The show "Crusoe" on NBC inspired me to read Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe. It is such a familiar story that I don't really remember whether I've read it before; or that I may have read a children's version of it.
For such a popular story, I am surprised to find that it is such "slow" reading. The wording does not flow; and the inherent adventure does not translate naturally into excitement in the story-telling.
While the TV version does not adhere very closely to the book, it is certainly a lot more interesting and exciting. I hate to think that I've succumbed to this culture's attraction to the small screen, rather than reading words; but, I don't think I have. I generally love to read, and still do so frequently.
I do think that the TV version makes it easier to visualize the interesting gadgets, his dwelling place, and the adventures. And it also involves a lot more people throughout the show, than the book does; which actually brings me to one of the main points that stuck out to me as I was reading. Often, Robinson Crusoe would talk about how he was now "king" of his island kingdom and had all that he needed, except for society. It makes me ponder the meaningfulness of living a life like that. Some of the most important parts of life are in the interactions with others. So, I would think that if I were stranded on an island, my motivation of continuing, would be to someday be once again among others and be able to share my experience of being alone on the island. I don't think I could become content with being "queen" of my kingdom without any hope of ever interacting with another human being again in my life. Yet, I would trust that God has a plan; and I would wait to see what He had in store.
The TV version has the added appeal of having a main actor, Philip Winchester, who professes to be a practicing Christian. I applaud those who are able to stand firm in their faith in an industry that is generally contrary to the Christian worldview. And, in keeping with that, being a show that honors integrity and Christian values, it appears that Crusoe may not continue to be showing on air after these initial episodes. I do hope that the network does not go through with cancelling the show.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Crusoe
The show "Crusoe" on NBC inspired me to read Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe. It is such a familiar story that I don't really remember whether I've read it before; or that I may have read a children's version of it.
For such a popular story, I am surprised to find that it is such "slow" reading. The wording does not flow; and the inherent adventure does not translate naturally into excitement in the story-telling.
While the TV version does not adhere very closely to the book, it is certainly a lot more interesting and exciting. I hate to think that I've succumbed to this culture's attraction to the small screen, rather than reading words; but, I don't think I have. I generally love to read, and still do so frequently.
I do think that the TV version makes it easier to visualize the interesting gadgets, his dwelling place, and the adventures. And it also involves a lot more people throughout the show, than the book does; which actually brings me to one of the main points that stuck out to me as I was reading. Often, Robinson Crusoe would talk about how he was now "king" of his island kingdom and had all that he needed, except for society. It makes me ponder the meaningfulness of living a life like that. Some of the most important parts of life are in the interactions with others. So, I would think that if I were stranded on an island, my motivation of continuing, would be to someday be once again among others and be able to share my experience of being alone on the island. I don't think I could become content with being "queen" of my kingdom without any hope of ever interacting with another human being again in my life. Yet, I would trust that God has a plan; and I would wait to see what He had in store.
The TV version has the added appeal of having a main actor, Philip Winchester, who professes to be a practicing Christian. I applaud those who are able to stand firm in their faith in an industry that is generally contrary to the Christian worldview. And, in keeping with that, being a show that honors integrity and Christian values, it appears that Crusoe may not continue to be showing on air after these initial episodes. I do hope that the network does not go through with cancelling the show.
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