The Literature Network - Notes on the State of Virginia: centuries after Moll Flanders, an Englishman comes ashore.

Notes on the State of Virginia: centuries after Moll Flanders, an Englishman comes ashore.

Content courtesy of

From: National Review
Date: 20051219
Author:Scruton, Roger

DANIEL DEFOE's heroine, found guilty of prostitution, was sent as a punishment to Rappahannock, which then comprised most of northern and western Virginia. Today this beautiful Indian name applies only to the Rappahannock River and to a small county in the Blue Ridge foothills. Like Moll Flanders, the Scrutons were banished to Rappahannock by English puritanism. Not that the puritans had arrested us; but by making our favorite pastime into a crime they have nevertheless made us into criminals. And make no mistake: Fox hunting is as offensive to the puritan English of today as ...

Read the rest of this article with a Free Trial at HighBeam Research.

Other Articles on Daniel Defoe

Works of Daniel Defoe: Life And Career Of Daniel Defoe

The books of Daniel

Works of Daniel Defoe: Critical Commentary

Arguments to the self in Defoe's 'Roxana.' (Daniel Defoe)

An essay on the history and reality of apparitions; Stoke Newington Daniel Defoe edition.(Brief Article)(Book Review)

The life of Daniel Defoe.(Brief Article)(Book Review)

Works of Daniel Defoe: Introduction

A Sermon by the "Queen of Whores".(Daniel Defoe's 'Roxana')(Critical Essay)

Dating the Devil: Daniel Defoe's Roxana and The Political History of the Devil.(Critical Essay)

"Modern panegyrick" and Defoe's "Dunciad." (poet Daniel Defoe)

Find More Articles

About Our Articles: We've partnered with Highbeam Research to provide these article excerpts for your research needs. However, due to copyright laws, we cannot publish the whole article. To view these articles in full length you'll need to use the link above to access the free trial at Highbeam.