How Much Of A Historical Understanding Does Daniel Defoes Novel Robinson Crusoe Have?

It's well known that Crusoe had a real-life original, Alexander Selkirk, but Defoe fictionalized Selkirk's experiences more than many readers realize. For one thing Selkirk was on his island for a shorter time than Crusoe, and in a different location; but some critics feel that where Defoe really moves away from the historical original is in his portrayal of character. Selkirk suffered horribly from his experience, had no friend like "Friday" and never really got over it. Defoe however presents the experience as character building.

If you want to compare the historical with the fictional account, this short biography of Selkirk may be helpful.

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