Read the following excerpt and answer the question that follows.
Abridged from Robinson Crusoe, by Daniel Defoe
Being the third son of the family and not bred to any trade, my head began to be filled very early
with rambling thoughts. My father, who was very ancient, had given me a competent share of
learning, as far as house-education and a country free school generally go, and designed me for the
law; but I would be satisfied with nothing but going to sea; and my inclination to this led me so
strongly against the will, nay, the commands of my father, and against all the entreaties and
persuasions of my mother and other friends, that there seemed to be something fatal in that
propensity of nature, tending directly to the life of misery which was to befall me.
What does the historical context of the writing demonstrate or tell you? (10 points)