The Swiss Family Robinson · Chapter
The Rainy Season and Resolve for a New Dwelling explained
The family faces the onset of a severe rainy season, forcing them to abandon their tree-top home and take refuge in cramped, smoky quarters between the tree's roots.
What happens
The family faces the onset of a severe rainy season, forcing them to abandon their tree-top home and take refuge in cramped, smoky quarters between the tree's roots. They struggle with discomfort, dampness, and limited space, but adapt by creating waterproof clothing, rationing food, and maintaining a routine of work, study, and devotion. Inspired by Robinson Crusoe, they resolve to build a more permanent winter residence in the rocks near Tent-House, while the mother begins processing flax for spinning.
Themes in this chapter
Resourcefulness and Industry
The family creates waterproof clothing from seamen's shirts and elastic gum, builds a carding-comb for flax, and adapts their living arrangements to survive the rainy season.
Courage and Perseverance
Despite discomfort and setbacks, the father encourages his family to maintain courage and good spirits, and they resolve to build a more permanent home.
Gratitude and Contentment
The family expresses gratitude for being rescued together, finds joy in simple meals and shared work, and concludes each day with devotional reading.
Characters to notice
- Father
Leads the family through the hardships of the rainy season, devises waterproof clothing, and records the family's journal.
- Fritz
Suggests consulting Robinson Crusoe as a model for building a new home; helps drive in the cattle each evening.
- Ernest
Entrusted with writing off the father's journal pages in a clear hand.
- Jack
Expresses enthusiasm for adventure and savages during the discussion of Robinson Crusoe; draws plants and animals from memory.
- Francis
Fears a return of Noah's deluge; takes charge of the two little bulldogs; learns to read and write.
- Mother
Sews waterproof hoods and shirts, insists on building a better winter residence, and begins processing flax with a carding-comb made by her husband.
Key passages
“For the first time, since our disaster, we sighed for the comfortable houses of our dear country:—but what was to be done! we were not there, and losing our courage and our temper would only increase the evil.”
For the first time since the shipwreck, they longed for their old homes, but the father reminded them that complaining would only make things worse.
Reflects the theme of perseverance and acceptance of their situation.
“Here, said he, is our best counsellor and model, Robinson Crusoe; since Heaven has destined us to a similar fate, whom better can we consult?”
Fritz declared that Robinson Crusoe was their best guide, as they faced a similar destiny.
Shows the family's reliance on literature as a practical and moral compass.
“The occurrence of this thought produced an overwhelming sense of affection among us, and we could not refrain from throwing ourselves into each others arms, embracing repeatedly, and the pathetic scene ended in mutual congratulations.”
The realization that they were all saved together filled them with love, and they embraced each other joyfully.
Highlights the family's gratitude and unity.