In *Robinson Crusoe*, Coram is a sailor and the captain of the ship that rescues Crusoe from the island. Coram represents the values of civilized man as he embodies:
* Rationality and reason: He makes calculated decisions and prioritizes survival.
* Social conformity: He follows the rules of society and acts according to the norms of his time.
* Respect for authority: He is a captain and expects obedience from his crew.
Savages are often portrayed in the novel as:
* Irrational and impulsive: They are shown to be driven by emotions and primal instincts.
* Unsociable and uncivilized: They live outside the structures of Western society.
* Primitive and uncultured: They are often viewed as less developed and less intelligent than civilized men.
However, Coram's views on "savages" are not entirely negative. He acknowledges that they possess certain virtues, such as:
* Honesty and trustworthiness: He describes the "savages" as "honest" and "trustworthy" in their dealings with Crusoe.
* Strength and resilience: He admires their physical prowess and their ability to survive in harsh conditions.
Despite his reservations, Coram ultimately sees these "savages" as less civilized than himself and his fellow Europeans. His perspective reflects the colonialist attitudes of the 18th century, where European culture was seen as superior to other cultures.
It's crucial to remember that Defoe's novel reflects the biases of its time. The concepts of "civilized man" and "savages" are problematic and should be analyzed within the historical context of the work.