Themes: Survival and Self-Reliance

After being shipwrecked, the stranded Swiss family is forced to rely on their own knowledge and skills in order to survive on a deserted island. Each individual possesses different strengths. For instance, Fritz is old enough to assist his father with more laborious tasks, Ernest’s interest in natural history enables him to identify plants and animals, and Elizabeth brings a uniquely feminine perspective that allows her to propose ideas the men...

Themes: Faith and Providence

Faith is a central theme throughout The Swiss Family Robinson, with Christianity providing a source of mental, spiritual, and intellectual fortitude for the family as they survive on a deserted island. Father often leads the family in prayer, and they maintain the Sabbath as a day of rest and reflection. Using biblical parables, sermons, and scripture, the father imparts important life lessons upon his sons while also helping them retain the faith...

Themes: Family and Unity

Throughout the novel, the members of the Swiss family must work together in order to support their communal survival effort. They work together as a cohesive unit, supporting each other’s efforts and goals while providing valuable input when necessary. Indeed, many of the tasks the family undertakes likely could not have been completed by an individual: the carving out of their cavernous winter home, the capturing and taming of numerous wild...