The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous Moll

Name: The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders
Author: Daniel Defoe

Moll Flanders is a novel by Daniel Defoe that follows the life of its titular character, a young woman who is born into poverty and must navigate various challenges throughout her life, including crime, prostitution, and imprisonment. Despite facing numerous setbacks, Moll remains determined to improve her circumstances and achieve financial security. The novel explores themes of morality, class, and gender roles in 18th-century England.

By Daniel Defoe · First published 1722 · Genre: Satire, Picaresque, Social commentary · 157,800 words

First lines

My true name is so well known in the records or registers at Newgate, and in the Old Bailey, and there are some things of such consequence still depending there, relating to my particular conduct, that it is not be expected I should set my name or the account of my family to this work; perhaps, after my death, it may be better known; at present it would not be proper, no not though a general pardon should be issued, even without exceptions and reserve of persons or crimes.

What this Textopian page supports

The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders is listed on Textopian as a novel by Daniel Defoe, dated 1722 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Daniel Defoe
Date: 1722 CE
Language: English
Genres: Satire, Picaresque, Social commentary, Adventure, Historical
Length: 157,800 words
Structure: 1 section, 1,384 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Genres

Satire — The novel, with its portrayal of Moll's sly survival tactics and sharp wit in the face of societal constraints, offers a satirical critique of the social and economic conditions of the time.
Picaresque — This term refers to a genre of prose fiction that depicts the adventures of a roguish, but appealing hero, of low social class, who lives by their wits in a corrupt society. Moll Flanders, being a woman who uses her cleverness, cunning and sometimes promiscuity to navigate through a corrupt and hypocritical society, fits this genre.
Social commentary — The novel provides a pointed critique of 18th-century English society's hypocrisy and contradictions such as the limited opportunities for women and the harsh laws against theft relative to the treatment of other crimes. This makes social commentary a prominent genre of the book.
Adventure — The story chronicles Moll's various escapades - from her five marriages, to her life as a criminal, and finally, her redemption in the American colonies. The narrative is therefore filled with her numerous adventurous encounters which justify this genre.