Contents

Acknowledgements

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Introduction to the Author-1

1.2 Introduction to Robinson Crusoe-2

1.3 Structure of the Thesis-2

Chapter Two the theory of Post-colonialism-4

2.1 Definition of Post-colonialism-4

2.2 Characteristics and Critical Purpose of Post-colonialism-5

Chapter Three Robinson Crusoe's Economic Colonization-6

3.1 Colonial Trade-6

3.2 Land Occupation-7

3.3 Other Activities in Robinson's Economic Colonization-7

Chapter Four Robinson Crusoe's Cultural Colonization-9

4.1 Changing Friday’s Original Identity-9

4.2 Changing Friday’s Lifestyle and Language-10

4.3 Changing Friday’s Religious Belief-10

Chapter Five Conclusion-12

References-13

Abstract

Daniel Defoe is one of the best-known novelists in Britain in the 18th century and he is regarded as the “father of the English novel”. Daniel Defoe wrote his first novel Robinson Crusoe at the age of 59, which is considered as the first work of realism in the history of English literature. The novel tells the story of the protagonist Robinson Crusoe’s experience on an uninhabited island. 

The novel, in essence, reflects the colonial expansion of western countries in the 18th century. Based on the theory of post-colonialism, the paper will focus on the economic and cultural colonization of Robinson Crusoe and explore the undertones of Orientalism and Euro-centralism in the text. It is hoped that this paper can provide a new perspective for readers to appreciate this classic novel.

Key words:  Robinson Crusoe  post-colonialism  economic colonization  cultural colonization