The Bower

After surveying the island, Crusoe discovers that he had chosen the one of the worst sites on the island to construct his fortification and coming upon a lush valley he is tempted to relocate. However, unable to desert the fortification that offered a view to the sea, he chooses to construct a summerhouse in the valley instead.

Location

The bower is situated in a green valley that Crusoe finds after following the stream from his fortification.  The valley is filled with fauna and Crusoe is immediately captivated by it.

He builds “where the country seemed to descend to the west; and a little spring of fresh water, that is due east; and the country appeared so fresh, so green, so flourishing, everything being in a constant verdure or flourish of spring, that it looked like a planted garden.”

The Shelter

Defoe does not describe the construction of the bower in much detail but the structural elements of the bower closely resemble those in the fortification so it can be assumed that the bower is constructed in a similar manner. The bower is composed of a double hedge that can only be crossed by ladder, which encloses a tent for lodging. The fence in the bower was constructed from stakes with brushwood placed in between. These stakes later grow to provide shade and cover for the bower. Seeing the effectiveness of the hedge, Crusoe applies this new method of defence to his first habitation. As for furnishings, Crusoe later goes to build a sofa out of skins and blankets to go inside this tent.