J. M. Coetzee's Foe and Daniel Defoe's 'Robinson Crusoe': A Comparative Analysis

 Thinking Activity: J. M. Coetzee's Foe Daniel Defoe's 'Robinson Crusoe': A Comparative Analysis 

Hello Readers! This blog is part of thinking activity assigned by Megha ma'am from the English Department, MKBU. In this blog I am going to discuss the comparison between 'Foe' by J. M. Coetzee and 'Robinson Crusoe' by Daniel Defoe.

J.M. Coetzee:-

J.M. Coetzee, born on February 9, 1940, in Cape Town, South Africa, is a prominent South African novelist, critic, and translator. Renowned for his literary works that delve into the profound impacts of colonization, Coetzee received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2003 in recognition of his significant contributions to the field. Here is the link of YouTube video based on Information about J. M. Coetzee. 

Coetzee's mother was a Primary school teacher. His father was trained as an attorney. Though his Parents were not of British descent , the language spoken at home was English. He began writing fiction in 1969. Coetzee has also been active as a translator of Dutch and Afrikaans literature. The Swedish academy stated that ; 

                                                    " Coetzee in innumerable guises Portrays the surprising involvement of the outsider.'' 

His Major Works:-

Novels:-

• Dusklands (1974)
• In the Heart of the Country (1977)
• Waiting for the Barbarians (1980)
• Foe (1986)
• Age of Iron (1990)
• Disgrace (1999)
• Slow Man (2005)
• The Pole (2023)

Autobiographical Novels:-

• Boyhood: Scene from provincial life (1997)
• Youth: Scene from Provincial Life II (2002)
• Summertime (2009)

Short Fiction :-

• The Lives of Animals
• Three Stories

Key Facts about Foe:-

Full Title :- Foe 

 When Written :- 1980s

Where Written :- Cape town , South africa 

 When Published :- 1986 

 Literary Period :- Post Modernism 

 Genre :- Post Colonial Novel 

 Setting :- A deserted island in the atlantic ; the various London residencies of author Daniel Defoe 

Climax : - Against susan Barton's wishes to be the sole narrator of her time as a castaway , Mr. Foe tries to teach susan's servant friday to write. 

Antagonist :- Daniel Defoe 

Point of View :- Susan Barton ( Female character ) is the novel's first Person narrator until the final section, which breaks with the straightforward narrative to hover more ambiguously between susan's and friday's Perspectives. 

"Foe" is a novel by J.M. Coetzee, published in 1986 and set in the early 19th century. This postcolonial novel, divided into four chapters, serves as a satirical reimagining of Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe." The narrative unfolds from the perspective of Susan Barton, a castaway who lands on the same island inhabited by 'Cruso' and 'Friday' as their adventures were already underway. Similar to "Robinson Crusoe," "Foe" is presented as a frame story, narrated by Barton while in England, attempting to persuade the writer Daniel Foe to help transform her tale into popular fiction. The novel primarily delves into the themes of language and power. Upon its release, "Foe" faced criticism in South Africa, where it was deemed politically irrelevant. Coetzee later revisited the composition of "Robinson Crusoe" in his 2003 Nobel Prize acceptance speech.

Danial Defoe :-

Daniel Defoe, born in London, England, in 1660, and passing away on April 24, 1731, was a prominent English writer renowned for his notable works such as "Robinson Crusoe" and "Moll Flanders." Beyond his contributions to literature, Defoe served as a journalist and wrote for the government. His most famous work, "Robinson Crusoe," published in 1719, gained widespread popularity and was translated into numerous languages. 

Defoe demonstrated a profound understanding of human struggles in his stories, even when his characters faced unusual situations. His writing style was characterized by simplicity and detailed realism, creating stories that felt authentic. While some of his works faced criticism for being too preachy and lacking clear structure, Defoe remained a powerful writer, capable of keeping readers engaged. His final major book, "Roxana," marked the culmination of his literary career, and despite declining health, he continued to write until the end of his life.

Key Facts about Robinson Crusoe:-

Writer:-Daniel Defoe

 Published :- 25 April, 1719 

Main Characters:- Robinson Crusoe, Friday & Xury 

Genre:- Colonial Novel 

Follows the story and adventure of male character Robinson Crusoe

"Robinson Crusoe" by Daniel Defoe is a renowned book that narrates the tale of a man named Robinson Crusoe. The protagonist finds himself stranded on a distant island for 28 years following a shipwreck. Throughout the story, Crusoe learns to adapt and survive in his isolated environment by constructing a home, sourcing food, and cultivating the land. The narrative unfolds the challenges he faces, including encounters with individuals with hostile intentions, and the eventual friendship he forms with a man named Friday, whom he rescues. The story highlights Crusoe's resilience, determination, and ability to thrive independently on the island.

Write a detailed note on Comparative and critical analysis of Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe and J.M.Coetzee's Foe .

Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe" and J.M. Coetzee's "Foe" provide a captivating exploration of the colonial narrative from distinct perspectives. Defoe's classic novel recounts the adventures of a resourceful castaway on a deserted island, contributing to English literature's foundation. In contrast, Coetzee's "Foe" serves as a postcolonial reimagining, critiquing and deconstructing the original narrative's power dynamics inherent in colonialism. Coetzee's adaptation, narrated by Susan Barton, a previously silent character, foregrounds the challenges and agency of marginalized voices, exposing storytelling complexities and biases in the colonial narrative. This analysis underscores the evolution of the colonial discourse, offering a compelling perspective on the enduring impact of these two works.

"Robinson Crusoe" by Daniel Defoe and "Foe" by J.M. Coetzee are two novels that delve into the themes of colonialism, survival, and power dynamics within relationships. A comparative and critical analysis of these works unveils both shared elements and distinctions in their exploration of these themes.

1. Colonialism and Power Structures 

   - Robinson Crusoe :-

Daniel Defoe's novel, "Robinson Crusoe," published in 1719, reflects the prevailing colonial mindset of the time. The narrative portrays the character of Crusoe as a European colonist who, upon finding himself stranded on the island, takes on the role of establishing dominance. Crusoe transforms the island, taming it according to European standards, effectively creating a miniature European society. The relationship between Crusoe and Friday, a native islander whom he encounters, serves as a lens through which power imbalances inherent in colonialism are explored and depicted in the novel.

"Foe":-

J.M. Coetzee's "Foe," published in 1986, stands as a post-colonial response to "Robinson Crusoe." In this novel, Coetzee critiques the colonial narrative, shifting the focus to the character Susan Barton. Barton challenges the Eurocentric perspective inherent in Crusoe's story, prompting questions about the authority to narrate the story and whose voices are marginalized in the colonial discourse. The novel engages with the complexities of storytelling, power dynamics, and the representation of diverse perspectives in the colonial context.

2. Narrative and Perspective : ( His - Story and Her - Story ):- 

Robinson Crusoe:-

"Robinson Crusoe" is written in the first person, with Crusoe as the sole narrator. This narrative choice creates a limited perspective, emphasizing Crusoe's personal experiences, survival, and transformation throughout the novel. The singular viewpoint allows readers to delve deeply into Crusoe's thoughts and emotions but may also limit the broader exploration of other characters' perspectives and experiences on the island.

Foe:-

Unlike "Robinson Crusoe," Coetzee's "Foe" utilizes multiple perspectives, including those of Susan Barton, Mr. Foe, and Friday. This narrative choice creates a more complex and inclusive story, giving voice to characters traditionally silenced in colonial literature. By exploring diverse viewpoints, the novel challenges the Eurocentric narrative and offers a nuanced understanding of the impact of colonization on different individuals.

3. Survival and Isolation :-

Robinson Crusoe:-

The novel explores the theme of survival in a harsh environment, with Crusoe's isolation on the island for years. His resourcefulness and adaptation are central to the story.

Foe:-

Defoe's novel portrays Crusoe's psychological struggles, but Coetzee's "Foe" amplifies this exploration, particularly through Susan Barton's perspective. The novel delves into the psychological toll of isolation, challenging the conventional narrative of resilience in the face of physical challenges. Coetzee raises questions about the impact of colonialism on mental well-being and the emotional complexities of navigating a world shaped by power imbalances and cultural clashes.

4. Characterization:-

Robinson Crusoe:-

Coetzee's portrayal of Crusoe in "Foe" challenges the traditional image of self-reliance. Instead, the novel presents a more nuanced exploration of power dynamics, revealing Crusoe's agency in shaping the narrative. The novel questions the legitimacy of Crusoe's authority and challenges the imposition of his will on the island and its inhabitants. It invites readers to reconsider the traditional heroism associated with Crusoe in colonial literature.

Foe:-

Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe" is rooted in the colonial mindset of the 18th century, portraying Crusoe as a European colonist who dominates the island, while Coetzee's "Foe" critically engages with this colonial narrative. Coetzee's novel questions the authority to tell the story and amplifies marginalized voices, offering a more complex and inclusive perspective. The difference in narrative perspective, thematic exploration, and character portrayal between the two works highlights the evolution of literary discourse on colonialism.

5. Metafiction and Deconstruction :-

Foe:-

Coetzee's "Foe" stands as a significant work of metafiction as it not only tells a story but also engages with and comments on another text, specifically Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe." The novel raises questions about the process of storytelling, the power dynamics inherent in narrative creation, and the voices that may be marginalized in the retelling of colonial stories. This metafictional approach adds layers of complexity to the narrative, inviting readers to consider the act of storytelling itself as a crucial element in understanding history and power dynamics.

6. Narratorial Power and Authorship :-

Foe:-

Indeed, J.M. Coetzee's "Foe" critically challenges the traditional notions of narratorial authority and explores the dynamics of storytelling. By introducing the character of Mr. Foe, the novel delves into questions of authorship and representation. Mr. Foe's role in the narrative prompts readers to consider the power dynamics involved in shaping and retelling stories, especially those with colonial themes. The novel invites a reflection on whose perspectives are prioritized, acknowledged, or suppressed in the storytelling process, contributing to a nuanced exploration of authority and voice in literature.

Robinson Crusoe:-

In Daniel Defoe's novel Robinson Crusoe, Crusoe has complete control over the narrative. It reinforcing his dominance. The author, Daniel Defoe remains hidden behind the Character's voice. 

7. Postcolonial Critique :-

Robinson Crusoe:-

The Novel reflects the Colonial mindset of its time emphasizing the triumph the triumph of the individual over nature. 

Foe:-

While, J.M. Coetzee's "Foe" operates as a satirical reinvention and postcolonial critique of Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe." Through this lens, the novel engages with the problematic aspects of colonization, highlighting voices that are often suppressed and marginalized in the colonial narrative. 

8.  Language as a tool :-

Language as a tool in Robinson Crusoe :- 

language plays a crucial role in both "Robinson Crusoe" and J.M. Coetzee's "Foe." In Defoe's novel, language serves as a means of communication between Crusoe and Friday, acting as a tool for cooperation and mutual understanding despite their cultural and linguistic differences. Crusoe takes on the role of an educator, teaching Friday and facilitating a basic level of communication.

Language as a tool in Foe:-

Certainly, in "Foe," language serves as a crucial instrument through which characters navigate issues of narrative control, authorship, and shifting power dynamics. Susan Barton, the protagonist and narrator, utilizes language to assert her agency within the story. Her endeavor to tell her own story becomes a tool for challenging the prevailing colonial narrative and reshaping the discourse.

Conclusion:-

In conclusion, this comparative analysis illuminates how literature evolves over time to mirror shifting societal perspectives. "Foe" not only reimagines Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe" but also provokes contemplation on the ethics of storytelling, authorship, and the postcolonial experience. The juxtaposition of these two works enriches our understanding of the complexities inherent in colonial narratives and the ways in which contemporary authors engage with and challenge established literary traditions.

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