Robinson Crusoe

Summary

«Robinson Crusoe» is a novel by English writer Daniel Defoe, published in 1719. It tells the story of a young man named Robinson Crusoe, who finds himself stranded on a deserted island after a shipwreck. He spends 28 years there, learning to survive in extreme conditions by utilizing all available resources on the island and remnants of his ship. Robinson creates a comfortable home, engages in farming, hunting, and even raises a parrot. Eventually, he meets Friday, a native he saves from death, who becomes his loyal friend. Ultimately, Crusoe manages to return home, discovering that his affairs have significantly improved during his absence. The book touches on many themes: survival in solitude, reflections on fate, interaction with nature, and encounters with foreign cultures. It is a classic of adventure literature and one of the first novels in history, laying the foundation for this genre.

Main Ideas

• Exploration of human nature through solitude and survival
• Critique of colonialism and imperialism
• The issue of freedom and slavery
• The role of faith and divine providence in human life
• The idea of travel as a path to self-discovery
• The value of labor and self-sufficiency

Main Characters and Their Development

• Robinson Crusoe – a young Englishman who leaves his family home in search of sea adventures. His ship is wrecked, and he ends up on a deserted island where he spends 28 years. During this time, Robinson transforms from an inexperienced young man into a skilled and resourceful survivor. He learns to build shelter, grow food, hunt, and protect himself from potential dangers.
• Friday – a young native saved by Robinson from death in a cannibalistic ritual. He becomes Robinson's loyal friend and helper. Together, they build a boat, defend the island from pirates, and eventually leave it. Friday learns European knowledge but also demonstrates remarkable survival skills, given his local roots and knowledge.

Style and Technique

Daniel Defoe's «Robinson Crusoe» is one of the first works written in the genre of realistic fiction. The author employs a first-person narrative, allowing readers to see the world directly through the eyes of the protagonist. This technique also helps create a sense of authenticity and noticeable emotional engagement in the novel's events. Particular attention is given to the detailed description of survival processes on the deserted island, including building shelter, obtaining food, and creating essential items. Defoe uses extensive moral reflections to ponder religion, society, and personal freedom. The story is structured chronologically, presenting Robinson's life journey from youth to his return home, which aids in the easy comprehension of the text and understanding of the characters' motivations.

Interesting Facts

• The book is based on the real story of Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk, who spent four years on a deserted island.
• Robinson Crusoe spends 28 years, 2 months, and 19 days on the island.
• In the book, Robinson Crusoe creates his own farm, grows grain, and raises goats, which helps him survive.
• Robinson Crusoe saves a native he names Friday, and they become friends.
• The book is considered one of the first English novels and significantly influenced the development of the adventure literature genre.
• Robinson Crusoe uses his skills and knowledge to build a house, create tools, and even make clay pots.
• The book raises themes of colonialism, religion, and human endurance.

Book Review

Daniel Defoe's «Robinson Crusoe» is a classic novel that many critics regard as one of the first examples of realistic literature. The book narrates the adventures of Robinson Crusoe, who finds himself on a deserted island and is forced to survive alone. Critics praise Defoe's skill in detailing everyday life and survival, making the story believable and captivating. The philosophical depth of the work is also highlighted, exploring themes of human resilience, self-sufficiency, and spiritual growth. Some critics point out the colonial and imperialistic motifs in the book, reflecting the worldview of the time. Overall, «Robinson Crusoe» remains an important and influential work that continues to attract the attention of readers and scholars.