Treasure Island

Jim keeps his promises to John Silver and Israel Hands, although he knows that both are dishonest and dangerous men. Do you think this makes Jim honest or foolish? If you were in Jim’s position, would you do the same thing? Why or why not?

The captain flies the English flag at the stockade, even though it makes the stockade an easier shooting target for the pirates. Why is it so important for him to fly the flag? Do you agree with him? Use examples from the text and your own experience to support your answer.

Jim leaves the captain’s company without permission twice, once by going ashore and once by leaving the stockade. Are Jim’s rebellions any different that the pirates’ rebellions against the captain? Why or why not?

Treasure Island was written in the 19th century. In what ways does it seem different from more modern coming-of-age stories? Are its lessons the same or different? If it were written today, how might the settings change?

Treasure Island has been adapted into many plays and films. After watching one of these adaptations, explain how the novel and play or film are different. Was the film exactly like you imagined the story? If not, describe what you might have done differently.

Throughout the novel Stevenson describes the actions of many boats and ships in the water. How do ships serve as metaphors in these descriptions?

The novel is divided into six parts, most of which are six chapters each. Does such a structure reflect the captain’s mindset? How so? If not, why do you think the author organized the novel in such a way?

Both the captain’s men and the pirates consume food and drink alcohol during the novel. In what ways do they consume differently? How do the ways they consume food and drink reflect other aspects of their behavior?