narrative, offering a feminist perspective on the events that unfold.
Postcolonial Critique
Robinson Crusoe
Being a product of its time, Defoe's work lacks a postcolonial perspective, as it was written during the height of colonial expansion.
Foe
Coetzee's novel emerges from a postcolonial framework, providing a critical examination of the colonial narrative presented in "Robinson Crusoe." It invites readers to reconsider historical events through a more nuanced and inclusive lens.
Unreliable Narrators
Robinson Crusoe
Crusoe's narrative is presented as a factual account, with little room for questioning the reliability of his perspective.
Foe
Coetzee introduces the concept of unreliable narration through Susan Barton and Foe, emphasizing the subjective nature of storytelling and the potential biases inherent in historical accounts.
Conclusion
The comparative and critical analysis of "Robinson Crusoe" and "Foe" underscores the evolution of literary discourse from colonialism to postcolonialism. Coetzee's novel not only challenges the colonial narrative presented in Defoe's classic but also engages with broader issues of power, representation, and identity. Through the exploration of additional points, readers can delve deeper into the complexities of these works and appreciate the nuanced ways in which "Foe" reimagines and critiques the traditional colonial narrative of "Robinson Crusoe."
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