The work of God’s providence is a major theme in Robinson Crusoe. From beginning to end, Crusoe finds the work of God’s direction to be the force behind, and cause of, his circumstances. When first stranded, Crusoe decries what’s happened to him, wondering why the world has treated him in this way. Upon deeper reflection, Crusoe comes to consider his circumstances to be the result of his wretched life and choices, such as planning to help fellow merchants bring slaves to Brazil from Africa. But soon after, Crusoe believes his role of castaway provides the chance for his own deliverance from sin into a true Christian life. It’s important to note that often Crusoe strengthens his belief in providence only to later doubt it, before again becoming devout.

Once Crusoe is marooned on the island, and is the only sailor to have survived, he asks, “Why were not they sav’d and you lost? Why were you singled out? Is it better to be here or there, and then I pointed to the sea?” (45). Two years later, Crusoe thinks that “[i]t is God that has made it all: Well, but then it came on strangely, if God has made all these things, He guides and governs them all.