Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe is considered the first novel in English by many sources and has been popular from its publication onwards. The novel may be read as the account of a journey taken from the European world of the 17th and early 18th century, to the Island of Despair then to a reflective solitude on Robinson's part. The journey is later retraced, passing through the same stages in reverse with the arrival of Friday. The only stable character of this journey is Robinson as the protagonist and the prevailing worldview is the European outlook of Robinson as the narrator. Insurmountable geographical displacement, the brimming desire for mastery over nature, the 'eat or be eaten' violence and the necessity of repentance are some of prevalent themes which permeate The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe.