English Literature

Children are the future of our world. They give hope to the nation and give inspiration for the current generation to pursue the needs of the future generations. Moreover, the current generation is the most responsible in terms of honing the children in order to contribute to the society. One of the most important factors in shaping the children is the stories which they read. Moreover, one of the most utilized stories is written by Daniel Defoe Robin Crusoe.  This story was first published in August 1719 and later on there was already a sequel with the title Serious Reflection during Life and Surprising Adventures of Robin Crusoe. The whole book was filled with different essays that connect to morality. Hence, the book of Defoe is one of the most reliable books which will present the morality for children of different ages. Another story which would be utilized in this paper is Treasure Island which was written by Robert Louis Stevenson during 1883.

Based on the perspectives of children, it is more likely that they would want to have a clear view of the topic being discussed. Given that they have least experiences in life, the topic at hand must be clearly provided without any types of shadowing or complicated literary techniques. Thus, children are able to understand the subject through a direct use of words and situations. Moreover, Robin Crusoe and Treasure Island is one literary work which presents such concept. One example which could be cited is a line which in Robin Crusoe which states

For my part, I know not to this hour whether there are any such things as real apparitions, spectres, or walking of people after they are dead or whether there is anything in the stories they tell us of that kind more than the product of vapours, sick minds, and wandering fancies but this I know, that my imagination worked up to such a height, and brought me into such excess of vapours, or what else I may call it, that I actually supposed myself often upon the spot, at my old castle, behind the trees saw my old Spaniard, Fridays father, and the reprobate sailors I left upon the island nay, I fancied I talked with them, and looked at them steadily, though I was broad awake, as at persons just before me and this I did till I often frightened myself with the images my fancy represented to me.

Moreover, this section provides the readers a view of the story and what the author would want to present. This paragraph shows that the character is stating that there are aspects in life which are unreal and yet it goes to the imagination of people. Hence, the author presents that there are some events and stories in the lives of people that do not occur but is only present in the minds and imagination of different individuals. These imaginations only depend on the perspective and beliefs on individuals. Given this, it is highlighted that there are instances that people create situations in their minds which translates to their real life. Thus, reality is placed as a questionable concept for the author.

In addition, the book is able to pursue the concept of good and evil through the topic that is given by the author. Although Crusoe is able to highlight the topic of good and evil, the language which he had used is not fully understandable for this generation. Because the written work was first made in the 17th century the language used is very uncommon for children. Compared to childrens books of the current times, authors create stories that provide a much clearer view of the situation. Accordingly, they also provide pictures which entice different children to read and understand the story.

In children story books, words and images are the most important factor which relates to the learning of children. Through the use of simple words which are applicable to the current generation, children are able to attain the moral or the story. Thus, through the example paragraph provided earlier, Defoe was able to exemplify that his works are clear. However, the words do not clearly provide descriptive words to provide images that relates to the moral of the story. In addition to this, there are no pictures that children could see. Thus, the interest of the children is not provided as much compared to other children stories which provide colorful and interactive presentations.

On the other hand, the importance of presentation of information is deeply important for the current generation. Given that the children in the past eras are able to enjoy these kinds of literary work, the current generation is much inclined in a spoon fed information. Thus, in order for children to understand a topic, they must be able to understand this through imaging, presentation, colors, and the likes.

Treasure Island is also a story which presents conflicts within the pirate world. Given that it was set in the 1883, it is an adventure story of pirates of the sea. Treasure Island is presenting that values regarding virtue which is very similar to from Robin Crusoe. The virtues of life and challenges had been the main concept being promoted by Treasure Island. Readers could see that the aspects of virtue are very important for the characters. However through time, there is a great tendency that the characters tend to go back to having positive virtues. In analysis, factors relating to the concept of positive virtue are promoted however, due to the reverting attitudes of pirates and their nature everything that the story promote is gone in the end of the story. Therefore, this The Treasure Island is a good story which presents the virtues of life such as success and challenges. However through the characters utilize, the learning that should be understood by children are not fully absorbed by the readers.

For many studies have already stated that children learn more from images which the media is using in order to provide learning for children. Based on the perspective of Ellen Pifer, she stated that the concept of children is a social construct which is changing over time. In addition to this, children have had radical changes which are a huge factor for stories done in the past (Pifer, 1). Therefore, Defoes and Stevensons literary work is unable to relate to the current society because of his presentation and writing language. Although this is the case, changes could be done for the book to relate to the current generation. In order for Robin Crusoe and Treasure Island to attain success in the current generation a major overhaul with the format of the story must be done to be enjoyed by the youth.