Extra task: The real Robinson Crusoe

You have probably heard of Robinson Crusoe: a man stuck on an uninhabited island who had to survive on his own. Of course, there is so much more to the simplified story that many people know.

This work of fiction, published by Daniel Defoe in 1719, was written like an autobiography. Defoe was, amongst others, a journalist, businessman, manufacturer and government spy. He wrote the novel in journalistic fashion: he gives the facts as fully and accurately as possible.

Although the story is fictional, Robinson Crusoe is based on the account of Alexander Selkirk, a Scotsman, who was left behind on the isle of Juan Fernandez, off the coast of Chile, and stayed there from 1704 till 1709.

In this extra task you are going to find out who this real Robinson Crusoe was by watching a History Channel documentary.

After having watched the documentary, write a brief summary of the contents in which you include Selkirk's childhood, life at sea, his rescue and his life in London afterwards. Use 100-150 words.

      The real Robinson Crusoe