A protagonist who is the epitome of vice
From 18th century England, Daniel Defoe portrays the character of a woman who is born destitute and poor, who is wronged by fate but crafts her way in the world to establish herself as the epitome of vice.
She is the angel of wickedness, deceit, lure and lust. The novel is an episodic narrative which describes the affairs and marriages of Ms Betty aka Moll Flanders in the first half for she goes through several marriages and flings. In the second she becomes the mistress of stealth and theft getting established for her sleight of hand, trickery and felony. At last when fortune catches up with her she is caught by the law. Escaping the punishment of death due to the interceding of a good priest, she is deported to the States for penal servitude. After several twists of fortune and ungenuine repentance on her part, she is redeemed and leads a retired life treading the correct path.
For a novel of the 18th century, Moll Flanders is a bold and riotous novel with a good share of carousal and licentiousness. The depiction of female sexuality and the idea of women being the makers of their destiny, even if by unfair means is a remarkable shift in the conventions and notions of gender and role. The omission of decency and decorum in the description of sexual relationships and debauchery in the novel, if not explicit, is still stark by 18th century standards.
No character in the novel except Moll Flanders is given a name. All are introduced as my guardian, my Lancashire husband, my benefactress etc. The character of Moll Flanders permeates the novel’s consciousness. She is the flame unto which the moths get attracted. This is my second Defoe novel after Robinson Crusoe. Both novels posit the individual against Nature or the world. Both characters navigate their journey in the world fighting an inimical destiny in their unique ways.
My impression from a reading of Defoe’s novels reinforces my belief that Literature is a product of social reality. The author depicts the inhuman working of British criminal justice, the breeding of vice and evil in an unjust social equilibrium, the opprobrium attached to the loss of honor and modesty in a woman, the several individuals who lead their life on the fringe of society produced by this reality and perpetuating it. (“Moll Flanders is the child of a woman who is imprisoned for robbery.”)
Love and affection are possible even in the most poisoned hearts. Moll Flanders loves all her husbands and consorts although she leaves them due to one reason or the other. However the novel is silent as to the fortunes of her children. (To be continued)