Theory question 207
Other Set Texts: Non-African ProseLiterature 3, Section B. Daniel Defoe: Robinson Crusoe
Do you find Robinson Crusoe an attractive character? Support your answer with close reference to the text.
Show the model answer
Attractive qualities: courage and endurance in surviving alone for years on the island.
Resourcefulness and hard work: building shelter, making tools, pots, a boat, growing corn, taming goats.
Methodical and patient: keeps a journal and calendar.
Grows in faith and gratitude after his conversion.
Unattractive qualities: disobeys his father; restless and greedy for gain.
Sells Xury, the boy who helped him escape, to the Portuguese captain.
Treats Friday as servant, teaches him to call him 'Master'; sees himself as lord of the island.
Conclusion: a balanced answer, either way, supported by incidents.
Take a position and support it.