# XVI: Rescue of Prisoners from Cannibals explained — The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe

> Chapter companion for The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe.

## What happens

Crusoe and Friday rescue a Spaniard and Friday's father from cannibals, bring them to the settlement, and care for them. Crusoe reflects on his role as a ruler over his small domain.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/robinson_crusoe_se/chapters/xvi-rescue-of-prisoners-from-cannibals
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/robinson_crusoe_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/robinson_crusoe_se/chapters