The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe.

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Chapter 1
Start in Life
Robinson Crusoe introduces himself, born in 1632 in York to a German father and English mother. Despite his father's earnest counsel to embrace the 'middle station of life' as the happiest and safest, Crusoe's restless desire for the sea overwhelms him. He briefly resolves to stay after his father's tearful warning, but soon abandons the idea, persuades his mother to intercede (she refuses), and eventually runs away to sea. After a first storm terrifies him into repentance, a companion's mockery and drink wash away his good intentions, and he continues his voyage.
Chapter 2
II: Slavery and Escape
Crusoe recounts his ill-fated voyage to Guinea, where he is captured by Moorish pirates and enslaved. After two years, he escapes with a boy named Xury, sailing down the African coast. They encounter wild beasts, including a lion, and eventually find fresh water, narrowly avoiding capture by Moors.
Chapter 3
Wrecked on a Desert Island
Crusoe recounts his journey southward along the African coast, his cautious interactions with native people, and his rescue of a native from a leopard using his gun. He then describes his arrival in Brazil, where he becomes a planter, acquires wealth, and reflects on his decision to leave England, ultimately leading to his fateful voyage that ends in shipwreck on a desert island.
Chapter 4
First Weeks on the Island
Crusoe describes his initial efforts to build a habitation, create furniture, and organize his supplies. He reflects on his condition through a ledger of good and evil, establishes a calendar, and begins to keep a journal.
Chapter 5
Builds a House—The Journal
Crusoe records his daily activities in a journal, beginning with his shipwreck on September 30, 1659. He salvages goods from the wrecked ship, builds a fortified habitation under a rock, and establishes a routine of work, hunting, and domestic tasks. He also creates tools, tames animals, and reflects on his solitude and resourcefulness.

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Start in Life

II: Slavery and Escape

Wrecked on a Desert Island

First Weeks on the Island

Builds a House—The Journal