An in-depth analysis was conducted on the multidimensionality of the gentleman concept in Defoe's novel "Colonel Jack" and its association with the characteristics of 18th century British citizens. The novel explores the cultural negotiation between gentlemen and different male types such as horse riding robbers, merchants, and knights through Jack's adventure experiences. Although "Colonel Jack" has problems with piecing together and lacking coherence in art, scholars believe that this structural inconsistency actually provides space for showcasing the theme of gentlemen. McBurney emphasized the appeal of diversity in novels to 18th century readers, while McKay pointed out that cultural negotiation in novels helps to construct the image of British gentlemen. This article further proposes that Defoe connects the interludes of the novel through the use of horse imagery, serving the theme of gentlemen while implying the familial similarities between the protagonist's gentlemanly identity and other male types, reflecting the author's conflicting consciousness on the issue of virtue.

Virtue issues, gentlemanly concepts, and business identity

Explored in depth the complex relationship between the gentlemanly identity of the protagonist, Colonel Jack, and his personal struggles in 'Colonel Jack'. The novel showcases through the background and upbringing of Colonel Jack's illegitimate child that personal effort can transcend one's birth and achieve a transition to the gentlemanly class, while also implying the importance of bloodline theory. The chapter reviews the evolution of the concept of the gentleman in 17th and 18th century England, from traditional ideas based on bloodline and estate, to the possibility of obtaining gentlemanly status through education and socialization, as well as Defoe's redefinition of gentlemanly status.

Stealing Horses and Working Horses: From Horse Bandits to Plantation Owners

The novel 'Colonel Jack' explores the connection between the image of gentlemen in 18th century England and the narrative of horses. In the novel, Colonel Jack wanders the streets and learns to steal, but as he grows up, he begins to reflect on his behavior and question his friend Will's understanding of gentlemen. Will hopes to become a horse riding bandit, but the colonel does not agree. Horse riding bandits have a complex image in British culture, with both brave and suave aristocratic bandits and charitable bandits robbing the rich to help the poor, but most of them come from civilian backgrounds and behave rudely. The colonel and captain stole horses in Scotland, but the colonel ultimately chose to return them and refused to become a horse riding bandit. This contrasts with the horse stealing scene in "Moll Flanders", showcasing the colonel's resistance to aristocratic demeanor.

Buried War Horse: Knight's Twilight

Exploring the negotiation between the image of gentlemen and knights in 18th century England through Colonel Jack's military experience. After obtaining the status of a merchant's new gentleman, the colonel attempted to return to the traditional gentlemanly realm through military adventures, reflecting his aristocratic consciousness. He served as a bystander in the Battle of Ghent and did not participate in military affairs, but truly participated in the War of the Spanish Succession and obtained the rank of lieutenant colonel, lamenting the "gentlemanly life" he lived. However, the colonel's military career ended in failure, and the warhorses were written in a parody style, indicating that the knight dream of "unity of man and horse" has become a legend, and the aristocratic military approach is no longer feasible.

Conservative consciousness and familial similarity of male types

Explored in depth the relationship between the image of the new gentleman in Colonel Jack and cultural negotiations in 18th century England. The colonel, as a representative of the new gentleman, engaged in complex negotiations with traditional aristocrats and male types such as horse riding robbers. The author analyzed Defoe's complex attitude towards horse riding bandits, showing both rejection and admiration, as well as romantic interest. In the colonel's entrepreneurial career, although he did not directly participate in illegal activities, he still relied on the benefits brought by past theft and robbery. In the Americas, the colonel gained the position of supervisor by showcasing his wealth and credit, demonstrating potential predatory behavior.