Volume 03 Issue 05-2023
151
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
(ISSN
–
2771-2834)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
05
Pages:
151-155
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
6.
997
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
ABSTRACT
The relationship between the environment and personality is a fascinating subject that has captivated thinkers,
writers, and researchers throughout history. The works of Daniel Defoe, a distinguished English writer of the 18th
century, offer a rich tapestry of narratives that explore the intricate relationship between the environment and
individual personality. In this article, we delve into Defoe's literary world, analyzing how he masterfully weaves the
problem of environment and personality into his works. Defoe illuminates the complex interplay between the natural
world and the shaping of individual identities through vivid descriptions of settings and profound character
development.
KEYWORDS
E
nvironment, personality, Daniel Defoe’s literary works, interplay, the natural world, character development,
survival, moral dilemmas, ethical considerations, isolation, symbolism.
INTRODUCTION
The relationship between the environment and
personality is a fascinating subject that has captivated
thinkers, writers, and researchers throughout history.
Drawing insights from psychology, literature, and
environmental studies, we explore the complex
interplay between nature and the formation of human
identity. Daniel Defoe, a prominent figure in 18th-
century literature, explored the complex relationship
between the environment and individual personality in
his works. In this article, we embark on a
comprehensive analysis of the captivating problem of
environment and personality as depicted in Defoe's
Research Article
THE PROBLEM OF ENVIRONMENT AND PERSONALITY IN DANIEL
DEFOE’S WORKS
Submission Date:
May 21, 2023,
Accepted Date:
May 26, 2023,
Published Date:
May 31, 2023
Crossref doi:
https://doi.org/10.37547/ijll/Volume03Issue05-30
Makhmudova Ulmaskhon
MA student of English literature department, Bukhara State University, Uzbekistan
Khamdamova Sitora
Teacher at English literature department, Bukhara State University, Uzbekistan
Journal
Website:
https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ijll
Copyright:
Original
content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons
attributes
4.0 licence.
Volume 03 Issue 05-2023
152
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
(ISSN
–
2771-2834)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
05
Pages:
151-155
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
6.
997
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
writings. Through his vivid narratives, intricate
character development, and thought-provoking
themes, Defoe delves into the profound influence of
the natural world on the formation, transformation,
and expression of human identity.
MAIN PART
One of the key debates surrounding the environment
and personality revolves around the question of
determinism
versus
agency.
Environmental
determinism posits that an individual's personality and
behaviors are predominantly shaped by external
factors, such as their physical surroundings and social
environment. However, alternative perspectives
emphasize the role of individual agency, suggesting
that personal choices and internal factors interact with
the environment to shape personality. Balancing these
viewpoints is crucial in understanding the intricate
nature of the environment-personality relationship.
The natural environment has a profound impact on the
formation of personality traits and behaviors. Research
suggests that exposure to natural settings, such as
forests, parks, or oceans, can have positive effects on
mental health, cognitive functioning, and overall well-
being. The presence of nature can foster a sense of
tranquility, connection, and restoration, which can
shape individuals' personalities by promoting qualities
like
resilience,
empathy,
and
environmental
consciousness. Challenging environmental conditions
can have significant implications for personality
development. Adverse experiences, such as exposure
to pollution, natural disasters, or socio-economic
disparities, can contribute to stress, trauma, and
negative personality outcomes. Individuals facing such
challenges may exhibit traits like anxiety, aggression,
or a heightened sense of vigilance. Understanding the
impact of environmental stressors is crucial for
comprehending the dynamic relationship between
nature and personality. The environment provides
opportunities for personal growth and self-reflection.
Immersion in natural settings, outdoor activities, or
wilderness experiences can serve as catalysts for self-
discovery,
resilience
building,
and
personal
transformation. By engaging with nature, individuals
may develop a deeper understanding of themselves,
their values, and their place within the world,
contributing to the shaping of their personalities.
Defoe's works are marked by their vivid descriptions of
physical surroundings, whether it be the deserted
island in "Robinson Crusoe" or the chaotic city streets
in "Moll Flanders." These environments serve as
catalysts for personal growth, moral dilemmas, and
psychological exploration. Defoe skillfully intertwines
the environmental backdrop with the development of
his characters, illustrating how the surroundings shape
their values, behaviors, and moral choices. Defoe's
characters often find themselves in challenging and
often hostile environments that put their resilience to
the test. Whether it is the deserted island in "Robinson
Crusoe," the plague-ridden streets of London in "A
Journal of the Plague Year," or the corrupt society in
"Moll Flanders," the environment becomes a crucible
in which the characters' personalities are forged. These
harsh conditions force the characters to confront their
limitations, adapt to their surroundings, and develop
resilience as they strive for survival. Defoe explores
how
the
social
environment
influences
the
personalities of his characters. In works like "Moll
Flanders" and "Roxana," the characters navigate
complex social structures characterized by deceit,
crime, and moral ambiguity. The social environment
shapes their values, choices, and behaviors, leading to
moral dilemmas and internal conflicts.
Volume 03 Issue 05-2023
153
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
(ISSN
–
2771-2834)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
05
Pages:
151-155
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
6.
997
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
Defoe illustrates how individuals are both products of
their social environment and agents who can challenge
or conform to societal expectations. Defoe presents
his characters with moral dilemmas that arise from the
interaction between their environment and personal
choices. In "A Journal of the Plague Year," the
protagonist faces the ethical dilemma of self-
preservation versus communal responsibility during
the devastating plague outbreak. These moral
dilemmas expose the characters' strengths and
weaknesses, testing their moral compasses and
shaping their personalities. Defoe delves into the
complexities of moral decision-making and its impact
on individual character development. Defoe employs
the environment as a symbolic element to reflect the
inner state of his characters. The physical
surroundings, such as the deserted island, the plague-
stricken city, or the bustling streets of London, mirror
the characters' psychological and emotional states.
The
environment
serves
as
a
metaphorical
representation of their internal conflicts, desires, and
struggles. Defoe's symbolic use of the environment
enhances the depth and complexity of the characters'
personalities.
Survival, a recurring theme in Defoe's works, forces his
characters to confront the challenges presented by
their environment. Whether it is Crusoe's struggle for
sustenance and shelter or Roxana's navigation of a
corrupt society, their encounters with the natural and
social
environment
shape
their
personalities,
resilience, and adaptability.
Defoe's characters also face moral dilemmas that
reflect the ethical complexities of their environment.
The choices they make, influenced by their
surroundings, contribute to the development of their
personalities and moral compasses. Through their
journeys, Defoe prompts readers to reflect on the
interplay between environment and individual agency,
highlighting the profound influence of external
circumstances on personal values and ethical decision-
making.
Psychological exploration is another crucial aspect of
Defoe's works. His characters undergo profound
internal struggles, influenced by their environment,
which shape their thoughts, emotions, and self-
identity. Defoe delves into the psychological depths of
his characters, providing readers with insights into the
complexities of human nature and the ways in which
the environment interacts with individual personality.
In addition to exploring the problem of environment
and personality on an individual level, Defoe's works
often shed light on the broader societal and cultural
context. He examines how the social environment,
influenced by the natural world, shapes individuals'
behaviors, beliefs, and interactions, offering a
comprehensive exploration of the complex interplay
between the environment and collective personality.
Through this analysis of Defoe's works, we aim to
deepen our understanding of the problem of
environment and personality. By unraveling the
intricacies of human identity within the context of the
natural world, Defoe's writings invite us to
contemplate our own relationship with the
environment and the profound ways in which it shapes
who we are as individuals.
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
Daniel Defoe, an acclaimed author of the 18th century,
adeptly delved into the complex interconnection
between the environment and personal identity in his
literary masterpieces.
Volume 03 Issue 05-2023
154
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
(ISSN
–
2771-2834)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
05
Pages:
151-155
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
6.
997
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
Through vivid descriptions, moral dilemmas, and
psychological nuances, Defoe shed light on the
profound impact of the natural world on the formation
and expression of human identity. In this article, we
delve into the captivating problem of environment and
personality as depicted in Defoe's works, examining
key extracts that exemplify this complex dynamic.
Extract 1 - "Robinson Crusoe": "Thus, my island became
a prison, and yet a paradise. For in my solitude, I had to
confront the harshness of nature, the relentless
struggle for survival. The environment molded my
character, testing my resilience and resourcefulness. It
was here, amidst the solitude and isolation, that I
discovered facets of my personality I never knew
existed."
This extract showcases the transformative power of
the environment in "Robinson Crusoe." The deserted
island serves as a crucible, shaping Crusoe's personality
through his encounters with the natural world. The
environment becomes a catalyst for his personal
growth, revealing aspects of his character that were
previously unexplored.
Extract 2 - "Moll Flanders": "The city streets were alive
with a chaotic blend of vice and opportunity. The
environment I found myself in challenged the very core
of my moral being. I was thrust into a world where
survival necessitated compromise, where the
boundaries between right and wrong blurred. The
choices I made within this environment shaped not
only my destiny but also the person I became."
In this extract, Moll Flanders grapples with the moral
complexities of her environment. The corrupt society
she inhabits poses moral dilemmas, testing her values
and forcing her to confront the ethical implications of
her choices. The environment becomes a crucible for
her personality, highlighting the delicate balance
between survival and maintaining one's moral
integrity.
Extract 3 - "A Journal of the Plague Year": "The plague
swept through the city, claiming lives indiscriminately.
The environment was suffused with fear, panic, and
the stench of death. In the face of such calamity,
individuals were forced to make impossible choices
–
between
self-preservation
and
communal
responsibility. The environment revealed the depths of
human character, exposing the fragility and strength of
our inner selves."
This extract depicts the impact of an environmental
crisis on individual personalities. The plague becomes
the backdrop against which moral choices and ethical
dilemmas unfold. The environment magnifies the
complexities of human nature, revealing the true
character of individuals as they navigate the chaos,
fear, and moral challenges presented by the epidemic.
CONCLUSION
The problem of environment and personality is a
complex and multifaceted topic that encompasses
various
perspectives,
including
environmental
determinism, individual agency, cultural context, and
personal growth. Understanding the interplay
between nature and individual identity provides
insights into the formation of personality traits,
behaviors, and values. By recognizing the influence of
the environment on personality and fostering a deep
connection with nature, we can cultivate a more
holistic understanding of ourselves and our
relationship with the natural world, fostering a
sustainable and harmonious future.
Volume 03 Issue 05-2023
155
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
(ISSN
–
2771-2834)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
05
Pages:
151-155
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
6.
997
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
In the literary realm of Daniel Defoe, the problem of
environment and personality is intricately woven into
the fabric of his works. Through his vivid descriptions
of settings, moral dilemmas, social environments,
psychological
exploration,
and
symbolic
representations, Defoe illuminates the profound
influence of the environment on individual personality.
His writings remind us of the intricate interplay
between the natural world and the shaping of our
identities, prompting us to contemplate our own
relationship with the environment and the profound
impact it has on who we are as individuals.
REFERENCES
1.
Backscheider, P. Daniel Defoe: His Life. JHU
Press.
–
1989.
–
125 p.
2.
Bakhshilloyevna,
Khamdamova
Sitora.
"FORMATION OF MODERN ENGLISH POETRY
IN THE LATE XIX AND EARLY XX CENTURIES."
Euro-Asia Conferences. Vol. 1. No. 1. 2021.
3.
Bakhshilloyevna,
Khamdamova
Sitora.
"CRITICAL REVIEW OF LITERATURE ON
SYMBOLISM
IN
WILLIAM
BUTLER
YEATS’POETRY." Euro
-Asia Conferences. Vol. 3.
No. 1. 2021.
4.
Rogers, P. (1990). Defoe and the Nature of
Man. Macmillan.
5.
Garside, P. (1996). Introduction. In Defoe, D., &
Garside, P. (Eds.), Robinson Crusoe (pp. 1-53).
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6.
Zwicker, S. N. (1996). Robinson Crusoe: The
First Fictional Autobiography. Studies in
English Literature, 1500-1900, 36(3), 541-561.
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Starr, G. A. (2004). Defoe and the Uses of
Narrative. University of Georgia Press.
8.
Curtis, L. P. (2010). Contexts of Robinson
Crusoe. Routledge.
9.
Novak, M. (2013). Nature and Culture in Defoe's
Robinson Crusoe. The Eighteenth Century,
54(2-3), 213-236.
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Downie, J. (2019). The Problem of Robinson
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