In writing "Moll Flanders" ,Daniel Defoe intends to portray the injustices of seventeenth century England. At this time, the development of the colonial empire which England possessed, was one of the foremost social issues that influenced Defoe's novel. This development occurred almost simutaneously with the increasing importance of property. As a result of this historical period, one can say that it was almost necessary for the character of Moll Flanders to be created. Although she was created to show the injustice of this society, it is debatable whether or not she has the ability to evoke sympathy from an audience. One not only has to analyse her personal circumstances, but also the society as a whole,in order to decide if this opportunistic woman who succeeds in an opportunistic society, is indeed a sympathetic character.
Moll Flanders is an unfortunate victim of circumstance. She is unable to control her destiny as a member of a low social class. By the laws of nature, she is condemned to lead a life of servitude even though she continually struggles to rise above this. Moll, in many ways, desires to become who and what she is not. For the period of time that she serves as a companion to two sisters with whom she lives, she is exposed to a life that society does not intend her to have. However, Moll, in her ignorance of her fate, teaches herself some of the basic skills that upper class women needed to know, as preparation for her life as a "Gentlewoman". She becomes opportunistic as a way of surviving the cruel life that she leads. Although this personality trait can earn sympathy, it can also have the opposite effect.
In this time period of history, women of Moll's social status utilised all resources that were within their reach in order to advance in both wealth and class. Thus, Defoe, through literary means, created a character that reflected the women of a particular portion of his society.
