Treasure Island: Analysis of Major Characters
"Treasure Island: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the rich tapestry of characters that inhabit Robert Louis Stevenson's classic adventure novel. Central to the narrative is Jim Hawkins, a young, brave boy who discovers a treasure map in the chest of the deceased pirate, Captain Bill Bones. This discovery propels him into a world of danger and intrigue as he embarks on a treasure hunt, supported by key figures such as Dr. Livesey, who plays a crucial role in medical care and planning, and Squire Trelawney, the financier of the expedition who cleverly navigates the treacherous waters of piracy.
Captain Smollett commands the ship Hispaniola, while Long John Silver, the cunning one-legged cook, showcases a complex blend of villainy and charisma. The narrative also introduces various other characters, including the ominous Blind Pew and the marooned Ben Gunn, each contributing to the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and survival. The intricate dynamics between these characters highlight their motivations and moral complexities, inviting readers to explore notions of heroism and villainy within the adventurous context of the story. This analysis ultimately enriches the understanding of Stevenson's work, revealing the depth of each character's role in the unfolding drama on Treasure Island.
Treasure Island: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
First published: serial, 1881–1882; book, 1883
Genre: Novel
Locale: England and the Spanish Main
Plot: Adventure
Time: The 1740's
Jim Hawkins, the principal narrator, a bright, courageous boy. His father owns the Admiral Benbow Inn, where Billy Bones hides. In Bones's sea chest, Jim finds a map of Captain Flint's buried treasure.
Dr. Livesey, who treats Jim's dying father and later the wounded mutineers on Treasure Island.
Squire Trelawney, who finances the treasure hunt and outsmarts the pirates.
Captain Smollett, the captain of the expedition's ship, the Hispaniola.
Captain Bill Bones, who steals the map and sings, “Fifteen men on a dead man's chest.” He dies of fright when the pirates bring him his death warning.
Black Dog, who discovers Bones's hiding place and is almost killed in a fight in the inn parlor.
Blind Pew, a deformed pirate who delivers the Black Spot death notice. He is trampled to death by the mounted revenue officers who attack the pirate gang searching for Bill Bones's sea chest.
Long John Silver, a one-legged ship's cook who owns a pet parrot called Captain Flint. He gathers a crew for the Hispaniola, from pirates whom he can control. Once, he saves Jim from their fury. He manages to get back to the West Indies with a bag of coins.
Ben Gunn, a pirate marooned by Captain Flint on Treasure Island. He moves the treasure and thus can keep it from the pirates and turn it over to Squire Trelawney.
Israel Hands, a pirate shot by Jim after he tries to kill Jim with a knife.