XVI: Rescue of Prisoners from Cannibals explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Colonialism and Imperialism

  Crusoe asserts absolute dominion over the island and its inhabitants, viewing himself as a king and lawgiver over his subjects.

• Repentance and Spiritual Conversion

  Friday expresses a desire for Crusoe to teach the natives about God and a new life, though Crusoe hesitates due to his own perceived ignorance.

• Fear of the Other

  Crusoe remains apprehensive about potential return of the cannibals, leading him to maintain constant guard and fortifications.

Characters to notice

• Robinson Crusoe

  Leads the rescue, cares for the prisoners, and reflects on his authority as a king over the island.

• Friday

  Displays deep affection for Crusoe and his father, assists in the rescue and care of the prisoners, and serves as interpreter.

• The Spaniards

  One Spaniard is rescued from the cannibals and brought to the settlement.

• Benamuckee

  Friday's father is rescued and cared for by Crusoe and Friday.

Key passages

• “You do great deal much good; you teach wild mans be good, sober, tame mans; you tell them know God, pray God, and live new life.”

  Friday tells Crusoe that he can do much good by teaching the wild men to be good, sober, and tame, and by telling them about God and how to pray and live a new life.

  Friday's plea reflects his belief in Crusoe's moral and spiritual authority.

• “My island was now peopled, and I thought myself very rich in subjects; and it was a merry reflection, which I frequently made, how like a king I looked.”

  Crusoe reflects that his island is now populated, and he considers himself wealthy in subjects, often amusing himself with the thought of how kingly he appears.

  Crusoe's self-image as a monarch underscores the colonial theme of dominion.