A picaresque novel is one in which the entirety of the story follows the adventures of a lower society individual, who creates their own fortunes in society. The novels “Moll Flanders” and “Robinson Crusoe” both by Daniel Defoe, are picaresque novels that see the upbringing of the protagonist, describing the different ways that they survive in society. Defoe uses the picaresque format to describe in extreme detail the pain felt by Flanders and Crusoe; but in Robinson Crusoe it is used to detail the formation of a new life, while in Moll Flanders, picaresque is used to describe the methods Flanders took to create self satisfaction. Both novels use the picaresque format to describe the circumstances leading to the turmoil that follows for the rest of the story; but Crusoe made a rational decision to be in a life of adventure over stability, while Flanders was more a product of her situation. Robinson Crusoe and Moll Flanders both use the picaresque formant to show the successes that comes through determination; but while Flanders achieves success through deviancy and deception, Crusoe achieves success through a resilient belief in what may come. Picaresque novels allow for the entire character’s life to be seen, showing the extreme highs, and the specific demands they must meet to gain a sense of self-acclimation, or a sense of success.
While the picaresque structure is designed to document the entirety of the protagonist’s life; Robinson Crusoe leaves out parts of his root beginnings, while Moll Flanders details the justification of all of her actions. While Crusoe does decide to avoid a life in law, instead choosing to experience a life at sea, the novel never fully details the reasoning behind going to sea. Crusoe chose to avoid a life in law, instead opting for a life at sea, as his mind was always filled up with “rambling thoughts” (Crusoe, 1). Flanders upbringing makes it quite clear what leads her on the path she...