Chapter 29: Seeing the World

Back in England, Crusoe finds that most of his family is dead, except for his two sisters and two nephews, the sons of his brother. In appreciation of Crusoe's efforts, the ship's owner and the merchants whose goods it carried give him a present of 200 pounds. With his British affairs settled, Crusoe travels to Lisbon to find out about his estate in Brazil. When he meets his old captain who had rescued him off the African coast, he learns the good news that his estate is intact and that his partner is still alive. Letters are sent to Brazil, informing them that Crusoe is alive, and replies come back. Crusoe learns and that he is a very rich man with over 5000 pounds in money. He rewards the old captain for his kindness and also sends money to the old British widow, with whom he had invested some stock. He also sends money to his two sisters. Then he goes about settling his business matters and sends gifts to his partner and his family in Brazil.

The action reached its climax in the previous chapter, and now the loose ends of the plot are tied up in the conclusion. When he prodigal son comes back to England after twenty-eight years, he is an entirely different person. Even though most of his immediate family is dead and cannot greet him, God has the fatted calf ready for him. First he is given a 200-pound reward for helping to save the ship. Then he learns in Lisbon that his Brazilian plantation has prospered. Besides having a large estate, he has 5000 pounds in profit.

Crusoe does not take God's goodness to him lightly. He manages his business affairs sensibly and is financially generous with both family and friends. Robinson Crusoe has become a wise, humble, and mature man.

Table of Contents | Printable Version