Defoe's View Of Roxana

Not only does this support how Defoe establishes Roxana as a feminist, but Defoe’s ability to demonstrate the way in which Roxana changes and evolves through her past experiences distinguishes her as a true individual. Armstrong describes the way in which Defoe is able to slowly alter Roxana’s position in the society through the stories progression by following the structure that allows his heroine to, “move out of the hierarchy that initially defines them, and into a new field of social possibilities, where they can find a place that accommodates their needs and abilities” (How Novels Think 26). More precisely, in the role of a virtuous wife Roxana was unable to make a living for herself. In order to achieve her goal of financial stability and independence, Roxana altered her role in society and constructed a new identity of a prostitute in order to better satisfy her needs.
Continuing with the thread of the narrative, major characteristics of feminism can be viewed primarily in the center of the story years after Roxana’s husband has abandoned her. At this point in the narrative, Roxana has been able to secure a considerable amount of fortunes in the position of a prostitute. Now successful with her new identity, Roxana …show more content…
Roxana’s interpretation of marriage as a form of serventry, as well as her view of marital vows as something of a contract, further depict her newfound sense of identity separate from her previous position in society. Overall, although Roxana may risk the possibility of exposing herself again, she is skeptical of marriage and refuses to be put into a position of inferiority again where she would be unable to manage her