Jim Hawkins is an ordinary young man, unremarkable in every way, except for his uncanny luck (Shmoop 1). Hawkins is what the average reader could be if he or she met with similar unlikely, but still plausible bits of happenstance that catapult an ordinary person into heroism. It is suspenseful because since blind luck is the driving force behind the plot events. With a more talented hero, one can expect a course of action where the hero plays to his or her strengths, but when that strength is luck, every turn of events is a surprise.
In "Robinson Crusoe", one sees the title character stranded on a foreign island; alone with his thoughts. As is the case when anyone is alone in such a way, one's thoughts turn inward, hence the more pensive and spiritual tone of the book. It might provide a catalyst for the reader's own spiritual reflection; catering, perhaps, to a desire to get away from the toil of daily life and reflect on one's place and where one is headed. In a way, Crusoe could be seen as a Christian equivalent of Odysseus. He starts out rebellious, but through the resulting hardships, becomes penitent and thus more spiritual, coming out of his ordeals stronger and better off than before (Shmoop 1). With the conversion of Friday, it could be said that the rebellious youth had grown into wise teacher.
Another striking difference is that Crusoe is resourceful and capable. Contrary to Jim Hawkins who essentially falls headlong into success, Crusoe is able to take control of unfavorable situations and turn his luck around himself. This is best seen in instances where he escaped from the slavers, or when he built his own pseudo-society while stranded after the shipwreck (Defoe 1). Ironically, he places his thanks in a higher power he believes allowed him to continue surviving (Smoop 1). This goes hand in hand with his belief that his woes are punishment for his wrongdoings (Shmoop 1).