Robinsonade

Robinsonade is a literary genre where protagonists are isolated from civilization, often through shipwrecks or marooning on uninhabited islands, and must survive using limited resources. The term originates from Daniel Defoe's 1719 novel *Robinson Crusoe*, which inspired numerous imitations, leading to the genre being defined as "desert island stories" or "castaway narratives." The word "robinsonade" was coined by German writer Johann Gottfried Schnabel in his 1731 work *Die Insel Felsenburg*. This genre is often categorized under survivalist fiction and explores themes of isolation, self-reflection, contact with indigenous peoples or extraterrestrial life, and social commentary.

The genre encompasses both utopian and dystopian elements. While Thomas More's *Utopia* depicted nature as idyllic, Defoe’s *Robinson Crusoe* portrayed the wilderness as harsh, emphasizing survival through wits and cultural upbringing. Subsequent works like Johann David Wyss's *The Swiss Family Robinson* (1812–27) leaned utopian, while others like William Golding's *Lord of the Flies* adopted dystopian themes.

Inverted Crusoeism, a term coined by J.G. Ballard, refers to protagonists who choose isolation for personal growth, as seen in works like *Concrete Island*. Science fiction robinsonades, such as Tom Godwin’s *The Survivors*, Andy Weir’s *The Martian*, and Jules Verne’s *Mysterious Island*, adapt the genre into speculative settings.

The genre has influenced various media, including films (*Cast Away*) and TV shows (*Gilligan’s Island*). Related genres include Edisonade and nautical fiction. The Baldwin Library's digital collection offers historical examples of Robinsonades, while literary criticism explores its cultural significance.