1. Reflect on the diverse species of animals and plants inhabiting the island. Do you believe such a place could truly exist, or is it purely fictional?

2. Critic Charles Nodier has claimed that the Robinson family's adventures encapsulate the entire history of humanity: "time summed up in a brief succession of years—the prolonged and patient tale of humanity set forth in the internal economy of a small household." What are your thoughts on this perspective?

3. The narrative often pauses to provide detailed explanations about some of the island's discoveries, which can interrupt the story's flow. Do you find this bothersome? Would you prefer to remove some or all of these instructional segments?

4. Among the four sons, do you have a favorite character? Does any one of them appear to have a more well-rounded personality than the others?

5. What do you think has contributed to the enduring popularity of The Swiss Family Robinson?