The years of solitude stretched on, one much like another. I had been on my island for over fifteen years now. My face had grown weathered from sun and wind. My beard was long and wild since I had no proper way to cut it. I wondered if anyone in England still remembered me. My parents must have died believing their son was dead at sea. Sometimes I talked to my animals just to hear a voice. My dog was my most faithful companion until he died of old age. I buried him near my tent and felt a deep sorrow. Now only my cats and my parrot remained from those early days. The parrot still called my name every morning without fail. 'Robinson! Poor Robinson Crusoe!' it would cry. These words comforted me strangely in my loneliness. At least one creature knew my name and spoke to me. I spent much time in reflection about my life. I thought about all the foolish choices I had made. If only I had listened to my father's wise advice. I could be living comfortably in England right now. But then I reminded myself that this was God's plan. Perhaps I needed to be alone to find my faith. In the busy world, I had never thought about God. Now I prayed every day and found great comfort in prayer. I read my Bible until I knew many passages by heart. The words brought me peace when my loneliness felt unbearable. I often climbed to the top of my hill to look at the sea. I hoped to see a ship on the horizon, but none ever came. The ocean was always empty, stretching endlessly under the sky. Sometimes I felt so small and forgotten by the world. But I forced myself to be grateful for what I had. I had survived when everyone else had died. I had food, shelter, and everything I needed to live. Many people in the world had much less than I did. I kept myself busy with constant work and projects. Idleness was the enemy because it led to dark thoughts. I expanded my cave into a proper house with several rooms. I built new furniture and organized my belongings neatly. I improved my country house in the valley as well. I planted fruit trees and watched them grow tall over the years. My goat herd had grown to over forty animals. I had more milk and meat than I could possibly use. I learned to make better and better bread over time. My pottery improved until I could make fine bowls and jars. I experimented with weaving and made rough but useful baskets. Every skill I learned made my life a little more comfortable. Sometimes I laughed at how much I had changed. The young man who dreamed of adventure was gone. In his place was a patient, hardworking survivor. I had learned more on this island than in all my previous life. I knew now what truly mattered: faith, hard work, and gratitude. Money and status meant nothing without these foundations. One day, something happened that shattered my peaceful routine. I was walking along the beach, checking my turtle traps. Suddenly, I stopped in my tracks, unable to believe my eyes. There in the sand was a single human footprint. It was clear and perfect, pressed deep into the wet sand. It was not my footprint because I had not walked there. Someone else had been on my island. My heart pounded with a mixture of hope and fear. Perhaps a ship had landed and I could finally be rescued! But then a darker thought entered my mind. What if the visitors were hostile savages? What if they were cannibals who would eat me? I had heard stories of such people living on these shores. I ran back to my fortress as fast as I could. I climbed over my fence and pulled up the ladder behind me. I could not sleep that night, or for many nights after. The footprint haunted my thoughts constantly. Who had made it, and where had they gone? Would they return, and what would happen when they did? My peaceful solitude had been shattered forever.
B1Chapter 9 / 15707 words70 sentences
Years of Solitude
Chapter 9 · 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
Robinson reflects on his years alone and finds comfort in faith.
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Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
What happened to Robinson's faithful dog?
2
According to Robinson, what did he learn truly mattered in life?
3
What shocking discovery did Robinson make while walking on the beach?
4