close
test_template

Crusoe and Susan: The Two Perspectives of The Same

download print

About this sample

About this sample

close

Words: 790 |

Pages: 2|

4 min read

Published: Jul 17, 2018

Words: 790|Pages: 2|4 min read

Published: Jul 17, 2018

“Hitherto I had given to Friday’s life as little thought as I would have a dog’s or any other dumb beast’s—less, indeed, for I had a horror of his mutilated state which made me shut him from my mind, and flinch away when he came near me.” ( Coetzee 32)

'Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned'?

This passage was noteworthy because it brought forth a consistent characteristic between Susan’s narrative and Robinson Crusoe’s. Alongside, these few sentences included one of the main themes, and an implication of a larger problem pertinent to the time period of Foe. Based what was literally happening in the chosen paragraph, Susan was giving her personal view on Friday, their relationship, and interactions. However, her perspective of him could be skewed by fear of what his mutilation—the cut out tongue—represented, discussed later in the following paragraphs. Overall, this passage related to the themes of suppression and highlighted the struggles of narration between Crusoe and Susan.

Susan’s apathy towards Friday was only slightly colder than the way Crusoe perceived him. Although Crusoe mentioned, from his point of view in his narrative, that he was like a father to Friday. However, there was evidence from the way Friday was treated that proved the perspectives of Susan and Crusoe didn’t differ too much in Friday was second class to them, “[Crusoe speaking] [Friday] has known no other master. He follows me in all things.” (Coetzee 37). The significance of that example led to one of the main themes of the novel, and as discussed in lecture—narrative suppression— represented by how voices of racial minority and women were left out in the well-known tale of Robinson Crusoe. Friday’s mutilation, as described in the passage, was erased from Crusoe’s narrative, possibly because it wasn’t important to Crusoe. Susan, having privileges between Friday and Crusoe, took note of this detail because she was more sensitive to narrative rights, which Crusoe took for granted. Susan’s battle for her story to be heard along with Friday’s perpetual silence were symbolism of the suppressed voices during that period of time. This passage also implied a larger problem brought up within this novel. Susan’s coldness towards Friday could be representing a majority of European perspective towards racial minorities during that time frame. Friday’s cut out tongue could be symbolic of the societal pressure to shun those who had less power because of their unknown past or background; what Friday’s mutilation represented was something that terrified Susan, and that was the reason for her coldness towards him. Perhaps, Friday’s disability also reminded Susan of her own struggles and limited power in society.

Another theme included in this passage was the rare agreements between Susan’s and Crusoe’s narratives, especially involving Friday. Crusoe and Susan both saw Friday as a servant, not as an equal, as this passage implied, but their perspectives on him were very different. Susan regarded Friday as a victim who longed to tell the truth; she even suspected that Crusoe was the one who cut Friday’s tongue, ““[Susan speaking] Is that the truth, Friday?” I pressed him, looking deep into his eyes: “Master Crusoe cut out your tongue?”” (Coetzee 68). Crusoe, on the other hand, saw Friday as someone content, grateful even, to be under his rule, and that Friday was meant to work for him, ““If Providence were to watch over all of us,” said Crusoe, “who would be left to pick the cotton and cut the sugar-cane?”” (Coetzee 23). Based on what he claimed, one could understand why Crusoe would leave out Friday’s lack of a tongue in his narrative if that were true. He consistently insisted that Friday was meant to work for him—that Providence had decided on Friday’s fate. As he mentioned that Friday’s beginning would be marked from his arrival on the island, I also felt as though Crusoe didn’t see his companion as an actual person. Susan at least tried to retrieve Friday’s history and his side of the story, although at times her comments and beliefs about him, such as the passage above, were in line with Crusoe’s.

Lastly, this passage related to the entire novel because it brought light to one of the many discrepancies between Susan and Crusoe’s narrative, which constituted a major theme of this novel: narrative struggle between multiple authors. However, at times, Susan’s perspective of Friday was similar to Crusoe’s, and this was representative to a large majority of those who had more power. Further elaborating on that note, the unfairness to which voices were heard was also a significant message in Foe; although this passage only related to Friday’s silence, this novel was also served as a tribute to Susan’s under-representation.

Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.

Coetzee, J.M.. Foe. Penguin Books, 1987.

Image of Dr. Charlotte Jacobson
This essay was reviewed by
Dr. Charlotte Jacobson

Cite this Essay

Crusoe and Susan: The Two Perspectives of the Same. (2018, April 18). GradesFixer. Retrieved March 29, 2024, from https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/narrative-struggle-between-multiple-authors-in-foe/
“Crusoe and Susan: The Two Perspectives of the Same.” GradesFixer, 18 Apr. 2018, gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/narrative-struggle-between-multiple-authors-in-foe/
Crusoe and Susan: The Two Perspectives of the Same. [online]. Available at: <https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/narrative-struggle-between-multiple-authors-in-foe/> [Accessed 29 Mar. 2024].
Crusoe and Susan: The Two Perspectives of the Same [Internet]. GradesFixer. 2018 Apr 18 [cited 2024 Mar 29]. Available from: https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/narrative-struggle-between-multiple-authors-in-foe/
copy
Keep in mind: This sample was shared by another student.
  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours
Write my essay

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

close

Where do you want us to send this sample?

    By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

    close

    Be careful. This essay is not unique

    This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

    Download this Sample

    Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

    close

    Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

    close

    Thanks!

    Please check your inbox.

    We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

    clock-banner-side

    Get Your
    Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

    exit-popup-close
    We can help you get a better grade and deliver your task on time!
    • Instructions Followed To The Letter
    • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
    • Unique And Plagiarism Free
    Order your paper now