My thoughts after reading Robinson Crusoe...

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe was a decent story. The one thing I didn’t like about it was that the same “idea” happened over and over again – it seemed as though all that happened a majority of the book was he explored the island over and over again. Then again, I have to remember that it IS a story about a man stranded on a deserted island; I shouldn’t be expecting too much excitement. Also, if you look at MORE than just events happening – and you try to analyze his feelings or you try putting yourself in his situation – it is more interesting. Honestly, do you think you could survive on an island for over 20 years – encounter cannibals, have to survive with almost nothing…have to use nature to make a house, clothes, create a canoe out of carving a tree, cultivating your own harvest, making candles for light out of animal parts…etc. Personally, I am positive that I would not be able to survive (and not just because I’m a girl!) Where he got this knowledge of survival and self reliance is a mystery to me. I thought the most interesting part of the book was Crusoe’s final decision in the island vs. home in England. It seemed as though he was lost – part of him wanted to stay in his new home, or kingdom. Yet the other half wanted to go back to his home in England. One would think that once he went back to England, where life was “normal” or easier – that he would stay there. He’d be with humans, have a house, electricity, food, a job…. However, while being in England all he could think about was life at the island. Which brings him to his final decision… Through living his life on this deserted island I believe it gave him a new appreciation for life and the things he had. He is able to overcome his own problems and appreciate the struggles in his life. It’s amazing to see that when someone has to work for something the new appreciation and respect they have for it. This idea DEFINITELY stays true in today’s world. I have 2 jobs and I babysit a lot, so when I buy things with money that I worked hard for – I take a lot more care of the item, and I’m more picky about buying things – “Do I really need it?” Once people have this new appreciation they think and view things differently.