Robinson Crusoe :: essays research papers

By definition, a barbaric is an uncivilized person. Friday would non fit this description because he was civilized. He was a product of the civilization that surrounded him where he came from. His appearance, behaviors, and beliefs were that of altogether the others in what talent be called his tribe. The simple fact that he had religious beliefs is evidence of him world somewhat civilized.&9A savage can also be thought of as anyone or anything non European. Clearly Friday was not European, withal his features were not consistent with what would normally be considered "savage". He is describe as having "a very good Countenance, not a unruly and surly Aspect", "he had all the Sweetness and Softness of an European in his Countenance too", "His Hair was long and black, not swerved like Wool", "The Colour of his Skin was not sooner black, but very tawny and yet not of an ugly xanthous nauseous tawny, as the Brasilians, and Virginians, and oth er Natives of America are", and "his Nose small, not flat like the Negroes, a very good mouth, thin Lips, and his very well Teeth 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 count wild, ferocious or barbaric in any way. He uses bless language at first to communicate, which indicates knowledge of some sort of uncivil language. He is quick to take away Robinson Crusoes language and is eager to learn more while Robinson Crusoe stays clear of learning Fridays language.&9It is apparent 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 super grateful and he offers himself as an eternal servant to Robinson Crusoe. "At concluding he lays his Head flat upon the Ground, close to my Foot, 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 Submission 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 worthful asset for the daily activities of Robinson Crusoes habitation.