Roxana: The Unfortunate MistressFirst published in 1724, Roxana is unique in that it is Defoe’s last novel and the only one that deals with the moral degradation of the main character, rather than her success (as one might see in his other novels). Roxana is supposed to be a fictional representation of Nell Gwyn, the long-time mistress of Charles II of England and Scotland. Called “pretty, witty Nell” by Samuel Pepys, she has long been regarded as a living embodiment of the spirit of Restoration England and has come to be considered a folk heroine, with a story echoing the rags-to-royalty tale of Cinderella. Defoe’s illustration of Nell is rather less flattering, however. |
Contents
Section 18 | |
Section 19 | |
Section 20 | |
Section 21 | |
Section 22 | |
Section 23 | |
Section 24 | |
Section 25 | |
Section 9 | |
Section 10 | |
Section 11 | |
Section 12 | |
Section 13 | |
Section 14 | |
Section 15 | |
Section 16 | |
Section 17 | |
Section 26 | |
Section 27 | |
Section 28 | |
Section 29 | |
Section 30 | |
Section 31 | |
Section 32 | |
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Common terms and phrases
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