In 1719, the first edition of “The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe” by Daniel Defoe was published. Since that time, millions of readers all over the world have had a chance to examine in detail the psyche and perception of the most famous shipwrecked castaway in literary history. It is the fictional account of a man who spends twenty-eight years on a deserted island. With the provisions and supplies that he is able to salvage from his abandoned ship before it breaks up on the reef and sinks, Crusoe discovers that he does not want for anything. Everything required for food and shelter is provided by the island. The only thing missing on the island is a society, which Crusoe views with mixed emotions.
This novel not only captured the imagination of millions of readers for almost three centuries, it also gave rise to some of the most controversial and speculative theories in modern psychology: What happens to the psyche of a man who spends twenty-eight years in virtual solitude?
Well, why not add an additional conundrum to the mix: What happens to the psyche of a man who spends twenty-eight years without a perceived Identity?
The paradigm and paradox of the story is that, in the absence of a society, Robinson Crusoe is also deprived of a perceived Identity. In order for an Identity to exist, it must be defined by someone other than us. And while any reader of the novel can attest to the complex character that is Robinson Crusoe, he himself was denied any type of third-party characterization. Not even his parrot knew who he was!
Thankfully all that changed when Friday came along!
You may recall from reading the novel that Robinson Crusoe aided in the escape of a black “savage” who was destined to be killed and consumed by a horde of cannibals that were frequent tourists on Crusoe’s island paradise. And since the escape happened on a Friday (at least according to the notches on Robinson’s wooden calendar), the name of “Friday” was assigned to his new servant and soon-to-become Christian convert. “Friday” remained Robinson Crusoe’s faithful servant and sidekick throughout the remainder of his stay on the island and even accompanied Crusoe back to England when an opportunity to leave the island finally presented itself. But now I digress!
The true significance of “Friday’s” character in the book is the opportunity for Robinson Crusoe to finally see his perceived Identity being defined by a third party.
Crusoe really develops and expands on this perceived Identity as a result of now having an island audience of one. Not only is “Friday” a new servant and companion, but also becomes the object of Crusoe’s spiritual quest to spread Christianity to the far reaches of the world. And seeing that his “colony” now has a “subject” (albeit one), Crusoe elevates himself to the stature of “King Crusoe”.
The Robinson Crusoe story illustrates in dramatic fashion two of the essential elements of perceived Identity:
a – in order for there to be a perceived identity, one must first be created, and
b – before a perceived Identity can exist, it must be authenticated by a third party.
© 2014 Allan N. Mulholland, CPC
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