Treasure Island Essay Example
Treasure Island Essay Example

Treasure Island Essay Example

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'Treasure Island' is a well-known classic that tells a thrilling sea adventure. The book introduces memorable characters like Jim Hawkins, blind Pew, and Long John Silver. Even those who haven't read the book are familiar with the dreaded pirate and the significance of the treasure's location marked by a cross. The story begins in a rundown seaside tavern called 'The Admiral Benbow', where the Hawkins family, including young Jim, live. Initially, it may be hard to believe that this book is intended for young children, as its traditional language can be confusing and difficult to understand.

However, if one persists, the text transforms from nearly unintelligible to clear and engaging storytelling. The primary protagonists are Jim Hawkins, a young boy, and Long John Silver, a swashbuckler. Jim serves as the story's main narrator. When Bill

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y Bones, known as 'The Captain', arrives at the inn where Jim resides, Jim becomes acquainted with him. The captain is a fascinating character, often consuming excessive amounts of rum and behaving like a bully. He soon enlists Jim's help in keeping an eye out for a 'seafaring man with only one leg'. This character is an aged sailor who often sings a sea shanty that annoys everyone: 'Fifteen men on the dead man's chest, yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum!' Jim, who is a gentle and eager-to-please young boy, experiences nightmares about this one-legged sailor.

Jim quickly becomes acquainted with two notorious old sailors, Black Dog and blind Pew, who frequently visit the captain and engage in heated and threatening conversations. The sudden deaths of Jim's father and the captain, although mentioned briefly, do not elicit much grief from the reader a

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they are secondary to the main narrative. Jim's courage begins to shine through when he returns to the 'Admiral Benbow' and observes several sailors searching through the deceased captain's chest, hoping to find something valuable. Fortunately, Jim had already taken an oilskin package, which later turns out to contain the map of 'Treasure Island'. The reader is already cheering for Jim to succeed in any endeavor he undertakes; he is establishing himself as a hero figure. Demonstrating sound judgement, Jim brings the oilskin package to Dr. Liversey, the physician who treated both his father and the captain. It is worth mentioning that Dr. Liversey happened to be at the Manor house during this time.

Liversey's friend, the squire John Trelawney, also became involved. Stevenson effectively presents Dr. Liversey as a reliable and wise individual, while portraying the Squire as a sincere, straightforward, and occasionally indiscreet person. Once they discovered that the oilskin package contained the treasure map, the three embarked on a sea voyage to locate the treasure with Jim serving as the cabin boy. Upon reading in John Trelawney's letter to Dr. Liversey that he had recruited a sailor named Long John Silver who had only one leg, Jim became concerned that this was the one-legged sailor from his nightmares during his time at the Admiral Benbow.

Although Jim had initial fears about Long John Silver, those fears were quickly dispelled upon their first meeting. Jim had preconceived notions of what a buccaneer was like based on encounters with Captain Flint, Black Dog, and Blind Pew. However, Silver proved to be a very different and pleasant individual. As the story progressed, Jim and Silver developed a

good relationship aboard the Hispaniola. They frequently had cozy chats, during which Silver would discuss his past voyages alongside his parrot, Captain Flint. Silver actively tried to befriend Jim, who enjoyed his company and genuinely liked him. One of the most captivating and suspenseful chapters in the book is called "What I Heard in the Apple Barrel," narrated by Jim. In this chapter, Jim recounts a tense moment when Silver addresses a young seaman using the same words and flattering phrases he had used on Jim earlier. Jim listens as Silver reveals his plans to revolt against the ship's captain, doctor, and squire in order to take control of the treasure. Fortunately, Jim is able to warn the captain and the doctor in advance.

Liversey and the squire demonstrated his leadership qualities once again. His bravery and quick thinking were evident when he spontaneously joined a landing party upon reaching the Island. Despite being pursued by Silver and his followers, Liversey managed to escape and explore the Island. It is during this time that he encounters Ben Gunn, a legendary marooned pirate. Ultimately, Jim single-handedly and injuredly recaptures the 'Hispaniola' and sails it back to a safe landing point, preparing to collect the treasures. Jim Hawkins is a clever young hero, and from the very beginning, we find ourselves cheering him on as he outwits his superiors. This is not a love story – it is filled with action from start to finish.

Jim undergoes a transformation from a scared young boy to a deserving hero as the story progresses. In typical adventure fashion, good triumphs over evil and Jim is rewarded. Surprisingly, John Silver turns out

to be more charming, deceitful, and villainous than we had anticipated. He cleverly manipulates a meeting with the squire in Bristol, impressing the squire with fabricated stories about his past and his injuries. The squire is completely taken in by his tactics and hires him as the ship's cook. From there, Silver goes on to influence the squire's choices for the rest of the crew.

The text highlights the influence of Long John Silver on the ship. John Trelawney writes to Liversey, mentioning that Long John was able to get rid of two members that Trelawney had already hired. Early on in the voyage, Long John earned the respect of everyone as he had a unique way of talking to each individual. In addition to this, he efficiently fulfilled his responsibilities by maintaining hygiene and orderliness in the galley. Despite his disability, Long John had a rigged line on deck that allowed him to move around the ship.

The men respected him and were also very friendly towards him, nick-naming him 'barbecue', but they also obeyed him. He was also a very confident person, confident of his ability to control, '..... I'm not a boasting man....but when I was quartermaster, lambs wasn't the word for Flints old buccaneers.....' Silver was happy to take on a lesser role on the voyage and be everyone's friend and was also a very good planner. All along we were willing Jim to outwit Silver but at the same time not wanting Silver's demise to be too terrible! We are grateful then, when Jim stands up to Silver, '.....here you are in a bad way; ship lost, treasure lost, men lost; your

whole business gone to wreck; and if you want to know who did it - it was I!' Long John stops Tom Morgan from stabbing Jim, and such is his authority over his men he protects him. We should like to believe that Silver liked Jim Hawkins and his heart may have prevented his murder, but it may also have been that he wanted Jim and the others to put a 'good word' in for him in Bristol, knowing he had failed. When Silver jumped ship in South America instead of facing the consequences of his piracy in Bristol we were glad and gladder still to learn he had taken a sack of coins; it was a fitting end for the rogue.

The portrayal of Stevenson's characters is so vivid that the reader can envision the protagonist enjoying his later years on a Mexican beach alongside his wife. In this believable world, death constantly looms, immersing us in its proximity. The imagery is so tangible that we can practically savor the salt in the air and truly invest in the characters. Jim remains steadfast throughout the story, providing reliability, while Silver, as is typical of antagonists, offers a more intricate and multifaceted portrayal.

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