Podcast
Questions and Answers
What field was Robinson educated in before he left home?
What field was Robinson educated in before he left home?
A lawyer, but wants to go to sea.
What city and country is Robinson from?
What city and country is Robinson from?
York, England.
What opinion did Crusoe's father give him on how he should live his life?
What opinion did Crusoe's father give him on how he should live his life?
He should be middle class because it was best suited for happiness.
Why does his father think he will not need to be upper and lower class?
Why does his father think he will not need to be upper and lower class?
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During Crusoe's first trip out to sea, what does he experience that makes him regret leaving home?
During Crusoe's first trip out to sea, what does he experience that makes him regret leaving home?
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Why does a captain of a ship tell Crusoe he should not return to sail the seas?
Why does a captain of a ship tell Crusoe he should not return to sail the seas?
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Who kidnaps Robinson and other crew members off of a ship?
Who kidnaps Robinson and other crew members off of a ship?
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How long is Robinson a slave before he escapes?
How long is Robinson a slave before he escapes?
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Describe how Robinson escapes.
Describe how Robinson escapes.
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Describe the relationship Crusoe has with Xury.
Describe the relationship Crusoe has with Xury.
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What is the agreement that Xury has with the slave captain who saved him?
What is the agreement that Xury has with the slave captain who saved him?
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What does Robinson do in Brazil?
What does Robinson do in Brazil?
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Why does he sail away from Brazil?
Why does he sail away from Brazil?
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Which crop helped Crusoe become wealthy on the island?
Which crop helped Crusoe become wealthy on the island?
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Study Notes
Robinson Crusoe Overview
- Robinson Crusoe is educated as a lawyer but aspires to be a sailor, illustrating a conflict between societal expectations and personal desires.
- He hails from York, England, a key aspect of his identity and background.
Parental Influence
- Crusoe's father advises him to pursue a middle-class life for greater happiness and stability, reflecting contemporary values regarding class.
- His father believes being in lower class leads to hardship, while upper class invites pride and potential downfall.
Initial Seafaring Experience
- During his first sea voyage, Crusoe endures a violent storm, leading him to regret his choices and vow to return home if spared.
- A ship's captain warns Crusoe that ignoring his father's advice will result in continuous misfortunes.
Captivity and Escape
- Crusoe and his fellow crew members are kidnapped by Turkish pirates, marking a significant turning point in the narrative.
- He endures two years of slavery before devising a plan for escape, relying on cunning and timing to outsmart the captor.
Relationship Dynamics
- Crusoe's relationship with Xury is characterized by a servant-master dynamic, showcasing the hierarchical structure of their society.
- Xury enters into an agreement for 10 years of service, with the condition of converting to Christianity under the slave captain's influence.
Life in Brazil
- In Brazil, Crusoe works on a sugar plantation, accumulating wealth that allows him to invest in his own plantation, indicating an entrepreneurial spirit.
- He leaves Brazil to aid friends in acquiring slaves from the Guinea Coast, demonstrating his ongoing ambition and willingness to take risks.
Wealth and Resources
- Tobacco farming becomes a key source of wealth for Crusoe on the island, symbolizing both survival and economic success in isolation.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the early chapters of 'Robinson Crusoe'. This flashcard quiz covers key concepts, such as Robinson's education, origins, and family opinions. Perfect for anyone studying Defoe's classic novel.