ROBINSON CRUSOE ~ The Life and Strange Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York
#1 in Robinson Crusoe Series
on Goodreads (319,748)
What’s inside...
Robinson Crusoe is a novel by Daniel Defoe that chronicles the life of the eponymous character, a young Englishman who craves adventure at sea. Despite his father's wishes for him to pursue a modest and secure life, Crusoe sets out on a sea voyage in 1651, but is soon captured by Barbary pirates and enslaved. He escapes and ends up in Brazil, where he becomes a plantation owner. However, his thirst for adventure reignites, leading him to embark on a fateful trip to Africa. During the voyage, his ship is wrecked in a storm, and Crusoe finds himself stranded on a deserted island near the Orinoco River, off the coast of Venezuela. He is the sole survivor and must fend for himself with only a few salvaged supplies. Over the next 28 years, Crusoe becomes adept at hunting, farming, and crafting, creating a life for himself while contending with isolation, despair, and occasional encounters with cannibals and mutineers. He converts one of the cannibals, whom he names Friday, into Christianity and makes him his companion. Eventually, Crusoe is rescued by a passing ship and returns to England to find that he has become a wealthy man thanks to his Brazilian investments. The novel explores themes of survival, self-reliance, civilization, and redemption, and is considered one of the earliest examples of the realistic fiction genre.
Discussion points
What do you think Robinson Crusoe felt when he was stranded on the island, and how would you feel in his situation?
How did Crusoe use his surroundings to survive? What creative uses can we think of for the things around us?
What does this story teach us about independence and self-reliance?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in today's world?
What did Crusoe learn about himself throughout his adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by relating the themes of the book, like survival and innovation, to everyday situations that your child might face. Encourage them to think about how they can use their skills and resources creatively. Discuss the emotional and psychological aspects of Crusoe’s adventures to help your child connect deeper with the story. Use vivid descriptions from the book to ignite your child's imagination. Highlight Crusoe's problem-solving skills and ask your child how they might have handled similar challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness and Innovation
Explanation: Throughout the book, Robinson Crusoe demonstrates creativity and clever thinking to survive and thrive on the deserted island. From building his own shelter to fashioning tools, Crusoe makes the most of limited resources.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use their surroundings to solve problems and innovate solutions, which is useful both in play and in academic settings.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Crusoe faces numerous challenges, including storms, isolation, and threats from local wildlife. Yet, he remains determined and works tirelessly to overcome these obstacles.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance and mental toughness when they encounter difficulties in school or social situations.
Example Lesson: The value of introspection and self-improvement
Explanation: During his isolation, Crusoe often reflects on his past actions, moral values, and spirituality, which lead to personal growth and transformation.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to reflect on their actions, learn from their mistakes, and continually strive to better themselves.
Example Lesson: Importance of planning and foresight
Explanation: Crusoe often plans for future needs, such as food shortages or potential rescues, demonstrating the importance of thinking ahead and preparing for different eventualities.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the benefits of planning and organizing in their daily tasks and long-term goals.