Robinson Crusoe in Asia

This collection of essays explores the representation of Asia in Robinson Crusoe and its reception and adaptation in Asian contexts, expanding the study beyond the first book.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 306 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This collection of essays takes a comprehensive look at the iconic novel "Robinson Crusoe," expanding its scope beyond the first book, "The Life and Strange Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe." It delves into the lesser-known "Farther Adventures" and the almost overlooked "Serious Reflections," exploring not only Defoe's texts but also their re-writing, adaptation, and impact in different geographical contexts, including Asia and the Pacific. The essays examine the representation of Asia in the books, encompassing politics, economics, and religion, and analyze how the novel has been received, adapted, and taught in Asian contexts. By examining these diverse aspects, the collection offers a deeper understanding of the enduring legacy of "Robinson Crusoe" and its significance in global literature.

This collection of essays takes a comprehensive look at the iconic novel "Robinson Crusoe," expanding its scope beyond the first book, "The Life and Strange Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe." It delves into the lesser-known "Farther Adventures" and the almost overlooked "Serious Reflections," exploring not only Defoe's texts but also their re-writing, adaptation, and impact in different geographical contexts, including Asia and the Pacific. The essays examine the representation of Asia in the books, encompassing politics, economics, and religion, and analyze how the novel has been received, adapted, and taught in Asian contexts. By examining these diverse aspects, the collection offers a deeper understanding of the enduring legacy of "Robinson Crusoe" and its significance in global literature.

The essays in this collection explore the representation of Asia in the novel "Robinson Crusoe" and its reception, adaptation, and teaching in Asian contexts. They consider how the book portrays Asia in terms of politics, economics, and religion and analyze how it has been received, adapted, and taught in Asian educational institutions. The authors analyze the ways in which the novel reflects and challenges Western stereotypes and perceptions of Asia, as well as how it has been adapted to local cultural and historical contexts. They also explore the impact of the novel on Asian literature, culture, and society, and how it has been used as a tool for promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

One of the key themes in the essays is the representation of Asian women in the novel. The authors note that while the book portrays Asian women as exotic and submissive, they also show them as strong and independent. They argue that the novel's portrayal of Asian women contributes to the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes and that it is important to challenge these representations in order to promote a more nuanced and accurate understanding of Asia.

Another theme is the role of religion in the novel. The authors explore how the book portrays Christianity as a universal religion that can bring people together and provide a sense of purpose and meaning. They also note that the book incorporates elements of Asian religions and spirituality, such as Buddhism and Confucianism, and how these elements are used to enrich the narrative and provide a deeper understanding of the characters.

The essays also discuss the impact of the novel on Asian popular culture. They note that the book has been adapted into numerous films, television shows, and comics, and how these adaptations have influenced the way
Understanding of the novel and its characters. They also explore how the novel has been used as a source of inspiration for artists, writers, and filmmakers in Asia, and how it has contributed to the development of Asian popular culture.

In conclusion, this collection of essays provides a valuable contribution to the study of "Robinson Crusoe" and its global impact. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the novel's representation of Asia, its reception, adaptation, and teaching in Asian contexts, and its impact on Asian literature, culture, and society. By challenging Western stereotypes and perceptions of Asia and promoting a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the region, the essays contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the role of literature in promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

Weight: 424g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811640537
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021