Introduction
Robinson Crusoe is a novel written by Daniel Defoe in 1719. It tells the story of a man who gets stranded on a deserted island and his survival there for 28 years. The novel has been widely read and adapted into movies and TV shows. However, one question that often arises is whether Robinson Crusoe was a real person or a fictional character.
The Fictional Character
Robinson Crusoe is a fictional character created by Daniel Defoe. The novel is considered to be one of the first English novels and has been widely regarded as a masterpiece of world literature. The character of Robinson Crusoe has been so popular that it has been adapted into many movies, TV shows, and even comic books.
The novel is written in the first person and tells the story of Robinson Crusoe, a young man who sets out to sea against his father's wishes. He gets stranded on a deserted island and has to survive on his own for 28 years. The novel shows how Robinson Crusoe learns to survive and make do with what he has on the island.
The Real Person
Robinson Crusoe is not a real person. However, the character was inspired by a real person named Alexander Selkirk. Selkirk was a Scottish sailor who was stranded on the Juan Fernandez Islands off the coast of Chile for four years. He was rescued by a British ship in 1709, and his story became widely known.
Daniel Defoe was inspired by Selkirk's story and used it as the basis for his novel. However, he made significant changes to the story and the character of Robinson Crusoe. For example, Selkirk was stranded on the island for only four years, while Robinson Crusoe was stranded for 28 years. Additionally, Robinson Crusoe was given more skills and abilities than Selkirk had.
The Legacy of Robinson Crusoe
Despite being a fictional character, Robinson Crusoe has had a lasting legacy. The novel has been widely read and has inspired many writers and filmmakers. The character of Robinson Crusoe has also become a cultural icon and a symbol of survival.
The novel has been adapted into many movies, TV shows, and even comic books. The most famous adaptation is the 1954 movie starring Dan O'Herlihy as Robinson Crusoe. The character has also been referenced in many other works of literature and pop culture.
Conclusion
Robinson Crusoe is a fictional character created by Daniel Defoe. The character was inspired by the real-life story of Alexander Selkirk, but Defoe made significant changes to the story and the character. Despite being a fictional character, Robinson Crusoe has had a lasting legacy and has become a cultural icon.