This document summarizes Daniel Defoe's novel Robinson Crusoe and analyzes instances of racism in the story. It provides background on Defoe, an overview of the novel's plot, and examines three key events - when Robinson sells Xury, purchases a Negro slave, and meets Friday - analyzing how Robinson's actions reflect racist beliefs in white European superiority. The conclusion maintains that while physical differences like skin color have historically been used to justify racism, cultural beliefs can change over time.

1. Vishva Gajjar
RollNo.45
Email ID : vishvagajjar27@gmail.com
Smt. S.B.Gardi Department of English
Bhavnagar University
Paper No. 2 NEO-CLASSICAL LITERATURE
Racism in Novel : Robinson Crusoe

2. What is RACISM ?
Racism is the belief in the
superiority of one race over
another, which often result
in discrimination and
prejudice towards people
based on their race or
ethnicity.

3. DanielDefoeIntroductionof
Writer
• Daniel Defoe :
• Born – September 13, 1660 at
London
• Died – April 24, 1731 at London
• He was English Trader, Writer and
Journalist
• Robinson Crusoe is 2nd only to the
Bible in its number of translations
• He was among the founders of the
English Novel
• Works :
• Robinson Crusoe
• Memories of a Cavalier
• Moll Flanders
• Roxana : The Fortunate Mistress
• etc.

4. Introduction of
Novel :
Robinson
Crusoe
 Novel is divided
in three parts.
1. Before the
island.
2. Life on the
island
3. Escape from
Island

5. RACISM
events in
Novel
• Sold Xury :
• When Robinson sold Xury to the captain of
the ship, at that time he was in need of
money, but he also regrets after selling Xury
because he was alone and no one was there
with whom he can share his talks.
• Purchase of Negro slave :
• This time he has lot of money which he made
through Plantation. So he thought to buy a
negro slave.
• Meeting Friday :
• Here Robinson helps Friday and saves his
life. He also assumes that he is superior as
a white European, to the dark-skinned. He
thought that Friday should serve him and
learn from him as he is the superior person.

6. Conclusion
‘Race’ is linked to physical
differences among peoples, and
such features as dark skin colour
have been seen as markers of low
status, some experts believe that
RACISM may be difficult to
eradicate. Indeed, minds can not be
changed by laws, but beliefs about
human differences can and do
change, as do all cultural elements.