Moll Flanders

Definition

Moll Flanders is a novel written by Daniel Defoe, first published in 1722, which tells the story of a woman's life filled with adventure, crime, and survival. The narrative follows Moll's journey as she navigates through various societal challenges, reflecting themes of morality, gender roles, and the complexities of the human condition. Moll's character embodies the traits of a picaresque hero, engaging in a series of escapades that highlight her resilience and resourcefulness in a male-dominated world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Moll Flanders is often considered one of the earliest examples of the modern novel, showcasing a strong female protagonist who takes control of her own destiny.
2. The story is set in 17th century England and follows Moll as she engages in multiple marriages and thefts in her quest for wealth and security.
3. Defoe uses first-person narration to create an intimate connection between Moll and the reader, allowing insight into her thoughts and motivations.
4. The novel explores themes of social class and economic struggle, highlighting the limited options available to women in Moll's time.
5. Moll's ultimate redemption at the end of the novel raises questions about morality and the possibility of change in one's life circumstances.

Review Questions

• How does Moll Flanders exemplify the characteristics of a picaresque novel?
  • Moll Flanders exemplifies the characteristics of a picaresque novel through its episodic structure and the focus on a rogue protagonist who navigates various societal challenges. Moll's adventures include multiple marriages, thefts, and encounters with different social classes, all while displaying wit and cunning. Her journey reflects the picaresque theme of survival against societal norms, illustrating both her resilience and adaptability in an often harsh world.
• Discuss how Moll Flanders critiques societal norms related to gender roles during the 17th century.
  • Moll Flanders critiques societal norms related to gender roles by portraying a female character who actively defies expectations through her actions. Instead of conforming to traditional roles as a passive wife or mother, Moll takes control of her life by marrying for financial gain and resorting to theft when necessary. This portrayal challenges the idea that women should be solely dependent on men for security, highlighting both Moll's struggles and her resourcefulness in navigating a patriarchal society.
• Evaluate how Moll Flanders reflects themes of morality and redemption within the context of its time.
  • Moll Flanders reflects themes of morality and redemption by presenting a complex character who grapples with ethical dilemmas throughout her life. The narrative reveals Moll's struggles with crime and societal judgment while ultimately leading her to seek redemption through repentance and eventual stability. This exploration mirrors contemporary views on morality during the early 18th century, questioning whether one's past actions can be reconciled with the possibility of a better future, thus encouraging readers to consider the nuances of moral choice in their own lives.

Related terms

Picaresque Novel: A genre of fiction that follows the adventures of a rogue or a low-born character who lives by their wits in a corrupt society.

Anti-hero: A central character who lacks conventional heroic attributes and often displays morally ambiguous behavior.

Social Satire: A literary approach that uses humor, irony, or ridicule to criticize and expose the flaws and vices of society.