Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe Summary

Moll Flanders follows the tumultuous life of its protagonist, Moll, who navigates 17th-century England through marriages, criminal exploits, and social survival. Born in prison, Moll ascends from poverty via strategic alliances, theft, and deception, ultimately seeking redemption. The novel explores themes of gender inequality, economic desperation, and moral ambiguity, framed as Moll’s retrospective confessional. Defoe blends picaresque adventure with social critique.

This novel appeals to readers interested in classic literature, feminist narratives, and social history. Scholars of 18th-century fiction, students analyzing themes of identity and survival, and those exploring early feminist perspectives will find it compelling. Its unflinching portrayal of a woman’s struggle for autonomy resonates with modern discussions on gender and class.

Yes—Defoe’s gritty realism and Moll’s complex character offer timeless insights into human resilience and societal constraints. While episodic, the novel’s exploration of morality, survival, and female agency remains relevant. Critics praise its candid depiction of poverty and its challenge to patriarchal norms, though some find Moll’s repentance abrupt.

• Gender and power: Moll subverts 17th-century norms by leveraging alliances and economic independence.
• Wealth and survival: Money drives Moll’s choices, from marriages to theft, highlighting class mobility struggles.
• Identity and deception: Moll adopts multiple personas, reflecting societal pressures and self-preservation.
• Morality and redemption: Her eventual repentance contrasts with lifelong moral compromises.

Moll rejects passive femininity by marrying five times, engaging in theft, and prioritizing financial security over societal expectations. Defoe portrays her as a pragmatist navigating a male-dominated world, emphasizing women’s resourcefulness. Scholar Swaminathan notes Moll’s friendships with marginalized women further defy period norms.

Crime becomes Moll’s survival mechanism amid poverty and limited opportunities. Her thefts and disguises critique systemic inequality, though Defoe condemns her actions morally. The novel juxtaposes criminality with societal hypocrisy, as Moll’s exploits mirror the corruption of the elite.

Moll achieves financial stability and repentance late in life, returning to England with her Lancashire husband. However, her “happy” ending is ambiguous—her wealth stems partly from inherited and stolen gains, leaving her redemption morally complex.

Moll evolves from an orphaned girl to a cunning survivor, adopting roles like gentlewoman, thief, and penitent. Her shifting identities—often tied to marriage or crime—reflect her adaptability in a rigid class system. Defoe uses this fluidity to critique societal labels.

Wealth symbolizes freedom and security in a society where women lack inheritance rights. Moll’s marriages and thefts are economic strategies, underscoring Defoe’s critique of materialism. As scholar Kuhlisch notes, Moll “defines her identity through her economic activities”.

Morality is transactional: Moll condemns her crimes but prioritizes survival. Defoe frames her story as a cautionary tale, yet humanizes her struggles, prompting readers to question societal vs. personal ethics. The preface emphasizes moral instruction despite Moll’s vice.

Critics debate the novel’s disjointed structure and Moll’s sudden repentance. Some argue Defoe’s moralizing clashes with Moll’s agency, while others find the focus on survival over character depth limiting. Modern analyses critique colonial undertones in Moll’s Maryland subplot.

Moll’s defiance of gender roles—asserting economic independence, rejecting passivity, and forming female alliances—positions her as an early feminist figure. Defoe highlights systemic barriers facing women, though her resourcefulness remains controversial within feminist discourse.