1.2. A Synopsis - The Swiss Family Robinson - Std 9 - Kumarbharati

Author: Johann David Wyss

Genre: Adventure Fiction / Novel Synopsis

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Std X

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

This is a synopsis of the adventure novel The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss. It tells the story of a Swiss family—William, Elizabeth, and their four sons—who are shipwrecked during a storm. Abandoned by others, they survive alone and reach a tropical island. Using their intelligence and teamwork, they build shelters, make tools, grow food, and adapt to their environment. They create multiple homes: a tent, a tree house, a cave, and finally a house on four strong trees. They face wild animals, natural challenges, and learn from every situation. Fritz later rescues Jenny, a stranded Englishwoman. Eventually, a ship arrives, and some family members choose to return to Europe, while others stay back. The story highlights courage, resourcefulness, and strong family bonds.

Theme / Central Idea

The lesson focuses on survival, innovation, and the power of human resilience. It teaches that determination, cooperation, and use of knowledge can help overcome even the greatest difficulties.

Character Sketches (Point-wise)

1. William (Father)

• Calm and intelligent leader

• Skilled in science, farming, and survival

• Teaches moral values and practical skills

• Builds shelters and guides the family

• Shows foresight and courage in all decisions

  
  

2. Fritz (Eldest Son)

• Brave and responsible

• Goes on expeditions with his father

• Rescues Jenny and chooses to return to Europe

• Represents compassion and maturity

3. Elizabeth (Mother)

• Caring and practical

• Suggests safer homes like the tree house

• Tends the garden and supports the family

• Embodies sensitivity, strength, and adaptability

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions (with Answers)

1. Identify the infinitive:

   Sentence: “Fritz decided to create a place safe from the elements.”

   Question: Pick out the infinitive.

   Answer: to create

   
   

2. Convert into passive voice:

   Sentence: “They built a house on four strong trees.”

   Question: Change to passive voice.

   Answer: A house was built on four strong trees by them.

   
   

3. Modal verb usage:

   Sentence: “We must consider that it is a work of fiction.”

   Question: Identify the modal and its function.

   Answer: must – expressing obligation or necessity

   
   

4. Tense transformation:

   Sentence: “They weathered the great storm.”

   Question: Change into future perfect tense.

   Answer: They will have weathered the great storm.

   
   

5. Wh-question framing:

   Sentence: “Fritz rescued the Englishwoman, Jenny.”

   Question: Frame a Wh-question to get the underlined part as the answer.

   Answer: Whom did Fritz rescue?

Personal Response Questions

1. What quality of the family do you admire the most? Why?

   I admire the family's resourcefulness. Even in dangerous and unknown situations, they used their knowledge and teamwork to survive. It shows how human intelligence can overcome any obstacle.

   
   

2. Would you prefer to stay back on the island or return to Europe? Explain.I would choose to return to Europe for better education and future opportunities. Though the island life was self-sufficient, society and learning play an important role in growth.

   
   

3. Why do you think the family succeeded despite being alone?Their success came from unity, courage, and quick thinking. Each member played a role, and they supported one another without giving up.

   
   

4. What lesson does this story teach about handling challenges?It teaches that challenges are opportunities to learn and grow. Patience, skill, and confidence can help anyone face difficulties successfully.

True or False

1. The family lived in only one shelter throughout their stay.

   → False

   
   

2. Fritz was the one who found the message on the albatross.

   → True

   
   

3. Jenny had survived alone for more than five years.

   → False

   
   

Probable Board Questions

1. How did the Robinson family survive the storm?

   They stayed inside the ship’s hold and waited out the storm. They remained calm and used their presence of mind to stay safe.

   
   

2. Why did the family decide to build a house on trees?

   The tree house offered safety from wild animals and a cooler shelter in a hot, dry area. It also reflected the mother's concern and intelligence.

   
   

3. How did Fritz rescue Jenny Montrose?

   Fritz found a message tied to an albatross's leg. He traced the sender to another island, reached there, and rescued Jenny, who had been stranded.

   
   

4. What moral values are highlighted in the story?

   The story highlights unity, self-reliance, courage, compassion, and the importance of education and scientific thinking in real-life problems.

   
   

Appreciation or Reflection Paragraph

A Synopsis – The Swiss Family Robinson is a memorable and inspiring story that teaches survival, adaptability, and family values. It shows how people can overcome great hardships through unity, intelligence, and hard work. Each decision made by the family reflects their courage and creativity. The many shelters they build show human evolution and adaptability. Fritz’s rescue of Jenny adds emotion and depth. The story encourages us to face difficulties with a positive and hopeful attitude. It leaves readers with a strong message: where there is a will, there is always a way.

Interactive English Worksheet Sheet:

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