Moll Flanders

Definition

Moll Flanders is a novel by Daniel Defoe that tells the story of a woman born in Newgate Prison who embarks on a life of crime, manipulation, and survival in 17th-century England. The narrative explores themes of morality, social class, and the struggle for identity, reflecting the characteristics of Enlightenment literature through its focus on individualism and rational thought.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Moll Flanders was published in 1722 and is considered one of the earliest novels in English literature, marking a shift from traditional storytelling to character-driven narratives.
2. The novel is often viewed as a commentary on the conditions faced by women in the 17th century, highlighting issues like poverty and limited opportunities for women to gain independence.
3. Moll's character evolves throughout the story, showcasing her resilience and adaptability as she navigates through numerous marriages and criminal activities.
4. The use of first-person narrative allows readers to engage intimately with Moll's thoughts and emotions, making her both a sympathetic character and an unreliable narrator.
5. Defoe's portrayal of Moll blurs the lines between virtue and vice, challenging readers to consider the moral implications of her choices within the context of her society.

Review Questions

• How does Moll Flanders embody the characteristics of a picaresque novel?
  • Moll Flanders embodies the characteristics of a picaresque novel by presenting her life as a series of misadventures filled with crime, deception, and societal critique. Throughout the story, Moll navigates various roles—from a thief to a wife—highlighting her resourcefulness and cunning. Her experiences reflect the moral ambiguities common in picaresque narratives, where she remains both charming and morally questionable as she seeks survival and social advancement.
• Discuss how rationalism influences Moll's decisions and actions throughout the novel.
  • Rationalism significantly influences Moll's decisions as she relies on her intellect and reason to navigate her tumultuous life. She often calculates the risks versus rewards of her actions, whether it be marrying wealthy men or engaging in theft. This emphasis on rational thought aligns with Enlightenment values, demonstrating how Moll applies logic in her pursuit of security and social status, while also highlighting the limitations imposed on women during that era.
• Evaluate how Defoe's portrayal of Moll Flanders challenges societal norms regarding gender and morality in 17th-century England.
  • Defoe's portrayal of Moll Flanders challenges societal norms by presenting her as a complex character who defies traditional expectations of women in 17th-century England. Rather than being passive or submissive, Moll actively seeks to control her own destiny through marriage and crime. This defiance complicates conventional ideas about morality; while she engages in immoral acts for survival, Defoe prompts readers to question whether societal constraints justify her behavior. Ultimately, Moll becomes a symbol of female resilience in an oppressive society, forcing readers to reconsider their views on gender roles and ethics.

Related terms

Picaresque Novel: A genre of fiction that follows the adventures of a rogue or anti-hero as they navigate through a corrupt society, often with humor and satire.

Rationalism: An Enlightenment philosophy emphasizing reason and logic as the primary sources of knowledge, influencing characters' actions and decisions.

Social Mobility: The ability of individuals to move between different social classes, a key theme in Moll Flanders as she seeks to improve her status through various means.