The Hypocrisy of the Elite Class in Anglo-American Literature: A Case Study of Robinson Crusoe

Robinson Crusoe is a classic work in British and American literature. The protagonist, Robinson Crusoe, survived on the deserted island with his indomitable will and became the owner, ruler, and lawmaker of the island, presenting an ideal image of diligence and integrity. However, when he returned to the civilized society, his image was completely different from that of the “sincere laborer” on the island, revealing his greedy pursuit of wealth and status. This article analyzes the manifestations and causes of this hypocrisy at the interpersonal interaction and value level from multiple dimensions, combined with the historical background of the rise of British capitalism and colonial expansion in the 18th century, to explore the social roots of this phenomenon. Through this mirror of literature to examine reality, this article also provides a new perspective for understanding similar phenomena in contemporary society.