Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe :: Moll Flanders Daniel Defoe Essays

moll Flanders by Daniel DefoeThree recurring themes in Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe are greed, vanity,and repentance. Theme is defined as an implicit in(p) or essential subject ofartistic representation. These three themes play an principal(prenominal) role in thedevelopment of the story of Moll Flanders.The first theme, greed, is shown in Molls acts of prostitution. Mollturns to thievery in many instances to support herself. She also allows her ethics to disintegrate a result of her greediness.Molls first act of prostitution is drive upon her unk like a shotingly. In thebeginning of the story, she is living with a gentle woman and her family. one(a)of the brothers takes interest in Moll and seduces her into becoming his lover.He took these freedoms with me when this was over he stayed but a little while,but he put close to a handful of gold in my hand (Defoe 26). Moll lets come out herguard and meets with the brother frequently. so putting the purse into mybosom, I make no more resistance to him, but let him do besides what he joyful andas often as he pleased (Defoe 30). Later in the story, Moll becomesacquainted with a woman who persuades Moll to work for her as a prostitute.Even though Moll is now married, she agrees to sell her body for profit. Ifound presently that whether I was a sporting lady or a wife, I was to pass for a whorehere (Defoe 144). Molls acts of prostitution show that she will carry out unlawful practices in order to get money.Molls many instances involving thievery also channel the theme of greed.At the end of the story, Moll fork outs her son a stolen watch. I stole it froma gentlewomans side at a meeting tolerate in London (Defoe 297). Moll says thisis the only thing of value she has to give him. One Christmas Day Molldiscovers an unattended silversmiths shop. I went boldly in and was justgoing to lay my hand upon a piece of plate, and cleverness have done it and carriedit clear off (Defoe 238). Moll resists the temptati on to slue because anearby shopkeeper rushes over after having seen her enter the put down store.While Moll is living with the old governess she has some luck swindling a man ata gaming-house who seems to be of more than ordinary flair (Defoe 230).Moll wins him some money and secretly keeps a part for herself each(prenominal) time. hedivided it with me, and I brought away 30 (sic) guineas besides some forty-