Robinson Crusoe Discussion Questions

Finish Robinson Crusoe and be prepared to participate in discussion on the following questions. 

1. Chapter 1 tells us about Crusoe’s early life and his relationship to his parents, his early decisions, and the tension between a thirst for adventure and the wise counsel of his parents. Discuss these aspects of his life, as well as the consequences of his decisions. What lessons can a young person learn from Crusoe’s youth?
2. Compare Crusoe’s relationship with Xury to that of Friday. 
3. Crusoe’s adventures often mirror those of any person or group of people who have found themselves in a strange and new land. Compare his adventures with others who have had similar adventures in history. (Abraham, Cain, the Pilgrims, etc.)
4. Some have speculated that Robinson Crusoe is the story of the Prodigal son. Some have said it is an allegory of all the good and evil of colonialism. If this book is more than just an adventure story, what do you believe the allegory is? Why? Be ready to discuss. 
5. What role does Christianity play in the book? What significance does the Bible play in the healing of body and soul throughout the book?