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Ans: Daniel Defoe presents a powerful Imaginative adventure story in Robinson Crusoe. The novel is not merely a fanciful story rather it allegorically treats the theme of sin, punishment and repentance in a striking manner. Robinson Crusoe commits a sin of disobedience as a result, he gets punishment finally, he attains salvation through the recognition of sin and repentance.
Robinson’s Sin is caused by his foolish inclination of wondering abroad. This inclination of “rambling thoughts” caused him to defy his father who is god’s natural representative in the family. the hero of the novel Undertakes a sea voyage from his country to a desolate island By Undertaking a sea journey to London, Robinson abandoned his duty, defied the good counsels of his parents and ignored to ask the blessings of god. It is a fateful event in the life of Robinson Crusoe. As he says, “I counseled either father or mother any more.......... without asking god’s blessings” While heading towards London, the ship fell under a violent storm. Robinson then realized that it was the punishment of god for his disobedience. No more he promises and rows to god that other storm he wire not go to sea and return to home. When the storm subsides, he forgets all his repentance. This is another example of his sin. Crusoe’s journey advances through suffering, repentance and realization
His story echoes the story of Adam and Eve in Minton’s “paradise lost”. Adam and Eve commit sin by eating the forbidden fruit. As result god punish them by expelling from paradise. Similarly, Robinson is punished for his sin. Again when he sails for Guinea for the Second time, the Moorish pirates take him to the prison. These he is made slave of the Moorish captain. His six brings misery and agony for him. He says, “But all my ill fate pushed me on now with obstinacy that nothing could resist.” When he was in Brazil, there he abandons the middle station of life. Robinson intends to become rich in an overt night. He suffers on the desolate Island from the sense of loneliness, like the ancient Mariner Coleridge’s “The Rime of the ancient Mariner”. He cries in pain and says “I had great reason to consider it as a determination of heaven that in this desolate place and in this desolate manner I should end my life.”
Through suffering he realizes his Sin and seeks god’s mercy. We have noticed that while marooned in the desolate Island, thanked god for providing him daily food. He became hopeful and realized that god had accepted his repentance. Thus, the theme of Sin, punishment, repentance and Salvation has a Universal appeal.
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