The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe · Chapter
First Weeks on the Island explained
Crusoe describes his initial efforts to build a habitation, create furniture, and organize his supplies.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Self-Reliance and Individualism
Crusoe's resourcefulness in building furniture, a habitation, and organizing his life alone on the island exemplifies self-reliance.
Mastery Over Nature
Crusoe's efforts to cut trees, shape boards, and construct a fortified dwelling demonstrate his attempt to master the natural environment.
Providence and Divine Justice
Crusoe's ledger of good and evil and his acknowledgment of God's mercy reflect themes of providence and divine justice.
Characters to notice
- Robinson Crusoe
Narrates his first weeks on the island, building shelter, making furniture, and keeping a journal.
- Poll
Mentioned as part of the ship's animals; not directly active in this chapter.
Key passages
“I now began to consider seriously my condition, and the circumstances I was reduced to; and I drew up the state of my affairs in writing, not so much to leave them to any that were to come after me—for I was likely to have but few heirs—as to deliver my thoughts from daily poring over them, and afflicting my mind; and as my reason began now to master my despondency, I began to comfort myself as well as I could, and to set the good against the evil, that I might have something to distinguish my case from worse; and I stated very impartially, like debtor and creditor, the comforts I enjoyed against the miseries I suffered, thus:—”
Crusoe decides to write down a balanced account of his situation, listing the good and bad aspects to help him cope with his despair and find reasons for gratitude.
Crusoe's rational approach to managing his emotions and his use of a debtor-creditor metaphor.
“I cut with my knife upon a large post, in capital letters—and making it into a great cross, I set it up on the shore where I first landed— I came on shore here on the 30th September 1659.”
Crusoe carves a cross with the date of his landing to keep track of time and mark his arrival.
Crusoe's method of creating a calendar and his symbolic use of a cross.
“I had never handled a tool in my life; and yet, in time, by labour, application, and contrivance, I found at last that I wanted nothing but I could have made it, especially if I had had tools.”
Despite having no prior experience with tools, Crusoe discovers that through hard work and ingenuity he can make almost anything he needs.
Crusoe's growing confidence in his ability to adapt and create.