Great Lives Robinson Crusoe & Daniel Defoe

Summary

In this episode, Lucy Irvin and Martin Popplewell share their experiences of living on a desert island, drawing parallels with Daniel Defoe's 'Robinson Crusoe.' Lucy, a former Inland Revenue clerk, spent a year on an island between New Guinea and Australia, while Martin was inspired by 'The Blue Lagoon' to live the castaway life. They discuss the appeal of island living, the evolution of the castaway myth, and the significance of Defoe's work. The conversation touches on themes of loneliness, self-sufficiency, and the human desire for simplicity and control over one's environment.

Takeaways

• 📚 The script discusses the classic novel 'Robinson Crusoe' by Daniel Defoe, which turns 300 years old this year.
• 🏝️ The conversation explores the idea of 'Robinson Crusoe' being a real person and compares it to the experiences of the guests, Lucy Irvin and Martin Popplewell, who have lived on desert islands.
• 👨‍💻 Lucy Irvin, a writer who has authored books like 'Castaway', 'Run Away', and 'Far Away', shares her experience of living in a caravan in rural Bulgaria and her time on an island between New Guinea and Australia.
• 🎬 Martin Popplewell was inspired by the film 'The Blue Lagoon' to live on a desert island, which he did, experiencing the reality of island life.
• 📖 The script highlights the detailed and adventurous early life of Robinson Crusoe before his well-known island stay, including being a slave in Morocco and a plantation owner in Brazil.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Daniel Defoe's own life was full of adventure, including being a political pamphleteer, a trader, a spy, and experiencing significant historical events like the Great Fire of London and the Plague.
• 🏝️ The myth of the desert island as a place of simplicity and escape from the complexities of modern life is discussed, and how it has evolved in popular culture.
• 🤔 The script ponders whether some individuals, like Crusoe or Selkirk, have a higher tolerance for solitude and the challenges of living independently.
• 👥 The relationship between Crusoe and his companion Friday is examined, considering the dynamics of power, culture, and possibly affection.
• 🏡 The ending of 'Robinson Crusoe' is summarized, with Crusoe returning to civilization and later embarking on further adventures in a sequel.

Q & A

What is the significance of the year 1632 in the context of the script?

The year 1632 is significant as it is the year when Robinson Crusoe, the protagonist of Daniel Defoe's novel 'The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe,' was born.

Why did Lucy Irvine respond to the advertisement for a 'writer seeks a wife'?

Lucy Irvine responded to the advertisement because she was bored working for the Inland Revenue and was seeking a change, hoping for an adventure different from her routine life.

What misconceptions did Lucy Irvine have about the man who placed the advertisement?

Lucy Irvine assumed that she would be a sort of 'girl Friday' and that the man was an experienced adventurer based on his advertisement, not knowing that he had a background in writing sensational publicity materials and editing a men's magazine.

How has the image of a deserted island evolved in popular culture according to the script?

The image of a deserted island has evolved from representing limited horizons and simplicity to becoming a symbol of a different life, one that is seen as a form of escape from the complexities of modern society.

What is the connection between Daniel Defoe and Robinson Crusoe discussed in the script?

The script suggests that Daniel Defoe, the author, lives on through his creation, Robinson Crusoe, as authors often do with their characters, and that the character of Crusoe might have been inspired by various real-life stories, including that of Alexander Selkirk.

Why did Martin Popplewell decide to live on a desert island?

Martin Popplewell was captivated by the idea of living on a desert island after watching the film 'The Blue Lagoon' and decided to pursue that dream by advertising for a similar opportunity.

What is the significance of the number 28 in the context of Robinson Crusoe's story?

The number 28 is significant as it represents the number of years Robinson Crusoe was stranded on the island, which is also the time between the restoration of the monarchy and the Glorious Revolution, reflecting Daniel Defoe's own historical context.

How did Daniel Defoe's personal experiences influence his writing?

Daniel Defoe's personal experiences, including living through the Great Fire of London and the plague, being imprisoned for his political writings, and his various business ventures, greatly influenced his writing and the creation of his characters.

What is the role of Friday in Robinson Crusoe's life as depicted in the script?

Friday is depicted as a companion to Robinson Crusoe, initially seen as inferior and someone to be civilized by Crusoe, but also as a character that Crusoe becomes fond of and who helps him survive on the island.

How does the script address the change in perception of solitude and isolation over time?

The script addresses the change in perception by highlighting how the idea of being stranded on a desert island has morphed from a terrible fate to a desirable utopian concept, reflecting a cultural shift in attitudes towards solitude and self-sufficiency.

What are the personal reflections of Lucy Irvine and Martin Popplewell on their experiences living in isolation?

Both Lucy Irvine and Martin Popplewell reflect that their experiences living in isolation have been transformative and have shaped their lives since, with Lucy finding benefits in the simplicity and Martin learning about the essentials of survival.