Robinson Crusoe - Plot

Summary

Robinson Crusoe, driven by a desire for adventure, defies his father's wishes and embarks on a sea journey. After surviving shipwrecks, slavery, and isolation, he is stranded on a deserted island where he learns self-reliance and faith. Over time, he tames animals, grows crops, and befriends a man named Friday, whom he teaches English and Christianity. Crusoe's survival skills and resourcefulness help him navigate cannibal threats and mutineers. After 28 years, he returns to England, only to find his family gone but his fortunes intact. He finds his island thriving under Spanish governance, concluding his journey of transformation and redemption.

Takeaways

• 😀 Robinson Crusoe dreams of adventure despite his father's warnings to stay home and study law.
• 😀 On his first sea journey, Robinson survives a shipwreck caused by a storm, setting the stage for his adventurous life.
• 😀 After being taken as a slave by pirates on his third journey, Robinson escapes with the help of a Portuguese captain.
• 😀 Robinson becomes a successful planter in Brazil, but still feels guilty for not following his father's wishes.
• 😀 A shipwreck leads Robinson to be stranded on an uninhabited island, where he survives by salvaging supplies from the wreck.
• 😀 Robinson tracks time by notching a cross, and builds a variety of shelters, including a cave and summer retreat.
• 😀 A religious experience during illness causes Robinson to reflect on his situation and find peace in his faith.
• 😀 Robinson tames goats, grows grain, makes bread, and builds a small boat, becoming increasingly self-sufficient.
• 😀 He encounters a footprint on the island and prepares for the possibility of danger from cannibals.
• 😀 After rescuing a captive from cannibals, Robinson befriends him, names him Friday, and teaches him English and Christianity.
• 😀 Robinson helps free prisoners from a mutinous English ship crew, eventually returning to England after 28 years on the island.
• 😀 Robinson discovers that his family has passed, but his Brazilian plantation has been successful, making him wealthy.
• 😀 Upon returning to his island, Robinson finds that it is now a prosperous colony, well-governed by the Spaniards.

Q & A

What is Robinson Crusoe's main motivation at the start of the story?

Robinson Crusoe is driven by a desire for adventure and fortune, which leads him to defy his father's wishes for him to stay home and study law.

How does Robinson Crusoe survive after his shipwreck on the island?

After the shipwreck, Crusoe uses the supplies he salvages from the wreckage to start his survival journey. He builds shelter, grows food, and makes tools to sustain himself.

What role does religion play in Robinson Crusoe's time on the island?

Religion plays a significant role in Crusoe's spiritual transformation. After falling ill and having a religious experience, he turns to God for solace, repenting for his earlier life choices and reading the Bible for guidance.

How does Crusoe’s relationship with Friday develop throughout the story?

Crusoe initially rescues Friday from cannibals and teaches him English and Christianity. Over time, they form a close bond, with Crusoe viewing Friday as both a servant and a companion, as they work together to survive.

What challenges does Crusoe face when he first discovers the footprint on the island?

Crusoe is terrified when he discovers a footprint on the island, fearing it may belong to cannibals. This discovery makes him more cautious and leads him to fortify his position, never venturing without weapons.

How does Crusoe manage to deal with the mutineers who arrive on the island?

Crusoe uses his wit and authority to turn the situation in his favor. He convinces the mutineers that the island is governed by an imperial authority and manipulates them into returning to face justice.

What was the fate of Robinson Crusoe’s family when he returns to England?

Upon returning to England after 28 years, Crusoe finds that his family has passed away. However, he discovers that his wealth and property have been preserved, and his Brazilian plantation has been successful.

How does Crusoe's view of the island change over time?

Initially, Crusoe sees the island as a place of isolation and hardship. However, over time, as he masters survival and builds a sense of community with Friday, he comes to view the island as his kingdom. Later, he finds that the island has been turned into a prosperous colony under Spanish rule.

What significance does the parrot have in Crusoe's life on the island?

The parrot becomes a source of companionship for Crusoe. He teaches it to speak, and its ability to mimic human speech provides a small sense of normalcy and communication in Crusoe’s otherwise solitary existence.

What lesson does Crusoe learn from his 28 years on the island?

Crusoe learns the importance of self-reliance, perseverance, and humility. He also experiences spiritual growth, recognizing the need for repentance and gratitude for his survival, despite the hardships he faces.