Daniel Defoe

Through the struggles of growing up, Daniel Defoe had many influences that changed the style of writing which ultimately made him an important figure in many people’s lives. His creative and indecisive style of writing changed the style of writing and some people’s ways of thinking. Defoe thought in a way that made him look in the future and not just what is happening at present. He had his fair share of up and downs. Jail was his home for many years. It gave him a view on life that not every person sees, nor probably should. The many works of literature he produced prove his dedication to his writings. And that’s showed by how much he wrote, and not just any writings, but extravagant and meaningful ones. People did not give him a chance to prove who he was. Daniel Defoe knew he was a good writer and these setbacks did not stop him from producing some of the most amazing works of literature. Daniel Defoe’s tough childhood gave him many influences for his writings, he took those influences and changed the style of writing in his time, and when he put everything together he became that important person we know him as today. Daniel Defoe was born in 1660 to an English trader. Though his real name was Daniel Foe, he decided to add the “De” to the front of it. He thought it made him manlier and professional. He was not even five years old when he survived the Bubonic Plague that killed thousands and thousands of people throughout England. Not even three years later, he survived the “Great Fire” that burned down every house but his and just a few other homes standing. Defoe’s childhood was rough and to make it even more despairing, his mother, Anna, died when he was not even to the age of 10. As Defoe said: “As covetousness is the root of all evil, so poverty is the worst of all snares.” (“Daniel Defoe” Biography.com) He points out that evil poses something while poverty can put people in traps. Many of his writings we know of today are