Robinson Crusoe

Robinson Crusoe is a novel by Daniel Defoe, first published in 1719 and sometimes regarded as the first novel in English.

Cultural influences

The book proved so popular that the names of the two main protagonists have entered the language. The term Robinson Crusoe is virtually synonymous with the word "castaway", and the term Man Friday (or a Girl Friday) is used to mean a helpmate.

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In Jean-Jacques Rousseau's treatise on education, Emile, or Education, the main character, Emile, is allowed to read only one book before the age of 12, Robinson Crusoe. Rousseau wants Emile to identify himself as Crusoe, required to rely upon himself for all of his needs. In Rousseau's view, Emile needs to imitate Crusoe’s experience, allowing necessity to determine what is to be learned and accomplished. This is one of the main themes of Rousseau's educational model.

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