Roxana by Daniel Defoe (Part One)

Biography & Background

• It is called a "history", but that is not true
• It is written in response to a work written by Eliza Haywood
• Roxana's real name is Susan, which she shares with her daughter
• Defoe was a casuist and wrote about morality
• Defoe wrote because he needed money
• Defoe's writing includes the devil a lot
• Roxana is a masochist and often calls herself a whore
• Defoe creates situations in his story about culturally immoral choices and situations and asks why a benevolent God could let His people live in such a way
• Roxana's lovers bring her a lot of wealth
• Roxana feels guilty for all of her vice
• Roxana has a French background & is well-off
• Roxana drops her kids off at a relative's house because she can't take care of them and she realizes this is her only way to survive

Roxana (Part One)

Roxana's first husband was only interested in hunting, drinking, and sleeping around and therefore could not provide for his family. He was of the gentry class and was considered a gentleman because he did not have to would because he had enough money. Her husband spent not only his own fortune, but also Roxana's fortune. Defoe may be trying to show that inheriting money causes problems because you have no respect for how it was earned. Also, Defoe could be trying to say that you should get to know your husband before you marry him to ensure that he is able to provide for your family. Defoe presents a dark view of marriage that is not present in Haywood, where Haywood always presents a glossy view of marriage. 

Defoe's technique of framing Roxana's situation to provoke the reader ask how they would respond to a similar situation which is very effective because it keeps the reader engaged in a continuous mental game. Defoe wrote many "how to guides" about what to do in this situation.

In terms of obstacles faced by Roxana, her money is wasted and she has to raise five children by herself. Roxana often asks herself why she is a whore and goes so far as to ask Amy to sleep around so that Roxana is not below her own maid. Roxana cannot marry again, so she has to keep recreating her identity to remain relevant. Roxana is continuous running from her past and is always hoping for a new marriage proposal even though she cannot legally or socially remarry. 

Amy encouraged Roxana to sleep with their landlord because she knew they needed the money. Roxana threatened Amy that she should sleep with the landlord or else there will be consequences. Roxana may be punishing Amy for a social morality that cannot be escaped. Amy may act as a bad influence on Roxana by encouraging her to participate in bad behavior. Roxana continuously states that the devil makes her complete her bad acts. 

In terms of feeling sympathetic for Roxana, Roxana didn't have any other options to make money aside from prostitution, she didn't exactly choose her current life, and her husband was hard on her and abandons Roxana. Also, Roxana could not have pursued another career at the time due to societal conventions. In terms of not feeling sympathetic for Roxana, she offloaded her kids for selfish reasons.