7 M1 - Journeys and Survival

First published in 1914, this romantic novel has remained influential over the years, both as a book and in films and a television series. The reader must recognize that Tarzan is a product of its age and contains outmoded imagery and simplistic depictions of other cultures and species: bloodthirsty natives, chatty chimps, roaring lions, stalking beasts. In some respects Tarzan is a caricature of itself and life in an African jungle.

Based loosely on the true story of the real-life sailor Alexander Selkirk, Defoe's classic tale of human strength and survival in the face of a hostile and lonely world can be understood on many different levels. Defoe is a figure for all times, either alone as he is literally stripped bare to confront the basic elements of life, or with “his man” Friday, who joins Crusoe after 26 years of solitariness. Defoe's work is both suitable and meaningful for readers of all ages.

Robin Hood is a hero of popular ballads that date from the 14th to 16th centuries and stands as a counterpart to King Arthur, who represents the ideal of the noble class. In contrast, Robin Hood lives in Sherwood forest surrounded by his band of merry men and do-gooders, such as Friar Tuck and Little John. Robin enjoys the affections of Maid Marian and uses his skills as a master archer and huntsman to rob from the rich and give to the poor.