Robinson Crusoe

A violent storm forces Crusoe to abandon his voyage and he washes ashore on a deserted island in the Atlantic on September 30, 1659. He survives the wreck and surveys the surroundings, realizing he is utterly alone. This marks the start of a life of solitude and self-reliance.

Crusoe salvages food, tools, firearms and other items from the wrecked ship before it sinks. He uses these supplies to build a home, stockpile resources, and begin farming and hunting on the island. He also begins life with only his dog Rex and cat Sam for companionship.

Crusoe keeps Rex the dog and Sam the cat, and later a parrot named Paul joins the solitary life. These animal companions become his only social company for years as he adapts to island living.

In 1673, Rex dies of old age, leaving Crusoe with crushing loneliness and a growing sense of isolation. He struggles to maintain his sanity without any human contact for years.

In 1677 Crusoe encounters cannibals visiting the island. He knocks out one and shoots the other; the escapee then kills the first cannibal with Crusoe's sword, and Crusoe brings the survivor back to his stockade.

The prisoner Crusoe rescued is named Friday, after the day they met. Crusoe begins teaching him English and Western customs, and initially distrusts him as a potential cannibal. He even tries to restrain Friday with leg irons after a nighttime tobacco raid.

Crusoe loosens his strict control as Friday proves loyal and capable. The two establish a working partnership, and Crusoe's confidence in Friday steadily grows as they learn to live together.

In 1687, Friday saves Crusoe from a cannibal sneaking up behind him. They flee to the stockade, and a larger group of white men with guns drives the cannibals away, changing the balance of danger on the island.

Captain Oberzo and his bosun become victims of a mutiny; the mutineers maroon them on the island. Crusoe and Friday rescue the stranded officers and slip away unseen.

Friday approaches the mutineers with a basket of fruit, but they fixate on a necklace of gold coins salvaged from Crusoe's ship. He leads the greedy men toward Crusoe's stockade, signaling danger and opportunity.

Crusoe, Friday, Oberzo, and the bosun capture the mutineers in the stockade. Oberzo regains control of his ship and, at Crusoe's suggestion, allows the mutineers to remain on the island rather than facing the gallows. Crusoe leaves them his tools and survival instructions.

After 28 years, 2 months, and 19 days on the island, Crusoe leaves with Friday to return home, carrying memories of a long, solitary life and the beginnings of a new companionship.