From Jail-Bird to Gangsterto Gentlewoman: The Rise of the Female Hero in Daniel Defoe’s Moll Flanders

Authors

Jesse Ramos, Roger Williams University

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Bachelor of Arts in English

Advisor

Deborah A. Robinson,Ph. D.

Abstract

Daniel Defoe's 1722 novel Moll Flanders portrays the story and life of a lower-class woman living within eighteenth-century England society. Within this paper, I argue the idea of the novel's protagonist Moll Flanders being a hero. Through the experiences she faces throughout the story, I use the thoughts of Defoe, critics, historians, and myself to prove to readers that she embodies the characteristics and drive of a heroic individual.

Recommended Citation

Ramos, Jesse, "From Jail-Bird to Gangsterto Gentlewoman: The Rise of the Female Hero in Daniel Defoe’s Moll Flanders" (2014). English Theses. 101.
https://docs.rwu.edu/english_theses/101