The Swiss Family Robinson

Die Schweizer Familie Robinson

The Swiss Family Robinson follows a close family who has found themselves stranded on an island after a shipwreck. The story is told from the point of view of the father. The religious family is made up of their intelligent and resourceful father, a kind and caring mother, and their four sons named Fritz, Ernest, Jack, and Franz.

Fritz is the eldest son, 15-years-old when the family lands on the island, and he is often tough on his brothers despite his good intentions.

Ernest is the second oldest, and he is intelligent and well-formed though indolent. Jack is the third oldest son. He is bold, but often thoughtless. Last is Franz, the youngest son, nearly 8-years-old when the family first is stranded.

The story begins with the family’s good fortune when they survive a shipwreck in a terrible storm.

They find themselves stuck on a ship, after being abandoned by their shipmates, but not too far from shore. Luckily, the family discovers many supplies on the ship including clothing, tools, fish hooks, guns and gun powder, and various useful animals. They find even more treasures on the endlessly fruitful island and continue to prosper and make new and exciting discoveries for years.