Crusoe's Father
A wise, grave merchant who advises Robinson against going to sea.
Core Belief
"The middle station of life is the most conducive to happiness and virtue, offering peace, plenty, and freedom from the extremes of poverty and wealth."
Worldview
The father sees society as structured and hierarchical, with each person having a proper place. He believes that happiness comes from fulfilling one's duties and living a life of moderation and contentment within that established order.
Personality
Crusoe's father is depicted as a sensible and experienced man who values stability and the 'middle station' of life. He is concerned for his son's well-being and attempts to dissuade him from pursuing a life of adventure.
In Their Own Words
"That boy might be happy if he would stay at home; but if he goes abroad, he will be the most miserable wretch that ever was born: I can give no consent to it."
"He told me it was men of desperate fortunes on one hand, or of aspiring, superior fortunes on the other, who went abroad upon adventures, to rise by enterprise, and make themselves famous in undertakings of a nature out of the common road; that these things were all either too far above me or too far below me."
"God would not bless me, and I should have leisure hereafter to reflect upon having neglected his counsel when there might be none to assist in my recovery."
Other Characters from The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe
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