By definition, a savage is an uncivilized person. Friday would not fit this
description because he was civilized. He was a product of the civilization that
surrounded him where he came from. His appearance, behaviors, and beliefs
were that of all the others in what might be called his tribe. The simple fact
that he had religious beliefs is evidence of him being somewhat civilized. A
savage can also be thought of as anyone or anything not European. Clearly
Friday was not European, yet his features were not consistent with what
would normally be considered “savage”. He is described as having “a very
good Countenance, not a fierce and surly Aspect…”, “he had all the
Sweetness and Softness of an European in his Countenance too…”, “His
Hair was long and black, not curl’d like Wool…”, “The Colour of his Skin
was not quite black, but very tawny; and yet not of an ugly yellow nauseous
tawny, as the Brasilians, and Virginians, and other Natives of America
are…”, and “his Nose small, not flat like the Negroes, a very good mouth,
thin Lips, and his fine Teeth well set, and white as Ivory” (Defoe 205). When
the two characters meet, Friday approaches Robinson Crusoe in a very
sedate manner, Friday is terrified yet he does not lash out at Robinson
Crusoe. He does not seem wild, ferocious or barbaric in any way. He uses
sign language at first to communicate, which indicates knowledge of some
sort of primitive language. He is quick to learn Robinson Crusoe’s language
and is eager to learn more while Robinson Crusoe stays clear of learning
Friday’s language. It is apparent that Friday has religious or spiritual beliefs
right from the beginning. When Robinson Crusoe saves Friday from the
savages that brought him to the island to devour him, Friday is extremely
grateful and he offers himself as an eternal servant to Robinson Crusoe. “At
last he lays his Head flat upon the Ground, close to my Foot, and sets my
other Foot upon hi shead, as he had done before; after this made all the Signs
to me of Subjection, Servitude, and Submission imaginable, to let me know,
how he would serve me as long as he liv’d…” (Defoe 206). After it became
evident that Friday was not a threat of any sort, Robinson Crusoe was
grateful for his presence. Friday would become a valuable asset for the daily
activities of Robinson Crusoe’s habitation. All that Robinson Crusoe had
filled his days with before the arrival of Friday had become easier by the
hands of two men rather than one. Friday’s ability to work as diligently as he
did is an indication of him being civilized. Along with teaching Friday to speak
his language, Robinson Crusoe also made attempts to retrain his eating habits.
Friday was a cannibal like those who had brought him to the island in the first
place. He enjoyed consuming flesh and Robinson Crusoe made it clear to
Friday that this was not acceptable behavior. With reference to the savages
that Robinson Crusoe had saved Friday from, “…making signs to me that we
should dig them up again, and eat them…” (Defoe 206). “I found Friday had
still a hankering Stomach after some of the Flesh, and was still a Cannibal in
his nature… I had by some Means let him know, that I would kill him if he
offer’d it” (Defoe 208). In time Robinson Crusoe teaches Friday to eat the
meat of animals rather than hmans. When asked about his religious beliefs,
Friday at first does not understand but eventually he tells of an “old
Benamuckee, that liv’d beyond all” (Defoe 216). After many questions,
Robinson Crusoe took it upon himself to teach religion to his newfound
friend. “I began to instruct him on the Knowledge of the true God” (Defoe
216). Friday was eager to learn. He asked questions that were not always
easy to answer but at the same time he absorbed every word that came out
of Robinson Crusoe’s mouth. Friday was a faithful and loyal companion.
Defoe allowed Robinson Crusoe to remain abandoned on this island for
many years before Friday appeared. There was a gradual build-up to his
arrival and their meeting. Friday’s deliverance from certain death was the
beginning of Robinson Crusoe’s preparation for going back home. He was
alone on this island without contact with the outside or civilized world for so
long that there needed to e some sort of reorientation to civilization. The
appearance of Friday was the first stepping stone towards getting
reacquainted with other mankind. Robinson Crusoe needed to regain the
ability to trust in those who came to the island in order for him to find his way
Berlau, John. Spending Limits A Good Idea Whose Time May Not Come. Insight on the
News.; March 10, 1997. v13 n9 p16(2)
Doherty, Carol J. Campaign Finance Crusaders Regroup After Latest Defeat.
Congressional Quarterly.;October 23,1999. v57 n28 p2507(9)
Mitchell, Allison. McCain-Feingold Bill Is “Dead For the Year,” Senator Lott Says. New
York Times.; October 19,1999. pA1
