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Trey Tucker
Tutor Mrs. Jeanine Jones
Challenge II British Literature
19 October 2020
Be True to Yourself
Often we admire those who we can look up to or be more like them. We are more likely
to respect someone who has qualities we could only wish to obtain. Robinson Crusoe is an
admirable character for three reasons: his ability to adapt to every situation, his capacity to take
advantage of every resources, and the change and growth he undergoes while on the island.
Firstly, Robinson Crusoe is an admirable character because of his ability to adapt to
situations. When dealing with a problem, the best course of action is to address the cause and
ensure that the reason will never happen again. Being stranded on a desolate island is not the
ideal situation to be in; however, Crusoe assesses the cause of his current problem, then
profusely takes an oath to do his best to honor his parents. Throughout the book, he adapted to
situations that may have been the death of the average person. However, because Crusoe is
remarkable, he prevailed. For instance he adapted to being alone and to the harshness of nature.
Although some may call his success luck, the fact he always came out on top proves his ability to
adjust and take advantage of his situation. Robinson Crusoe is an admirable character because of
his ability to adapt to situations.
Additionally, Robinson Crusoe is an admirable character because of his capacity to take
advantage of the resources at his disposal. When Crusoe is first stranded on the island, he is
fortunate enough to pillage the shipwreck for valuable supplies. If he were still despairing and
rolling in self-pity because of his current situation, he would not have survived. However, we
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know that he survived, and his subsistence is due to his presence of mind to use the assets
presented before him. Another instance of his tactical and practical awareness is when he
befriended Friday. Friday was a native of the island whom Crusoe heroically rescued from the
cannibals. Friday was willing to serve Crusoe, and Robinson was smart enough to train Friday
and to use him to lighten the load of survival. Although these qualities make Crusoe admirable,
they do not necessarily make him a good person.
Lastly, Robinson Crusoe is an admirable character because of the change and growth he
undergoes while on the island. Before he became a castaway, Robinson was a young man who
had rebelled against his parents’ will, and he paid dearly for his disobedience. However, he
experiences immense growth because of his current situation. This is not to say he was incapable
of achieving a measure of personal growth if he had not disobeyed, but because his situation
forces him to change his old habits and allow himself to grow. He learns how to keep his wits
about him to prevent insanity. He praises God and takes an oath to do whatever necessary to
honor his parents’ wishes. His physical appearance changes, as well. He gains muscle and a
tolerance for pain. He knows that emotions hinder his survival, so he learns to grow away from
leading with emotion. It is fair to say his growth made him into Robinson Crusoe and not just
because that was his name. Robinson grew in character and changed in appearance in order to
survive.
In conclusion, Robinson Crusoe is an admirable character because of his skill in adapting
to situations, his awareness to utilize the resources at his disposal, and the transformation and
development while on the island. Although we may wish to be like those we admire, it is vital to
stay true to yourself and never forget where you came from. James D’Arcy once said, “There are
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lots of people I admire and respect, but I don’t necessarily want to be like them. I’m too happy
being myself.”
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Works Cited
“James D'arcy Quotes.” BrainyQuote, Xplore,
www.brainyquote.com/quotes/james_darcy_233746?src=t_admire.