The Swiss Family Robinson · Question
How does The Swiss Family Robinson develop the theme of Providence and Faith?
Answer
The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss develops Providence and Faith across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The family's survival and success are repeatedly attributed to divine providence; the father leads daily prayers, observes the Sabbath, and uses parables to teach his children that God's will and protection guide their efforts and deliverance.
The father frequently thanks God for their deliverance and guidance, viewing their survival as part of a divine plan.
The father repeatedly urges his family to trust in Divine Providence, and they pray together for deliverance.
The family begins the day with morning prayer and, upon landing, immediately falls to their knees to thank God for their preservation, demonstrating their reliance on divine providence.
Evidence in the book
- The Swiss Family Robinson
The father frequently thanks God for their deliverance and guidance, viewing their survival as part of a divine plan.
- Shipwreck and Preparations for Deliverance
The father repeatedly urges his family to trust in Divine Providence, and they pray together for deliverance.
- A Landing, and Consequent Occupations
The family begins the day with morning prayer and, upon landing, immediately falls to their knees to thank God for their preservation, demonstrating their reliance on divine providence.
- Voyage of Discovery
Father and Fritz acknowledge Divine protection and submit to God's will after losing hope of finding companions.
- Return to the Wreck
The mother quotes scripture ('sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof'), and the family offers prayers for safety, trusting in divine providence.
- Construction of a Bridge
The father reflects on gratitude to Providence for providing abundant resources, and the family views their location as providentially guided.
- The Parable of the Great King
The father's parable frames life on the island as a divine probation, with God as the Great King who provides for and judges the colonists, emphasizing faith and obedience.
- The Discovery of Potatoes
The potato discovery is seen as a gift from God, reinforcing the family's faith and reliance on divine guidance.
