Explain how Robinson Crusoe's father believes his son to be in a "middle state," in Defoe's story, Robinson Crusoe. Explain how Crusoe's father...

In 's
novel, , Crusoe's father refers to his son as being in a "middle
state." This generally relates to what is common (as his father sees it) among adventurers
in general, based on their financial position in life.

His father says that
it is men of "desperate fortunes" who go on adventures such as Crusoe plans, or men of
"of aspiring superior fortunes," who hoped to improve their lot in life. Following an
uncommon path, these men hope to become famous. Crusoe's father then tells Crusoe that Crusoe
doesn't fit in either of these categories. They were either "too far
above" him, or "too far below." He labels Crusoe's position as "middle
states." Crusoe's father explains that Crusoe's position within society brings the most
happiness and is envied by others: Crusoe need not face "miseries and hardships" or
the hard work most others of the world need to do, and he does not have to deal with "pride
or...envy" from the upper classes. His father notes that "middle states" is
also...

...what might be called the upper station of low
life, which he had found, by long experience, was the best state in the world, the most suited
to human happiness, not exposed to the miseries and hardships, the labour and sufferings of the
mechanic part of mankind, and not embarrassed with the pride, luxury, ambition, and envy of the
upper part of mankind.

Crusoe's father goes on to
explain, as an example, that even kings wished to be in such a place, between the poor
("mean") and great for an easier life. He continues by saying that a wise man prays to
avoid poverty as well as riches. All in all, his father insists that those in the "middle
state" have the best life of all.

If Crusoe proceeds with his plans, his
father believes he will be miserable. He mentions the death of his brother, whom his father also
tried to dissuade from going to warwho was killed while fighting, having ignored his father's
advice: the same advice he was now giving to Robinson. He tells his son to be satisfied with
what he has in life, for he is extremely fortunate.