My name is Robinson Crusoe, and I was born in the year 1632 in the city of York, England. My father was a merchant from Germany who had settled in England many years before. I was the youngest of three sons, and my parents had great hopes for my future. My father wanted me to study law and become a respectable gentleman. He dreamed of seeing me as a judge or a lawyer with a comfortable life. But I had different dreams that filled my head day and night. From my earliest years, I could think of nothing but the sea. I would spend hours at the harbor, watching the great ships come and go. The sailors told me stories of distant lands and dangerous adventures. I listened with wonder to tales of storms, pirates, and undiscovered islands. These stories captured my imagination and would not let me rest. My heart burned with a desire to see the world for myself. When I was eighteen years old, I told my father about my wishes. 'Father,' I said, 'I want to go to sea and become a sailor.' His face turned pale, and I saw fear in his eyes. 'My son,' he said, 'you must not think of such things.' He reminded me that my eldest brother had died in a war far from home. My other brother had left home years ago, and we never heard from him again. 'You are the only son I have left,' my father said with tears in his eyes. 'The sea is full of dangers that you cannot imagine.' He spoke of terrible storms that could destroy any ship. He told me about pirates who showed no mercy to their victims. He described diseases that killed sailors far from any doctor. 'Stay here in York,' he begged me, 'and live a safe and happy life.' My mother also tried to change my mind with her gentle words. 'Think of your poor parents,' she said, 'who love you more than anything.' She promised to speak to my father about finding me a good position in business. But nothing they said could remove the longing from my heart. I continued to dream of the sea every single night. In my dreams, I sailed across endless blue waters under clear skies. I discovered islands covered with palm trees and golden beaches. I found treasures that made me wealthy beyond imagination. For almost a year, I stayed at home, but I was not content. I often argued with my parents about my future. One day, my father called me into his study for a serious conversation. He sat me down and looked at me with great concern. 'Robinson,' he said, 'I want to give you some advice about life.' 'The middle station of life is the best position for any man.' He explained that the rich have many worries and enemies. The poor suffer from hunger and cold every day of their lives. But those in the middle enjoy peace, comfort, and simple pleasures. 'Adventure sounds exciting,' my father said, 'but it brings only misery.' 'Promise me you will stay here and be satisfied with what you have.' I listened to his words, and they moved me deeply. For a few days, I truly considered following his advice. Perhaps he was right, and the sea would only bring me suffering. But soon, my old desires returned stronger than ever. I decided that I must go to sea, whatever the cost might be. In September of 1651, I went to visit a friend in the port town of Hull. His father was the captain of a ship sailing to London. My friend invited me to join them on the voyage. 'It will cost you nothing,' he said, 'and it will be a great adventure.' Without telling my parents or asking for their blessing, I agreed. I did not even write them a letter to explain my decision. On the first day of September, I stepped onto the ship. My heart was filled with excitement as I looked at the open sea. I had no idea that this moment would change my life forever. I did not know the dangers and hardships that waited for me. I could not imagine that my father's warnings would all come true. But on that sunny morning, I felt only joy and hope. As the ship left the harbor, I watched the land grow smaller. I did not think about my mother, who would cry when she found me gone. I did not think about my father, whose heart I had broken. I thought only of the adventure that lay ahead of me. The wind filled the sails, and the ship moved swiftly across the water. I stood on the deck and breathed the salty air deeply. At that moment, I believed I was the happiest young man in England. My long-awaited dream had finally begun. I did not know that trouble was only hours away. But for now, I was free, and the whole world lay before me.
B1Chapter 1 / 15845 words70 sentences
The Wanderer
Chapter 1 · 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
Young Robinson Crusoe dreams of the sea despite his father's warnings.
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Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
Where was Robinson Crusoe born?
2
What profession did Robinson's father want him to pursue?
3
Why did Robinson's father beg him not to go to sea?
4