Daniel Defoe 
Roxana: The Fortunate Mistress 
From wealth to prostitution to freedom

In Daniel Defoe’s ‘Roxana: The Fortunate Mistress’, the reader is drawn into a compelling tale of a woman’s struggle for survival and success in a male-dominated society. Written in the form of an autobiography, the novel explores themes of power, sexuality, and morality. Defoe’s straightforward and realistic narrative style, typical of his journalistic background, adds authenticity to the story, creating a sense of immediacy and intimacy for the reader. Set against the backdrop of 17th century England, ‘Roxana’ offers a fascinating portrayal of a complex female character who defies societal norms and expectations. Daniel Defoe, a prolific writer and social commentator, was influenced by his own experiences in a rapidly changing world. His interest in exploring the lives of marginalized individuals and criticizing the hypocrisies of his time is evident in ‘Roxana’. Through the character of Roxana, Defoe challenges conventional notions of femininity and explores the complexities of human desires and motivations. I highly recommend ‘Roxana: The Fortunate Mistress’ to readers interested in historical fiction, gender studies, and psychological literature. Defoe’s keen insight into human nature and his engaging narrative style make this novel a timeless classic worth delving into.