Question

Which statement from the fella's Robinson Crusoe best illustrates the concept found in the Great Chain of Being?

1) If any people were to come on shore, they would not perceive anything like a habitation.
2) Robinson Crusoe built a shelter using the materials he found on the island.
3) The island was inhabited by various animals and plants.
4) Robinson Crusoe believed in the hierarchy of beings as described in the Great Chain of Being.

Answer 1

The statement that Robinson Crusoe believed in the hierarchy of beings as described in the Great Chain of Being best illustrates the concept within the novel, as it implies a belief in natural hierarchy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement from Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe that best illustrates the concept found in the Great Chain of Being is likely the fourth option: Robinson Crusoe believed in the hierarchy of beings as described in the Great Chain of Being. This statement directly references Crusoe's belief in a natural hierarchy, which is what the Great Chain of Being embodies. In the novel, Crusoe’s interactions with Friday could be interpreted through the lens of the Great Chain of Being, given he assumes a position of authority and teaches Friday, mirroring the hierarchical structure of the concept. Additionally, Crusoe's exertion of dominance over the island's resources and his approach to survival also reflect the anthropocentric view inherent in this philosophy. The text in question does not directly spell out Crusoe's beliefs, but such an understanding can be inferred from his actions and attitudes in the novel.