Daniel Defoe, Moll Flanders

Study questions

1. pp. 72-83

1. What incident from Moll’s life is presented here? Is it significant?

2. What were some of the lies spread about the captain?

3. How does the problem of matrimony differ with regard to gender (men vs. women)? What has Moll learned in this respect?

4. How is marriage connected to ‘fortune-seeking’ or ‘fortune-hunting’? Who is more privileged in this respect?

5. What characteristics should a woman have to marry well? How do you judge Moll’s cleverness in this respect?

6. What is a woman who chooses the first man who comes to her for her husband compared to?

7. What are the essential qualities of a desirable mistress?

8. What are the essential qualities of a desirable wife?

2. pp. 208-213

1. Why has Moll turned to crime? What circumstances played the greatest role in this?

2. What is her first theft?

3. Who exactly does she blame for her misdemeanor? Who, according to the heroine, urges her to commit crime and “laid the snare”?

4. What does Moll do right after snatching the bundle and how does she feel? How does she try to rationalize her nagging feeling of guilt?