History's Mysteries Season 5 Episode 14 The Real Robinson Crusoe

The Real Robinson Crusoe episode of History's Mysteries delves into the story of Alexander Selkirk, a Scottish sailor who was marooned on an uninhabited island off the coast of Chile for four years during the early 18th century. Selkirk's story is believed to be the inspiration behind Daniel Defoe's classic novel Robinson Crusoe, and the episode sets out to determine how much of the novel was based on Selkirk's real-life experiences.

The episode begins by exploring Selkirk's life prior to his fateful decision to leave his ship and strand himself on the island. Viewers learn about Selkirk's troubled past, including his involvement in a mutiny on a previous ship and his decision to leave his most recent vessel due to disagreements with the captain. Experts weigh in on the likelihood that Selkirk intentionally chose to be marooned on the island, as opposed to simply being left there against his will.

From there, the episode transitions into Selkirk's time on the island itself. Using historical records and archaeological finds, the show paints a vivid picture of what Selkirk's life would have been like during his long exile. Viewers see the makeshift shelter Selkirk built for himself, get a sense of the limited resources he would have had available for food and water, and learn about how he remained isolated and alone for the majority of his time on the island. Experts discuss Selkirk's strategies for survival and how his experience may have differed from what readers of Robinson Crusoe are familiar with.

The episode then turns to the question of how Selkirk's experience influenced Defoe's novel. Viewers learn about the origins of the book and some of the ways it has been adapted for the screen over the years. Clipe from adaptations of the novel are intercut with interviews with literary experts, who analyze the similarities and differences between Selkirk's experience and the character of Robinson Crusoe. They discuss potential ways that Defoe may have altered Selkirk's story to fit the narrative he was crafting, and also note the ways in which the novel reflects broader themes of colonialism and imperialism.

As the episode draws to a close, a team of researchers attempts to recreate some of Selkirk's experiences on the empty island where he was stranded. The team members put themselves in Selkirk's shoes by foraging for food, building shelters, and attempting to live with the limited resources available. This segment is particularly informative, as it gives viewers a tangible sense of just how difficult Selkirk's time on the island would have been.

Overall, The Real Robinson Crusoe is an engaging and informative episode of History's Mysteries that sheds light on a fascinating historical figure. The episode does an excellent job of weaving together historical research, literary analysis, and real-life experimentation to give viewers a complete understanding of Selkirk's story.