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  • Essay / Divine Providence from Robinson Crusoe's Point of View

    In Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, aptly titled after its main character, young Robinson is a middle-class man in search of a career . Although pushed by his family to study law, Robinson yearns for oceanic adventure, eager to escape to a life at sea. Against his father's wishes, his later rebellion, and his decision to board a merchant ship further damages his already fragile and underdeveloped view of God, which fades completely as he joins the company of godless sailors. Crusoe's assessment of the sun of Providence is vague to say the least, and he seems to characterize God's justice as merciless rather than merciful and forgiving. This budding faith is nourished as life experience unfolds, particularly during his island experience. Robinson Crusoe progresses in his attitude towards Divine Providence from a rebellion against what he very early perceives as a disinterested authority, to an initial repentance and conversion through the dream-vision, and finally, to an active and matures into a loving God, who protects and guides all things, by the end of his stay on the island. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay As Crusoe's adventures began to unfold, his view of God remained sheepish and he retained a certain reluctance to accept the plan of all wisdom that God held for each of his flocks. Crusoe's childish devotion is revealed when, on his maiden voyage, the ship nearly sinks, and he prays to God for the first time from a place of distress. As his first passage involves a near-death experience, he concludes that it must be the will of his heavenly Father that he obeys the will of his earthly Father. Nevertheless, the ocean calls him, and his vision of God as a punishing power fails to develop for several years. Crusoe's dangerous life is filled with risks, and rewards and retaliation go hand in hand. While everything seems to be going well, Robinson finds himself the sole survivor of a shipwreck and, battered by the waves, he washes up on an exotic island. Despite his initial gratitude for his salvation, loneliness overwhelms him and he is filled with ingratitude in the face of his misfortune. During this time, Crusoe considered himself the author of his own miseries, believing that his misadventures were the merchandise of his past misbehavior, and he often sat and wept wondering "why Providence should thus utterly ruin his creatures." and make them so absolutely miserable.” .” Just as Crusoe was shipwrecked physically, it seems he was also shipwrecked spiritually, searching for a trustworthy island while struggling for survival in waves of doubt. Various events lead the castaway to adopt a new attitude towards Providence, and he begins to appreciate his deliverance on the island. In a dream he realizes his need for repentance, and he wakes up in tears realizing his ingratitude. Robinson recognizes the “stupidity of soul” (p. 81) with which he lives, and his prayers change from ungraceful to grateful. His thoughts of self-pity are now followed by thoughts of rebuke, and the Bible begins to affect him deeply. Ashamed of his past habits, Crusoe launches into a vigorous reading of the New Testament. Joined by a new companion, Friday, Crusoe is finally in the company of his people again, and he redevelops his understanding of humans by observing Friday's humble servitude. The arrival of the mutineers and their ousted captain on the island puts Crusoe even more.