Robinson Crusoe's Early Life and First Voyage

What was the primary profession that the narrator's father intended for him?

What was the fate of the narrator's elder brother mentioned in the passage?

What did the narrator's father suggest was the best station in life?

How did the narrator's mother react when he discussed his desire to go to sea?

What was the narrator's response after his father's advice to stay at home?

What did the father warn the narrator about the calamities of life?

What was the narrator's last promise to his mother regarding his voyage?

Which elements did the father associate with temperance, moderation, quietness, and health?

What was the father's initial belief about the son's happiness abroad?

What prompted the protagonist to leave for London without informing his parents?

How did the protagonist feel during the initial part of the trip at sea?

What made the protagonist's feelings of regret overwhelming while at sea?

What was the protagonist's initial reaction after the storm calmed?

What does the protagonist do to cope with the feelings of distress during the journey?

What was a turning point that led to the protagonist forgetting his earlier vows?

What does the protagonist struggle with during the storm?

Robinson Crusoe, born in 1632 in York, England, was the son of a Bremen merchant who had settled in York and married a woman from the Robinson family.
Crusoe was the third of three sons, his elder brothers’ fates are unknown.
His father intended him to become a lawyer, but Crusoe was drawn to the sea despite his family's objections.
Crusoe's father, a wise man, advised him on the merits of a middle station in life, emphasizing the benefits of temperance, moderation, and quietness.
Crusoe's strong desire to see the world led him to lie to his mother, promising a single voyage, and then to secretly leave for London without his family's knowledge.

On September 1, 1651, Crusoe embarked on his unauthorized voyage to London, aboard his friend's father's ship.
The voyage began with a severe storm, which terrified Crusoe and caused him to repent his disobedience and vow to return home if he survived.
The storm subsided the next day, and Crusoe, lulled by the calm and his companion's encouragement, quickly dismissed his previous remorse and succumbed to drinking and revelry.
Crusoe's initial resolve to return home was lost, as he readily forgot his vows and engaged in a life of reckless abandonment.