Here's why:
* "Robinson Crusoe" (1719), his most famous work, is widely considered one of the first true English novels. It features a compelling protagonist, a realistic plot, and a focus on individual experience.
* Defoe's other works, like "Moll Flanders" and "Captain Singleton," also explored themes and narrative techniques that became defining characteristics of the novel.
* His writing style was innovative and realistic, using a first-person narrative voice that brought characters and events to life.
While Defoe is a key figure, others deserve recognition for their contributions to the development of the English novel:
* Henry Fielding: His satirical novels, like "Tom Jones," further established the genre's conventions and contributed to its literary stature.
* Samuel Richardson: "Pamela" and "Clarissa" were epistolary novels that introduced complex female characters and explored themes of social morality.
* Jane Austen: Her witty and insightful works, such as "Pride and Prejudice," offered a unique perspective on social life and established the importance of character development.
Ultimately, the "father of the English novel" is a complex question with no definitive answer. However, Defoe's work undeniably played a crucial role in shaping the genre and establishing its place in English literature.