Robinson Crusoe - Bedtime English Learning Reader II (Pure English Version)

Author: Li Zhengshuan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: Robinson Crusoe is based on the real-life experience of Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk, who lived alone on an island for five years. It is a memoir-style adventure novel. The protagonist, Robinson, is not content with a leisurely and ordinary life and is determined to go on adventures at sea. At the age of 19, he defied his family's objections and ran away to become a sailor. During a storm, he once thought of giving up, but once he adapted, he resolved to continue his adventures. Soon after, their ship was attacked by pirates, and Robinson was captured and became a slave of the Moors. Later, he was rescued and traveled to Brazil on a Portuguese ship, where he managed a plantation. On one journey to Africa to trade slaves, Robinson's ship was wrecked by a storm, leaving only him alive. He was stranded on a deserted island and began a 28 years, 2 months, and 19 days of life on the island. After an initial period of despair, the lonely and helpless Robinson did not complain about his fate but instead sought to survive and hoped for rescue in the future. He built a raft, transported food, gunpowder, tools, and other supplies from the ship that had not sunk to the island for later use. He built a shelter, hunted and fished, tamed goats, grew crops, and ground grain. He also made pottery, sewed leather clothes, baked bread, and carved a dugout canoe. Overcoming numerous difficulties, Robinson survived on the island and meticulously recorded every event that occurred there. Later, Robinson saved a native from cannibals and named him "Friday." Friday willingly became his slave and became Robinson's loyal servant and dependent companion. Finally, a British ship anchored nearby. Robinson helped the captain quell a mutiny among the crew and reclaim the ship, finally allowing him to leave the island and return to England. The complete Robinson Crusoe has three parts, and this book excerpt includes the first two parts. In the third part, Robinson sets off on another journey away from home.