I decided to leave the worst mutineers on the island. They would face the same fate I had suffered for so long. But I showed them where to find food, water, and shelter. I gave them weapons and tools to help them survive. I told them about the Spaniards who would come from the mainland. Together, they could build a good life here if they tried. The men were grateful not to be hanged for their crimes. They promised to treat the Spaniards fairly when they arrived. I gathered a few things to take with me from my island home. I took my goatskin cap and umbrella as souvenirs. I brought my parrot, who could still speak my name. I packed the money I had saved from the shipwreck. On December 19, 1686, I stepped aboard the ship. I had spent twenty-eight years, two months, and nineteen days on the island. Friday came with me, loyal as always. He was excited to see the world I had described to him. As we sailed away, I looked back at my island. It grew smaller and smaller until it disappeared over the horizon. A chapter of my life had ended forever. The voyage to England was long but without serious trouble. We stopped in Brazil to conduct some business. There I discovered wonderful news about my plantation. My neighbor had managed it honestly all these years. It had grown large and profitable in my absence. I was now a very wealthy man. When I finally reached England, I felt like a stranger in my own country. So much had changed in the thirty-five years since I left. Both my parents had died many years before. They had mourned me as dead and never knew I survived. I found two sisters who were still alive and some nephews and nieces. They welcomed me with tears of joy and disbelief. They thought I had died decades ago at sea. I shared my wealth generously with my remaining family. I bought a comfortable house and settled down to a quiet life. Friday stayed with me and adapted well to English life. He learned to read and became a Christian in a church. He was amazed by everything: the cities, the crowds, the buildings. We remained the closest of friends until the end. I married a good woman and had three children. For a while, I enjoyed the peaceful life my father had wished for me. But I must confess that I never lost my taste for adventure. In later years, I made several more voyages. I even returned to my island once to see how the colony fared. The Spaniards and the Englishmen had learned to live together. They had built a small village and were prospering. I supplied them with tools, livestock, and seeds. I like to think my island became a happy place. Sometimes I wonder what lesson my story teaches. Perhaps it is about the importance of faith in hard times. Or maybe it is about human resilience and the will to survive. It could be a warning against ignoring the advice of our elders. My father was right about many things I refused to hear. I suffered greatly because of my stubborn desire for adventure. Yet I cannot say I truly regret the path I chose. My years alone taught me more than any school or book. I learned what really matters in life. I discovered strength I never knew I had. I found my faith and learned to be grateful for simple blessings. I gained a true friend in Friday, the best I have ever known. Would I do it all again if I could go back in time? Honestly, I do not know the answer to that question. But I know that my life has been extraordinary. I have seen wonders and survived dangers beyond imagination. I have lived more than most people ever dream of living. Now I am old, and my traveling days are over. I sit by my fire and remember my island sometimes. I can still hear the waves and feel the tropical sun. A part of me will always remain on that distant shore. But for now, I am content to be home at last. This is my story, the story of Robinson Crusoe.
B1Chapter 15 / 15720 words70 sentences
Return to England
Chapter 15 · Robinson Crusoe · B1 English. Tip: Click on any word while reading to see its translation. Take your time with each chapter and review the vocabulary before moving on.
Chapter Summary
After twenty-eight years, Robinson finally leaves the island.
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Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
How long did Robinson Crusoe spend on the island?
2
What happened to Robinson's plantation in Brazil during his absence?
3
What happened to Robinson's parents while he was away?
4