When I first began reading Robinson Crusoe I expected the novel to be alittle erratic in terms of grammar, form, and style since it is an early novel. I did not expect the degree of difficulty that I have encountered while reading the novel. Paragraphs are sometimes made up of one drastically long sentence, and capitalization is sprinkled throughout each sentence. I had to mentally make note of all the things the narrator rambled on about in one sentence to keep on track. It was rather annoying at first, and still is at times, but I now attribute the rambling sentence/paragraphs to be part of Crusoe’s character. He is exact, and repetitive and thus the sentences are not perfect. It allows me to really get to know Crusoe personality, and to “see” through his eyes. The details are overwhelming, but they do paint an exact picture of what Crusoe is seeing. As a prediction, I do not think this will be my favorite book, but I also don’t think it competes with my least favorite books either. I hope that class will continue to bring out anything that the structure of the novel leaves me a bit confused with, and I will continue to read Robinson Crusoe. Who knows, maybe it will prove my prediction wrong in the end, and I will like it.
How wonderful that you found a way to make sense of the idiosyncrasies of the text, in a way that actually enriches your reading!