Robinson Crusoe is a classic novel written in 1719 by Daniel Dafoe. The story begins in 1651 and describes a series of adventures
by the main character, Robinson Crusoe. The most notable events depicted in the book detail Crusoe’s life alone on an island in the Caribbean Sea. It is said that this story was inspired by actual tales of shipwreck survivors in the 17th century.
Crusoe sets sail in September 1651 and the voyage starts badly. His first ship is lost in a storm, but he tries again. His second attempt at sea travel ended even worse. He was abducted by pirates and sold into slavery. He eventually escapes and travels to Brazil, where he becomes a wealthy plantation owner. The call to sea, however is too strong. He tries yet another time. This voyage ends in complete disaster. His ship is lost at sea with all hands, except Crusoe. Crusoe finds himself shipwrecked on what he calls “The Island of Despair”. He salvages what he can from his stricken vessel and proceeds to make a life for himself alone on the island.
Much of the story revolves around Crusoe’s life on the island. He becomes adept at gathering food, such as grapes and melons. He constructs a fortress home and develops a farm. He domesticates goats and learns how to make the tools necessary for life on the island. The years pass by and he continually improves his situation. He is however, alone and he wishes for companionship. His wish is granted when, some time later, Crusoe rescues an inhabitant of a nearby island from cannibals. Because the rescue occurred on a Friday, he names his newfound friend Friday. Friday becomes his loyal companion and friend.
Several more years pass by and an English vessel appears. A mutiny on board left the captain of the ship marooned on the island. Crusoe and Friday ally themselves with the captain and retake the vessel. The mutineers are left stranded on the island. Finally, after 28 years on the island, Crusoe is finally bound back home to England. Friday accompanies his benefactor home.
Dafoe was deeply religious and in some ways, Robinson Crusoe is a story of spiritual deliverance. Once he was shipwrecked on The Island of Despair, Crusoe becomes very religious. He prays, reads his Bible and converts Friday to Christianity.
This story was widely acclaimed when written and is highly popular and commonly read even today. It has been translated into every major language and has been adapted to cinema many times. It has spawned many copies. Everything from classical literature (Swiss Family Robinson) to light hearted science fiction (Lost in Space) to blockbuster movies (Cast Away) have been inspired by this classic. It is one of the finest works of literature ever written.
Mark Askeda