Robinson Crusoe, written by Daniel Defoe in 1719, is a classic novel that tells the story of a man who is shipwrecked on an uninhabited island and must find ways to survive and eventually escape. The novel raises a number of important questions about human nature, society, and the role of religion in one's life. Here are some discussion questions for Robinson Crusoe:
How does Robinson Crusoe's character change over the course of the novel? What events and experiences contribute to this change?
What does the novel suggest about the importance of self-reliance and independence? How does Crusoe's experience on the island teach him to rely on himself and his own abilities?
How does religion play a role in Crusoe's life on the island? How does his relationship with God change over the course of the novel?
What does the novel say about the nature of society and the importance of community? How does Crusoe's isolation on the island affect his view of society and his desire to be a part of it?
What role do the native inhabitants of the island play in the novel? How does Crusoe's relationship with them change over time, and what does this say about his views on race and colonialism?
How does Crusoe's relationship with his servant Friday evolve over the course of the novel? What does this say about Crusoe's views on slavery and the nature of power dynamics?
What does the novel suggest about the role of education and knowledge in one's ability to survive and thrive? How does Crusoe's education and resourcefulness help him to survive on the island?
How does the novel explore the theme of redemption and forgiveness? What experiences lead Crusoe to reflect on his past mistakes and seek redemption?
What does the novel say about the importance of friendship and human connection? How does Crusoe's relationship with Friday and other characters on the island affect his ability to cope with his isolation?
In what ways does the novel reflect the values and concerns of the time period in which it was written? How does it address issues such as colonialism, slavery, and religion that were important to Defoe and his contemporaries?
Robinson Crusoe’s Story Questions & Answers
Why or why not? Crusoe seems to recognize this to some extent, lamenting that they have wasted their limited powder and shot upon what is a sport killing rather than food or defense. Discuss the book as an evangelistic work. What principles of economics does Crusoe demonstrate? What is the role of prayer in this first reading? Many economists use Robinson Crusoe when explaining basic economic theory. Is Robinson Crusoe moving or too factual and realistic or both? Based on your reading of the book, how do you think Crusoe defines Providence? Use your research to explain the problematic overpopulation of cats on the island in the novel. The reception of the book was great. He has ignored his father's advice in pursuit of a life of adventure, and he now finds himself confined to one place, so it seems his disobedience was for naught.
Crusoe is worried about lightning. Cave — cavern d. Crusoe uses the weapon to assert dominion over the lands he visits, however briefly. The citation above will include either 2 or 3 dates. How is the character of Friday presented in the novel? He recognizes this, saying, "I might as well have stayed at home, and never have fatigued myself in the world as I have done. There are various questions that are commonly asked from different chapters. The lion, sleeping on the shore beneath a piece of a small hill when they find him, is not an immediate threat to Crusoe and Xury.
Who is the figure that Robinson Crusoe sees in his dreams? Although he treats these individuals well, he does not see Xury or the African natives as fully human in the same way he sees himself. Themes In Chapter 3 of Robinson Crusoe, how does Crusoe first react to his survival and landing on the island? The emphasis on nakedness in Crusoe's description of the tribe underscores how far from civilization they are. Discuss the role of fear in the book. At the beginning of the novel, what is Robinson Crusoe's attitude towards God and religion? When he is given access to the boat with only two slaves to hinder his escape, he chooses to push the Moor overboard and trust Xury. Robinson Crusoe first describes the African natives as "quite black and naked," and he concludes the description of their interaction by pointing out that "the women were as naked as the men.
What types of conflict physical, moral, intellectual, or emotional did you notice in this novel? The sailors — the water drowned them d. Question 9: Were Robinson and Friday good friends? Who is Xury 19? What message is the figure trying to portray? There are cheap slaves in Guinea who can work on farms. Amusement — diversion h. Answer: To appear scientifically knowledgeable; for distraction and entertainment. Even though his circumstances are not brutal, Crusoe laments his labor and bondage and says he should have listened to his father.
Slavery is a central element in Chapter 3, starting with Robinson Crusoe's sale of Xury to the Portuguese captain. Answer: I agree with the statement because he goes on excursions with his helper Friday and his domestic animals. In what ways is Providence a major influence on Crusoe's life? Robinson Crusoe is surprised to find that the pirate treats him reasonably well, as the circumstances of his capture—a pirate raid on his ship—would create the expectation of rough treatment. . What trait did you admire most in Robinson Crusoe? Could the story have taken place anywhere else? In what ways does each label fit the novel? Themes In Chapter 3 of Robinson Crusoe, what situational irony is expressed in Crusoe's ownership of a Brazilian plantation? How do he and Crusoe meet and how do they ultimately part ways? Crusoe seems to understand this a little because he feels guilt about parting with Xury, but later on the island when he says he misses the boy, his nostalgia is as much related to the need for more labor as it is to human interest. Xury, on the other hand, is a boy and so represents less of a physical threat to Crusoe.
'Robinson Crusoe' Questions for Study and Discussion
What life would he have lived? Is this a "picaresque" novel? He goes further to state that Robin will need all his money when he gets to Brazil. Why is he worried? He also views many of his experiences as punishment for that sin. The Portuguese captain is fair and generous to Robinson Crusoe. Why or why not? The last date is today's date — the date you are citing the material. Defoe was likely influenced by a variety of travelers' accounts.
Give reasons to support your answer. In the middle state, all needs are met without adding the social pressures of wealth, so Mr. He buys large tracts of land and resolves to plant food crops on it. At the same time, he seems to have forgotten the urge that likely drove his own youth: the desire people have for striking out on their own, taking risks, and enjoying the excitement of trying new things. How is he different from other representations of native people in Defoe's time 9 Read Aphra Behn's Oroonoko.
What is sin in Robinson Crusoe? Selkirk was a Scottish man who survived for four years stranded on an island in the south Pacific. He is killed in a battle during the Low Country wars. His own enslavement has not increased his compassion or led him to feel that he would not want to subject another person to the miseries he himself had suffered. Chicago Bibliography Course Hero. Hairy — furry g. Does our narrator seem reliable to you? Crusoe describes in Chapter 1 of Robinson Crusoe, and why does he recommend it to his son? Defoe's novel was inspired by the real-life survival of Alexander Selkirk on an abandoned island, Más a Tierra. Crusoe, most of the evils and worries of life are visited upon people who live at the extremes of class, those who are very rich or very poor.
Discuss the theological themes in the book. How does he find his way out of this mood? The goat — clever at sums b. The incident with the lion represents Robinson Crusoe's use of a gun to subdue a powerful predator. He also mentions obtaining a "European servant," showing that racism informs his and his society's ideas about who is fit to be enslaved versus serve for wages. Answer: He went to Brazil and he became a farmer.
It was written by a man known as Daniel Defoe. It spawned many imitators including The Swiss Family Robinson and Crusoe's journey is often alluded to in other works. Crusoe becomes excessively drunk and therefore forgets to make his vow to God. Crusoe himself emigrated from Germany to England and made his own fortune, so he likely speaks from personal experience as he advises his children about the satisfactions of their middle-class life. Crusoe decides to take a voyage to Guinea. Compare the ideas regarding man's ability to create, for himself, a civilization in the wilderness in this novel and in Golding's Lord of the Flies.
