The Swiss Family Robinson

Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss

• Genre: Fiction; adventure, survival
• Originally Published: 1812
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 610L; ages 10 and up
• Structure/Length: Divided into chapters; approximately 375 pages; length may vary in different editions
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: Swiss Family Robinson follows the adventures of the Robinson family—Father, Mother, Fritz, Ernest, Francis, and Jack—as they become shipwrecked on a deserted tropical island. The central conflict revolves around their struggle for survival and their resourcefulness in building a new life on the island. The family faces various challenges, from building shelter to taming animals and finding food. The novel explores themes of self-reliance, ingenuity, and the enduring bond of family as they adapt to their new environment.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Pro-colonial themes; cultural and gender stereotypes; hunting, animal cruelty and animal exploitation; children in physical danger

Johann David Wyss, Author

• Bio: Born 1743, deceased 1818; Swiss author known for his contributions to adventure literature; “Swiss Family Robinson” is his most famous work, inspired by Robinson Crusoe and written as a moral adventure story for children; Wyss was also a military chaplain and philosopher.
• Other Works: While Swiss Family Robinson remains his most enduring work, Wyss authored several other books and essays during his lifetime.

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• The Lure of the Wild
• The Religious Value of Hard Work
• The Importance of Faith in Survival
• Colonialism as a God-Given Right

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:

• Explore background information on the Robinsonade and the creation of The Swiss Family Robinson to increase their engagement with and understanding of the novel.
• Read/study short paired texts and other resources to deepen their understanding of themes related to The Lure of the Wild, The Religious Value of Hard Work, The Importance of Faith in Survival, and Colonialism as a God-Given Right.
• Demonstrate their understanding of the characters’ resourcefulness and determination by creating an island map marking their achievements.
• Analyze the significance of various elements of the novel, such as imagery, descriptive detail, characterization, plot detail, setting, and allusion, and construct essay responses tying these to the novel’s meaning.