English Notes for Chapter 3 Robinson Crusoe Discovers a Footprint Class 5 - FREE PDF Download
FAQs on Robinson Crusoe Discovers a Footprint Class 5 English Chapter 3 CBSE Notes - 2025-26
1. What is a quick summary of the chapter 'Robinson Crusoe Discovers a Footprint'?
This chapter provides a short recap of the moment Robinson Crusoe, who believes he is completely alone on a deserted island, discovers a single, mysterious human footprint in the sand. This key event shatters his sense of safety, filling him with intense fear and confusion. His previously predictable life of survival transforms into one of anxiety and constant watchfulness as he realises he may not be the only inhabitant.
2. What key event terrified Robinson Crusoe in this story?
The main event that terrified Robinson Crusoe was finding a perfect human footprint on the seashore. Since he had lived on the island for many years believing he was the only person there, this unexpected sign of another human filled him with immense fear of the unknown and potential danger.
3. Why was Robinson Crusoe so confused after seeing the footprint?
Crusoe was confused because the footprint clearly did not belong to him, and he could not imagine how another person could have arrived on the island, as he had seen no boat. This led him to question his own senses, wondering if the footprint was just his imagination or something supernatural.
4. What are the main themes to remember when revising this chapter?
When creating revision notes for this chapter, focus on these key themes:
- Loneliness and Isolation: The footprint starkly highlights how alone Crusoe was and how the mere sign of another person impacts him.
- Fear of the Unknown: Crusoe's reaction is a classic example of how humans fear what they cannot see or understand.
- Survival Instincts: The discovery introduces a new threat, shifting his survival concerns from nature to other humans.
5. How does finding the footprint change the story's direction?
Finding the footprint is a crucial turning point in the narrative. It shifts the story's central conflict from 'man versus nature' to 'man versus man' (or the threat of it). This single discovery introduces suspense and mystery, making Crusoe's situation far more complex and driving the plot forward into new challenges.
6. What is the symbolic importance of the footprint in this chapter summary?
The footprint symbolises the end of Crusoe's complete solitude and the invasion of his private world. For years, the island was his uncontested territory, giving him a sense of control. The footprint represents a sudden loss of that control and the unsettling presence of an unknown 'other', showing how a small discovery can completely alter one's perception of safety.
7. Why did Robinson Crusoe pray when he saw the footprint?
Robinson Crusoe prayed because he was overwhelmed with terror and felt utterly vulnerable. After fleeing to his shelter, which he called his 'castle', prayer was his way of seeking comfort and divine protection. It was a desperate reaction to the sudden, horrifying thought that he might be in danger from savages, making him turn to his faith in a moment of extreme fear.
8. What are the most important points to focus on for a quick revision of this chapter?
For a good summary, focus on these key concepts:
- Crusoe's initial shock upon seeing the print.
- His logical process of ruling out that the footprint was his own or an animal's.
- The overwhelming fear that caused him to run and hide.
- His internal monologue, showing his thoughts shifting from amazement to terror.
- The understanding that this event permanently ended his peace on the island.
9. How do Crusoe's feelings about the footprint evolve throughout the chapter?
Crusoe's feelings evolve rapidly. Initially, he is simply 'exceedingly surprised' and stands frozen. This surprise quickly escalates into terror as he imagines the footprint belongs to savages. After fleeing, his fear turns into paranoia, where he imagines danger everywhere. Finally, while the intense fear subsides slightly, it is replaced by a permanent state of caution and anxiety that changes his life on the island forever.
10. Why is this specific chapter important for a Class 5 student's syllabus?
This chapter is an excellent study in character development and atmosphere. For Class 5 students, it effectively explores relatable feelings of fear and loneliness. It is a valuable tool for teaching reading comprehension, as it requires students to understand a character's internal thoughts and emotional journey, which is a key skill for analysing stories as per the CBSE curriculum guidelines for 2025-26.











