Moll Flanders

Rating:
Summary: Moll Flanders could be a character of today
Review: Moll Flanders was written by Daniel Defoe, the same author of Robinson Crusoe. Although the settings are different, we can see many similarities between the stories, like the implicit criticism of british society of the XVII/XVIII centuries and the importance that society gave to exterior looks.

Moll Flanders can be divided in two parts. In the first one, Moll, being poor, is raised in a foster home, and, being pretty, catches the attention of the elder son of the family whose house she lives in. It is when her misfortunes begin. Misled and deceived by this elder son, she has to leave the house and be on her own. When she was a child, she wanted to be a "dame of society", and that's what she desperately tries to become, looking for a rich man who will support her financialy. To catch the eyes of such men, she has to pretend she is very rich herself, and then all she manages to have are false "gentlemen", trying themselves to marry a rich woman. Even then, she is able to find a man she loves (more than one, in fact), but through a series of bad luck she always looses everything.

The second part of the book is where Moll Flanders transforms herself in a successfull thieve. This is a fun part, where she describes her struggle to accomplish the thefts without being caught and thrown to infamous prison Newgate. And then, the ending seemed a little too sudden to me.

Defoe's book is a stinging critic to his society, and that's why he chose to write in a female first-person, self centered (there are almost no other names in the course of the story) and desperate to get to the high level of society, showing that everybody could be affected by hypocrite puritanism and moralism.

Grade 8.5/10

Rating:
Summary: Dangerous Woman: fallen below rank
Review: Moll Flanders, a beautiful orphanted female, is born in a prison and abandoned six months later by her wedlocked irresponsible mother. Her drive to find a secure place in society propels her through incest, adultery, bigamy, prostitution, and a resourceful career as a thief, before she is returned to the prison, awaiting trial, and possibly death at her short yet sweet life.

Rating:
Summary: thought-provoking
Review: Moll Flanders: Who was Born in Newgate, and during a Life of continu'd Variety for threescore years, besides her childhood, was Twelve Year a Whore, five times a Wife (Whereof once to her own Brother) Twelve Year a Thief, Eight Year a Transported Felon in Virginia, at last grew Rich, liv'd Honest, and died a Penitent by Daniel Defoe has been an interesting read. This is a true story taken from Moll Flander's own memoirs. This book is a story of wickedness until the last fifty of three hundred pages when 'Moll' finally becomes penitent. It then becomes a story of forgiveness and God's mercy no matter what a person's past life or background has been. Moll is a clever woman who, although wants to be honest and pure, cannot become so because of the society she lives in and what it has reduced her too. This, however, does not exempt her from responsibility for her actions, it just serves as a catalyst and partial cause of her circumstances. The bulk of the book serves as a warning that once a sin is set in motion it is very difficult, if not impossible, to stop. It is a lesson for those who are willing to read the book. I give it a lower rating because the story, although quite thought-provoking, became dull at times and was a little too graphic. Another note worth mentioning is that there are no chapters or separations in the book. It is written without any quotation marks so that dialouge is written as 'he said' 'she said.'


Rating:
Summary: MOLL FLANDERS, SEARCH FOR FAMILY
Review: Moll, a beautiful orphant, is left alone, innocent and heartbroken by her parents death. She starts off as Betty, then marries 4 times, goes from pauper to riches then to pauper and unto riches, a process from foolish marriages and a life led unto stealing. A fast paced 1600's novel, a book with suspense, romance, and shock.

Rating:
Summary: You can't do it in one line.....
Review: Ok so this book, has got me boggled, anyone with any insights or anything E-mail me [e-mail]... I think this is a good book but it lacks imagery.. It can be slow at times but its a clssic all the same.. To put the book breifly Moll screws all the men and women for that matter she is a crafty as they come, she always has a motive... always... And she abandons all of her kids... I havent seen the movie but I hear its bad Danielle

Rating:
Summary: A great read
Review: One of the all time best works in the annals of literature, this highly involving and rich comic novel has perhaps the best heroine of any classic book. What a great narrative style, if not altogether a good role model; still, you can hardly blame Moll for all the trouble she gets into. Defoe really gets into the mind of this memorable female protagonist, so deftly, you will sympathsize with her from the first page. A truly sublime work of art. Add it to your personal library today.

Rating:
Summary: Tasty
Review: The'plot structure of Moll Flanders is conventional: it's the usual plot about a deviant who, in the end, regenerates oneself and kowtows before conventional morals - Moll's ultimate fate being no different from that of the late Sex and the City foursome. However, what a different between Defoe's ironical ending - when Moll and her "Lancashire husband" settle down in Maryland to enjoy a comfortable old age out of her looting as a street criminal - and the dull Victorian-like endings of so many of our popular culture fictions - which by the way, lack entirely in genuine conviction about the values they intend to upheld!Moll Flanders is a healthy beast - someone who accepts her world as it's and makes the best out of it.It's this matter-of-fact attitude which makes most of the novel's charms, and makes today's readers refreshed! Read, and enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: One of the greatest books written
Review: Think that sex,,violence, and scandal are only a modern invention? MOLL FLANDERS, written by Daniel Defoe in 1722, will prove you wrong. Incest, adultery, bigamy, prostitution, and thievery stain her background as she tries to rise above her birth and gain wealth in 18th century England.

Moll Flander's tale is told so lightly and humorously that the reader tends to forget about the seriousness and the sadness of her situations. It gives and accurate and clear picture of English life in the 1700's. The language Defoe uses is 18th century English, yet readers shouldn't get scared away. The reading becomes easier after the first couple of chapters.

So, if you are looking for a good book to curl up by the fire with, read MOLL FLANDERS

Rating:
Summary: Twelve year a whore, and I still wanted more!
Review: This book is absolutely hilarious! Moll Flanders is a woman who loved money a bit too much and in turn was loved by many a man with money. The comedy in this book stands the test of time (at least for me) and in my opinion, the language is not as archaic and difficult to follow as one previous reviewer stated. There are some words that aren't in use today, but their meanings are pretty self-explanatory. If you love scandal, you'll love this book. This chick has baby after baby, sleeps with almost any man with money, and even marries her own brother! If Moll were around nowadays, she'd probably be on Springer! Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: A fast paced adventure
Review: This is one of the most fun pieces of literature that I have ever read. It is fast paced, and doesn't get boring. She goes through numerous marriages, even more affairs, and dabbles in theft. She unknowingly becomes part of an incestuous relationship!

It should be noted that this book is action driven, although Moll Flanders still undergoes considerable character development. For example, when she begins her extremely successful career as a thief, she is doing it for survival reasons. But after a while, she is doing it for greed. It is interesting to see what causes her to change in various situations.

I highly recommend this book.