Postcolonial Analysis of Robinson Crusoe as a Propaganda Tool

for the British Colonial Project

Thesis Statement: Daniel Defoe's novel "Robinson Crusoe" can be read is as a
literary tool promoting the ideology of the British colonial project.

I. Introduction
1. Introduction to the novel, its genre (Novel & Robinsonade) and the author.
2. Overview of the historical context of the British colonialism and the rise of the British
Empire.
3. Explanation of postcolonial theory and its critique of colonial literature.
4. Presentation of the thesis statement.

II. Literary and Historical Context

1. Contextualizing Defoe:
a. Discussion of Defoe's personal connection to colonialism, including his involvement
in the slave trade (the expansion of trade…).
b. Exploration of how prevalent social and political views of the era influenced Defoe's
writing.
2. The Novel in Context:
[a.] Examination of the publication history of "Robinson Crusoe" in relation to the height
of British colonialism.
a.[b.] Analysis of potential contemporary influences on the novel.

III. The Island and the Narrative of Ownership

1. Terra Nullius and the "Empty Land":
 Exploration of how the island's portrayal as uninhabited land justifies Robinson's
claim and subsequent actions.
 Analysis of how Robinson establishes himself as the sole proprietor by taking control
of the island's resources.

IV. Robinson as the Civilizinged & Colonizer

1. Robinson the Superior European Colonizer:
a. Examination of Robinson's introduction and portrayal throughout the novel.
b. Analysis of how Robinson asserts dominance over the island and its resources,
reinforcing the image of the European colonizer as superior.
c. Exploration of how the island's portrayal as uninhabited land justifies Robinson's
claim and subsequent actions.
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2. Othering and Dehumanization:
 Discussion of the construction of racial hierarchy in the novel.
 Exploration of Robinson's interactions with and perceptions of the "Others" (Friday,
cannibals), depicting them as inferior and even monstrous.
 Exploration of how Crusoe defines himself in opposition to the “Others” reinforcing
the colonizer’s sense of superiority.
3. Civilizing Mission:
a. Analysis of Robinson's attempts to "civilize" Friday, including the imposition of
language, religion, and cultural norms.
b. Discussion of how this act reflects the colonial project's aim to impose European
values on colonized populations.

V. Representations of the "Other"

1. Friday:
 Examination of Friday's introduction and portrayal throughout the novel.
[a.] Analysis of how his portrayal reinforces the stereotype of the "noble savage" and the
unequal power relationship between Robinson and Friday.
2. Cannibals:
a. Exploration of the portrayal of cannibals as savage and bloodthirsty, justifying
colonial violence as a necessary act of civilization.

VI. Power, Language, and Colonial Discourse

1. Language and Power:
a. Analysis of how Robinson uses language to establish authority and control over
Friday.
b. Discussion of how the imposition of English serves as a metaphor for the colonization
of knowledge and cultural identity.
2. The Construction of Self and Other:
 Exploration of how Robinson defines himself in opposition to the "Others,"
reinforcing the colonizer's sense of superiority.
2. Identity Dynamics:
a. Analysis of the impact of power dynamics and mutual influence on Crusoe and Friday.
b. Discussion of how their interactions reshape their identities.

VII. Findings & Conclusion

 a. Restatement of the thesis statement and key findings.
b. Discussion of how "Robinson Crusoe" reflects and perpetuates colonial ideology.
c. Brief overview of the novel's lasting influence and its relevance to contemporary
postcolonial critiques.
d. Other findings …

VIII. Works Cited