Robinson Crusoe — Chapter I Comprehension Quiz

Multiple Choice

1. In what year was Robinson Crusoe born, according to the story?
A) 1601
B) 1632
C) 1651
D) 1699

2. Where was Crusoe born?
A) Bremen, Germany
B) Hull, England
C) York, England
D) London, England

3. What was Crusoe's original family name before it was changed to "Crusoe"?
A) Kreutznaer
B) Robinson
C) Lockhart
D) Dunkirk

4. What career did Crusoe's father want him to pursue?
A) Merchant trading
B) The military
C) The law
D) Sailing

5. According to Crusoe's father, which "station of life" is best suited to human happiness?
A) The life of the poor and hardworking
B) The middle station of low life
C) The life of kings and the wealthy
D) The life of adventurers and soldiers

6. What happened to Crusoe's eldest brother?
A) He became a merchant like their father
B) He was killed fighting the Spaniards near Dunkirk
C) He disappeared and was never heard from again
D) He convinced their father to let him go to sea

7. How did Crusoe finally leave home?
A) His father gave him permission after much persuasion
B) He secretly boarded a friend's ship at Hull without telling his parents
C) His mother arranged his passage in secret
D) He ran away as a young child

8. What happened almost immediately after Crusoe's ship left port?
A) The ship reached London safely
B) A terrible storm arose and Crusoe became sick and frightened
C) Crusoe changed his mind and returned home
D) The ship was attacked by pirates

---

Short Answer

9. Explain two reasons Crusoe's father gave for why the "middle station" of life was better than being either very rich or very poor.

10. Why does Crusoe say his father's words turned out to be "truly prophetic"? Use details from the text to support your answer.

11. Describe how Crusoe felt during the storm at sea, and explain why he felt this way in connection with his decision to leave home.

---

Answer Key

1. B) 1632
2. C) York, England
3. A) Kreutznaer
4. C) The law
5. B) The middle station of low life
6. B) He was killed fighting the Spaniards near Dunkirk
7. B) He secretly boarded a friend's ship at Hull without telling his parents
8. B) A terrible storm arose and Crusoe became sick and frightened

1. Sample answer: The middle station avoids the miseries and hard labor of the poor, as well as the pride, luxury, ambition, and envy of the rich. It offers peace, plenty, temperance, moderation, health, and pleasant living without extreme suffering or excess.

1. Sample answer: His father warned that if Crusoe left home, he would become "the most miserable wretch that ever was born" and would have no one to help him if things went wrong. This came true, as Crusoe soon faced terrible storms and hardships at sea, showing his father's warning was accurate.

1. Sample answer: Crusoe was extremely seasick and terrified, believing every wave would sink the ship. He reflected guiltily on disobeying his father and mother, feeling that the storm was a punishment from Heaven for abandoning his duty and leaving home against his parents' wishes.