A picaresque novel is one in which the entirety of the story follows the adventures of a lower society individual, who creates their own fortunes in society. The novels “Moll Flanders” and “Robinson Crusoe” both by Daniel Defoe, are picaresque novels that see the upbringing of the protagonist, describing the different ways that they survive in society. Defoe uses the picaresque format to describe in extreme detail the pain felt by Flanders and Crusoe; but in Robinson Crusoe it is used to detail the formation of a new life, while in Moll Flanders, picaresque is used to describe the methods Flanders took to create self satisfaction. Both novels use the picaresque format to describe the circumstances leading to the turmoil that follows for the rest of the story; but Crusoe made a rational decision to be in a life of adventure over stability, while Flanders was more a product of her situation. Robinson Crusoe and Moll Flanders both use the picaresque formant to show the successes that comes through determination; but while Flanders achieves success through deviancy and deception, Crusoe achieves success through a resilient belief in what may come. Picaresque novels allow for the entire character’s life to be seen, showing the extreme highs, and the specific demands they must meet to gain a sense of self-acclimation, or a sense of success. While the picaresque structure is designed to document the entirety of the protagonist’s life; Robinson Crusoe leaves out parts of his root beginnings, while Moll Flanders details the justification of all of her actions. While Crusoe does decide to avoid a life in law, instead choosing to experience a life at sea, the novel never fully details the reasoning behind going to sea. Crusoe chose to avoid a life in law, instead opting for a life at sea, as his mind was always filled up with “rambling thoughts” (Crusoe, 1). Flanders upbringing makes it quite clear what leads her on the path she takes, as the situation she is born into is far from ideal. Using the picaresque format to describe Flanders’ poor childhood conditions engages the reader’s interest, showing the obstacles she must overcome, causing the true desired emotions, to be exerted. Flanders was described as being left as a “poor desolate girl” (Flanders, 44). In both of Defoe’s novels, Flanders and Crusoe struggle dealing with what society expects from them, but Crusoe defies the reasoning that is being told upon him, while Flanders refused to be manipulated and forced into undesirable situations. Crusoe never formed into the man that his father expected, or had had hoped for. Crusoe instead chose to pursue a life that was truly desirable on his own terms, not falling into what society had hoped for. This was the first defiant step that leads Crusoe on his journey. This uses the picaresque format to show the results that come with every decision, and the rationale the protagonist must make to overcome the adversity that may follow. Upon telling his father that he would be pursuing a life at sea over a law profession, Crusoe saw the tears run down his father’s face “very plentifully” (Crusoe, 3). Flanders was making strong decisions at a very young age, refusing to fit into what society wanted her to be. Instead of falling into society’s beliefs, Flanders chooses to take a stand against higher-level authorities. Upon telling her nurse she would not do housework, the nurse was “mov’d” (Flanders, 47). This is a strong example of the picaresque format as it is the first defiant stand that Flanders takes in the novel, and the morals that she uses at this point, stick with her throughout adulthood. This was the first moment that Flanders was able to get what she wants in life, instilling a sense of greed that would become more prevalent l