Robinson Crusoe
#1 in Robinson Crusoe Series
on Goodreads (320,381)
What’s inside...
Robinson Crusoe is a novel by Daniel Defoe, first published in 1719. It follows the story of Crusoe, who sets sail against his parents' wishes and survives a shipwreck, leading to a life of adventures on a deserted island. The novel has been immensely popular since its release, inspiring numerous adaptations and interpretations across various forms of media. It is celebrated for its themes of survival and human perseverance, and has been recognized by notable figures and cited in significant works such as Karl Marx's Das Kapital. This classic story of a shipwrecked mariner on a deserted island is perhaps the greatest adventure in all of English literature. Fleeing from pirates, Robinson Crusoe is swept ashore in a storm possessing only a knife, a box of tobacco, a pipe-and the will to survive. His is the saga of a man alone: a man who overcomes self-pity and despair to reconstruct his life; who painstakingly teaches himself how to fashion a pot, bake bread, build a canoe; and who, after twenty-four agonizing years of solitude, discovers a human footprint in the sand. Consistently popular since its first publication in 1719, Daniel Defoe's story of human endurance in an exotic, faraway land exerts a timeless appeal. The first important English novel, 'Robinson Crusoe' has taken its rightful place among the great myths of Western civilization.
Discussion points
What do you think helped Robinson Crusoe survive on the island all alone?
How do you feel about the way Robinson Crusoe interacted with other characters, like Friday?
What lessons can we learn from Robinson Crusoe's experiences?
If you were on an island like Robinson, what would you have done differently?
How do the different settings in the story affect Robinson's adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set the scene for your child by explaining the historical and geographical context of the story. This will help them understand the world Robinson Crusoe lived in.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Robinson's situations, fostering a deeper connection to the character and story.
Utilize maps or globes to locate the areas discussed in the book, making the story more tangible and engaging.
Discuss the concept of resourcefulness and resilience, highlighting how Robinson used his skills to survive.
Link the story's themes to real-life scenarios your child might face, helping them apply the moral lessons learned from the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-reliance
Explanation: Robinson Crusoe demonstrates self-reliance by surviving on a deserted island using only his wits and the resources available to him.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of independence and problem-solving, encouraging them to handle situations on their own and think creatively.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the story, Crusoe faces numerous challenges and setbacks, yet he remains determined and perseveres until he overcomes them.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to not give up easily and to keep trying even when faced with difficulties, fostering a resilient mindset.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness
Explanation: Crusoe makes use of the materials and opportunities at his disposal, often in innovative ways, to improve his circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be resourceful by using what they have to solve problems, encouraging creative and efficient use of resources.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of nature
Explanation: The protagonist's survival largely depends on his interaction with nature, from which he learns to harness resources responsibly.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of respecting and preserving the environment as they interact with the natural world around them.
Example Lesson: Cultural sensitivity and empathy
Explanation: When Crusoe meets Friday, he initially sees him as a savage but gradually learns to respect and empathize with his culture and perspectives.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of respecting differences and learning from others, promoting empathy and inclusive attitudes.