Slavery In The Life Of Colonel Jack Defoe

In The Life of Colonel Jack Defoe similarly sanctions the institution of slavery. Slavery, to a large degree, was key to the success of the British colonies. Intensive production of crops and other resources necessitated a large, cheap labor supply. Thus the institution of slavery arose, again justified on religious grounds. Defoe’s portrayal of slavery is based on the view of slaves as fundamentally racially inferior. However he urges their humane treatment and avoids mentioning the inequity and moral issues of slavery. Although he is initially reluctant to punish his slaves, having just risen from the position of an indentured servant himself, Jack finds sufficient justification for the lash:
I began indeed to see, that the Cruelty, so much …show more content…
However, here, Jack downplays the negative aspects of indentured servitude. In his view, anyone with a certain degree of ambition will be able to secure a plantation for themselves. Jack also makes sure to include criminals and felons as having the potential to succeed. This sentiment reflects the sense of opportunity that drove people to the New World. Doubtless, there were plenty of economic opportunities and lots of money to be made in the colonies. However, Jack fails to recognize that through the very nature of the economic system that has been established, not everyone can become the master of a plantation. Neither does he address the issues of slaves who obviously cannot rise to freedom or a position of power. Defoe’s narrative choices in portraying the colonial experience are a powerful overture to the sensibilities of his target audience. Jack is a character who seems to be particularly disadvantaged, both as a wanted criminal in England and as an indentured servant in the colonies. However, by following Jack’s ascension, Defoe demonstrates how even this group of people can realize success. Historically, much of the colonial population was made up of convicts sent overseas as indentured servants. Defoe advocates for this practice as giving criminals a chance for a productive life. Practically, however, England benefitted more from having a place to get rid of unwanted criminals than did either the colonies or the criminals themselves. Another important aspect of Jack’s character is his desire to become a gentleman. An important theme in both works, it is clear that Defoe placed a fair amount of importance on gentlemanly status. Boulukos presents an interesting