Daniel Defoe: Life and Works
Daniel Defoe, born in 1660, emerged as a pivotal figure in English literature, known for his journalistic prowess and pioneering role in the development of the novel. His life was marked by political engagement, financial struggles, and literary innovation.
Highlight: Defoe is considered the father of the English novel, introducing original narrative techniques that became the foundation for realistic fiction.
Defoe's early life was shaped by his Dissenter background, which influenced his critical stance towards established authority. Despite his father's wishes for a religious career, Defoe ventured into business and journalism. His writing career began with political essays and pamphlets, culminating in the creation of The Review, a significant journalistic achievement.
Example: Defoe's political writings led to his imprisonment and public humiliation in the pillory, which unexpectedly turned into a moment of triumph when supporters threw flowers instead of rocks.
In his later years, Defoe turned to novel writing, publishing his most famous work, Robinson Crusoe, in 1719 at the age of 60. This marked the beginning of a successful career in fiction that allowed him a comfortable lifestyle, though he remained haunted by creditors until his death in 1731.
Vocabulary: Dissenters - Protestant Christians who separated from the Church of England.
Defoe's novels are characterized by:
- Fictional autobiographies presented as true stories
- Prefaces emphasizing authenticity
- Episodic structure unified by a single hero
- Retrospective first-person narration
- Characters presented from the inside
Definition: Realistic novel - A genre that attempts to represent familiar things as they are, focusing on everyday life and ordinary people.
Defoe's writing style prioritized quantity and effectiveness over meticulous planning or revision, aiming to produce works that appealed to a broad audience rather than literary critics.
