Robinson Crusoe By Daniel Defoe The Significance of

Robinson Crusoe By Daniel Defoe The Significance of The Barley Stalks Second Year / Morning Classes 2020 Instructor : Dr. Hayfaa Mohammed Shareef

Q. What is the importance of seeing the barley stalks for Crusoe? • Crusoe finds a bag of seeds that has been destroyed by rats • He throws away a few of barley grains when emptying a bag.

Discovery of Barely Stalks • Later he is astonished to find barley plants begin to grow as well as some rice. • He carefully saves the harvest to plant again and thus is able finally to supply himself with bread. • He works over several years to grow enough to have both seed to plant and grain for food.

Crusoe’s Spiritual Development • Crusoe is touched by what he considers as the miracle of God’s provision. • Crusoe believes that God has provided these plants as food for him on this desolate and miserable island. • Therefore, it is not a mere accident or chance, but a sign Of God’s care and mercy. • This discovery means that Crusoe has been given his daily bread on the island this is part of Crusoe’s spiritual development.

• The new-grown barley on the island is symbolic of the spiritual and emotional growth that is taking place within Crusoe. • He feels thankful for God for keeping him alive and providing him with food. • It is the first time that Crusoe thinks about religion and begins to see signs of God’s will as a good point on this desolate island. • Yet, he still does not pray to God in distress. This will change when he more fully devotes himself to religion