Literary Reviews﹕Robinson Crusoe(Part 2)

【明報專訊】Until the discovery of the footprint (腳印) on the island, the story seems to be a mere tribute (稱頌) to Robinson Crusoe's resourcefulness (足智多謀). Surely, there is very little that can underscore (強調) the tenacity (不屈不撓) of his spirit more forcefully than to see him survive the shipwreck (海難) and then build a home for himself on a barren (荒蕪的) island.

The appearance of the footprint puts matters in a different light, for it reveals (揭示) to the reader Crusoe's character flaws (缺陷). The footprint belongs to a slave running away from his captors (俘虜者). Naming him Friday to commemorate (紀念) the day of the week that he is found, Crusoe immediately goes about taking him in as his servant. The thought that Friday can be his equal never enters Crusoe's mind, betraying the European sense of superiority prevalent (普遍) at the time when the book was written. He even teaches Friday to say "Master" before teaching him the simpler words of yes and no.

Yet, Friday turns out to be a much more complete human being. Crusoe may convert him to Christianity with the belief of improving his soul, but throughout the rest of the novel, Friday demonstrates that there is nothing wrong with him at all in that quarter. The wooden Crusoe seldom displays any emotion - there is no indication of sadness at all when his wife dies. Friday, on the other hand, is jubilant (歡呼雀躍) when he meets up with his lost father, jumping up and down in joy. The contrast between the two may not be intentional (故意), but there is no mistaking what Crusoe lacks in his heart.

Interestingly, Crusoe and Friday develops a solid friendship despite the unequal relationship that they are in. On his part, Friday declares that he would give up his life for Crusoe, while Crusoe admits that he loves Friday. This is no insignificant disclosure (透露), especially when Crusoe has never expressed any strong feelings for his friends and family members.

Writer's Profile

Fai, a native of Hong Kong, lives in Connecticut, the US, where he teaches Asian literature and culture. He visits Hong Kong frequently for work and for pleasure.