I started reading Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe this week and have almost completed it. I had heard the name Robinson Crusoe before but I never knew the story. When I heard that we were reading it, the song Amish Paradise by Weird Al Yankovic came to mine, more specifically, the line, “Like Robinson Crusoe, it’s as primitive as can be”. I immediately thought that this story would be somehow be related to Amish culture. Of course, it did not take me much time to realize that I was mistaken.
I have to say that Robinson Crusoe is a more entertaining than I had imagined. Although many scenes seem drawn out, as well as repetitive, it gives the reader a better sense of how he is feeling and his mental capacity. I also find it easy to relate with Crusoe because of his actions and attitudes at the beginning of the story. He appears to be independent, judging by the way he disobeys his parents, and sets his own goals and not only lives off of his parents’.
Although Crusoe’s sailing adventures appear to be cut short after his first adventure, he is tempted to set sail again on a merchant ship. Things aren’t as easy for Crusoe as were explained as his ship is destroyed. Crusoe, the survivor, ends up on a lonely island. Most of the novel from here on explains Crusoes fights against hunger, shelter, and the elements. Uh Oh! Cannibals are coming… I better keep reading…
