The Rise of the Novel: Money, Status, and the Ordinary Man - Part 4

Explore the fourth lecture in a series examining Daniel Defoe's significant contributions to the novel genre, focusing on his groundbreaking portrayal of the ordinary man in literature. Delve into Ian Watts' critical analysis of Defoe's protagonists and their universal pursuit of wealth, while examining Robinson Crusoe's complex relationship with societal norms and established conventions. Learn how these elements helped shape the development of the modern novel and influenced literary representations of class, ambition, and social mobility.