Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe". Self interpretation and defence of text including intertextuality and reading practices.

Reader centred approach: Daniel Defoe has been credited with writing the first long fiction novel in literary history; the highly acclaimed classic "Robinson Crusoe." It first appeared in print in 1719 and was very well received in its time. The story is that of the original 'cast away.' The novel was explicitly religious, which was one of the very first things I came to take great notice of. He claims that the hand of god …

…we must also remember, that in Defoe's era such actions and expressions were second nature to the people. Defoe did not intend his story to be seen specifically as an adventure yarn; under the surface he has laced several themes and 'lessons.' Some of these would be that if you work hard and have faith, God will see you through the bad times and also that virtue is rewarded and all arrogance is punished.