Robinson Crusoe

Robinson Crusoe

by

Daniel Defoe

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Robinson Crusoe: Chapter 10 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Robinson set to work planting more crops and entertained himself by teaching his parrot, named Poll, to speak its own name. He tried making jars and bowls out of clay, but many were misshapen and easily broke. However, he found a broken piece of one of his failed jars that had been burned in his fire and noticed that it was "hard as stone." Thus, he discovered how to bake his pottery.
Robinson discovers how to bake his pottery by accident, as he mistakenly burns a piece of a broken jar. Poll is Robinson's only company for conversation, emphasizing how alone he is on the island.
Themes
Society, Individuality, and Isolation Theme Icon
Advice, Mistakes, and Hindsight Theme Icon
With his new pottery, Robinson was able to make a huge pot in which to boil meat. He made a mortar and pestle to grind corn and decided to use some sailors' clothes he had saved from his ship as a sieve for preparing his grain. Finally, Robinson was able to bake some bread. All this work kept him busy for his third year on the island.
Robinson is now able to make a somewhat more comfortable life alone on the island, as he learns to boil meats and make bread.
Themes
Society, Individuality, and Isolation Theme Icon