Robinson Crusoe | Chapter 7 | Summary

Summary

In additional explorations of the island during his recovery from illness, Robinson Crusoe finds more fresh water, tobacco plants, cocoa trees, and wild sugar cane. He discovers a valley where citrus fruits and grapes are plentiful. He gathers some grapes to bring home but must go back for bags to carry them. When he returns, he finds animals have eaten and trod on the lot of them, so he sets up branches where he can hang the grapes to cure in the sun. He considers moving his home into this valley, but it has no view of the sea, which is a problem. He sets up a second home here instead, constructing a tent and fence that he will call his bower. He reflects, with mixed emotions, that he is "king and lord" of everything he surveys.

When the rainy season begins in August, Crusoe is largely confined to his cave, which he continues to expand, and he teaches himself to weave baskets in which to store food. He observes the first anniversary of his landing on September 30, using the day for thanksgiving and prayer. At the end of the rainy season in October, he sows two-thirds of his grain, but this planting is followed by the dry season, so nothing grows. He tries again in the valley right before the rainy season begins a few months later, with more success.

Analysis

In terms of progress, Robinson Crusoe in this chapter is transitioning from a hunting-gathering way of life toward agriculture. He plants his first rice and barley crops, and after some trial and error in learning the rainy and dry seasons on the island, he has some success as a farmer. Again, foresight and persistence work in his favor as he keeps some seed in reserve and tries planting in a different season after his first crop fails.

Furthermore, Crusoe continues to develop new skills and exemplifies the Protestant belief in work as a virtue. He is seldom idle, continuing to enlarge his cave and building more furniture. After his sickness, he resolves to stay indoors during the rainy season; but again, he uses this time to teach himself a new skill and to learn to make the things he needs from the materials available to him. His self-reliance has given him the means to survive and to create some relative comfort for himself.

He has not forgotten the other lessons from his sickness, either. Unlike his previous attempts at repentance, this time the lesson has taken root. Crusoe observes a weekly Sabbath and reserves the anniversary of his landing for more reflection and prayer. Bible reading and prayer also make up an important part of his daily routine.