Robinson Crusoe :: essays research papers

By definition, a savage is an angry person. Friday would non fit this description because he was civilized. He was a crossway of the civilization that surrounded him where he came from. His appearance, behaviors, and beliefs were that of all the others in what might be called his tribe. The simple fact that he had religious beliefs is evidence of him being slightly civilized.&9A savage can also be judgment of as anyone or anything non European. Clearly Friday was not European, yet his features were not consistent with what would normally be considered "savage". He is described as having "a very good Countenance, not a fierce and morose Aspect", "he had all the Sweetness and Softness of an European in his Countenance too", "His Hair was long and black, not curld like Wool", "The Colour of his Skin was not quite black, still very tawny and yet not of an ugly yellow gruesome tawny, as the Brasilians, and Virginians, and other Natives of Amer ica are", and "his Nose small, not flat tire like the Negroes, a very good mouth, thin Lips, and his fine teething well set, and white as Ivory" (Defoe 205).&9When the two characters meet, Friday approaches Robinson Crusoe in a very sedate manner, Friday is terrified yet he does not lash out at Robinson Crusoe. He does not seem wild, barbarous or barbaric in any way. He uses sign diction at first to communicate, which indicates knowledge of some sort of primitive language. He is quick to learn Robinson Crusoes language and is eager to learn to a greater extent while Robinson Crusoe stays clear of learning Fridays language.&9It is manifest that Friday has religious or spiritual beliefs right from the beginning. When Robinson Crusoe saves Friday from the savages that brought him to the island to devour him, Friday is extremely satisfying and he offers himself as an eternal servant to Robinson Crusoe. "At last he lays his Head flat upon the Ground, close to my Foo t, and sets my other Foot upon hi shead, as he had done before after this made all the Signs to me of Subjection, Servitude, and fortitude imaginable, to let me know, how he would serve me as long as he livd" (Defoe 206).&9After it became evident that Friday was not a threat of any sort, Robinson Crusoe was grateful for his presence. Friday would become a valuable summation for the daily activities of Robinson Crusoes habitation.