Treasure Island · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson.
Chapter 1
To the Hesitating Purchaser
The author addresses the reader directly, offering a poetic invitation to those who still enjoy classic tales of sailors, adventure, treasure, and pirates, while acknowledging that modern tastes may have moved on.
Chapter 2
Dedication
The author dedicates the book to Lloyd Osbourne, an American gentleman whose classic taste inspired the narrative, expressing gratitude and kind wishes.
Chapter 3
Treasure Island
Jim Hawkins recounts the arrival of Captain Billy Bones at the Admiral Benbow Inn, the visits from Black Dog and Blind Pew, the delivery of the Black Spot, the opening of the sea chest, the pirate raid, and the revelation of the treasure map to Squire Trelawney and Doctor Livesey, setting the stage for the voyage to Treasure Island.
Chapter 4
Part I: The Old Buccaneer
Jim Hawkins recounts the arrival of the mysterious Captain Billy Bones at the Admiral Benbow inn, his encounters with Black Dog and Blind Pew, and the events leading to the discovery of the treasure map.
Chapter 5
At the Admiral Benbow
Jim Hawkins begins his account of the Treasure Island adventure, recalling the arrival of a mysterious old seaman with a saber cut—known only as 'the captain'—at his father's inn, the Admiral Benbow. The captain pays generously, stays for months, and lives in constant fear of a one-legged seafaring man, offering Jim a monthly silver coin to watch for him. He terrifies the locals with wild sea stories and drunken songs, but is confronted by Doctor Livesey, who stands up to him and threatens legal action. The captain's presence both frightens and excites the community, while his paranoia and drinking hasten Jim's father's decline.
Chapter 6
II: Black Dog Appears and Disappears
On a bitter cold January morning, Jim Hawkins encounters a mysterious stranger at the Admiral Benbow Inn who is looking for his 'mate Bill'—the captain. The stranger, revealed to be Black Dog, confronts the captain in the parlor. A violent fight erupts, ending with Black Dog fleeing wounded. The captain suffers a stroke, and Doctor Livesey arrives to bleed him and warn him that rum will be his death.
Chapter 7
III: The Black Spot
Jim tends to the ailing Captain Billy Bones, who grows increasingly paranoid about his former crewmates and the dreaded 'black spot.' Despite his pleas for rum, Jim refuses to give him more than one glass. Later, a terrifying blind man named Pew arrives at the inn, forces Jim to lead him to the captain, and delivers the black spot—a summons that seals the captain's fate. Overcome with fear and weakness, Captain Bones dies of a stroke, leaving Jim and his mother to face the coming danger.
Chapter 8
IV: The Sea-Chest
Jim and his mother, fearing the return of the pirates, seek help from the neighboring hamlet but find no one willing to assist them. Resolute, they return alone to the Admiral Benbow, open the captain's sea-chest, and retrieve the money owed to them along with an oilskin packet of papers. Their escape is nearly thwarted by the blind man's tapping and the approach of lantern-bearing pursuers, forcing them to hide under a bridge.
Chapter 9
The Last of the Blind Man
Jim Hawkins watches from hiding as Pew and his gang of buccaneers raid the Admiral Benbow, searching for Captain Flint's treasure map. After finding the sea chest already opened and Bill Bones dead, they realize the map is missing. A quarrel breaks out among the pirates, and they are scattered by the arrival of revenue officers on horseback. In the chaos, Pew is trampled to death. Jim joins Mr. Dance and rides to Doctor Livesey's house, carrying the treasure map in his pocket.
Chapter 10
The Captain's Papers
Jim Hawkins and Mr. Dance ride to Doctor Livesey's house, then to the Hall where the squire and doctor are dining. Jim delivers the oilskin packet from Billy Bones's sea chest. The doctor opens it to reveal a logbook and a sealed paper containing a treasure map of an island, with coordinates and markings indicating buried treasure. The squire excitedly plans an expedition to recover the treasure, while the doctor cautions secrecy and warns against the squire's loose tongue.
Chapter 11
Part II: The Sea-Cook
Jim Hawkins recounts the journey to Bristol, the hiring of Long John Silver as ship's cook, and the initial preparations for the voyage to Treasure Island.
Chapter 12
I Go to Bristol
Jim Hawkins, living at the Hall under the care of old Redruth, receives a letter from Squire Trelawney detailing the purchase of the schooner Hispaniola, the hiring of Long John Silver as cook, and the assembly of a crew in Bristol. Jim travels to Bristol with Redruth, says goodbye to his mother, and arrives to find the squire and doctor ready to sail the next day.
Chapter 13
At the Sign of the Spy-Glass
Jim Hawkins delivers Squire Trelawney's note to Long John Silver at the Spy-glass tavern. He meets Silver, who appears cheerful and hospitable, but Jim spots Black Dog fleeing the tavern. Silver feigns ignorance and outrage, sending men after Black Dog, but they fail to catch him. Silver then accompanies Jim back to the squire and doctor, charming them with his story. The chapter ends with the group preparing to board the Hispaniola.
Chapter 14
Powder and Arms
Jim and the party board the Hispaniola, where Captain Smollett expresses serious concerns about the voyage, the crew, and the lack of secrecy. He insists on moving the powder and arms to a safer location and quartering the loyal men near the cabin to guard against potential mutiny. Despite the squire's anger, the doctor supports the captain's precautions. Long John Silver arrives and observes the changes, while Jim feels a growing dislike for the captain.
Chapter 15
X: The Voyage
The Hispaniola sets sail for Treasure Island. Jim Hawkins is excited by the new life at sea. The voyage is generally prosperous, but several incidents occur: the first mate Mr. Arrow disappears, likely overboard, due to his secret drinking; Job Anderson is promoted. Long John Silver proves himself a capable and charismatic cook, winning over the crew and Jim with his kindness and stories. The squire and Captain Smollett remain at odds. On the last day of the voyage, Jim climbs into an apple barrel and overhears Silver revealing a mutiny plot, realizing the lives of the honest men depend on him.
Chapter 16
XI: What I Heard in the Apple Barrel
Jim Hawkins hides in an apple barrel on the Hispaniola and overhears Long John Silver revealing his true nature as a pirate leader. Silver discusses his past with Captain Flint and Pew, and corrupts a young sailor named Dick into joining the mutiny. Israel Hands joins the conversation, and they plot to take over the ship after the treasure is found. Jim learns that some crew members remain loyal, but the mutineers plan to kill the captain, squire, and doctor. The chapter ends with the lookout sighting land.
Chapter 17
XII: Council of War
Jim Hawkins reports the mutiny plot he overheard to the captain, squire, and doctor. They hold a council of war, assessing their loyal men and planning their next moves as the Hispaniola approaches Treasure Island.
Chapter 18
Part III: My Shore Adventure
Jim Hawkins ventures ashore on Treasure Island, where he encounters the marooned Ben Gunn and witnesses the darker side of the mutineers, setting the stage for the conflict over the treasure.
Chapter 19
XIII: How My Shore Adventure Began
The Hispaniola arrives at Treasure Island and the crew becomes increasingly mutinous. Captain Smollett proposes allowing the men ashore to defuse tension, and Long John Silver works to maintain order. Jim Hawkins impulsively joins the shore party and escapes into the island's woods, beginning his solo adventure.
Chapter 20
XIV: The First Blow
Jim Hawkins, hiding in the woods on Treasure Island, overhears Long John Silver trying to persuade a loyal sailor named Tom to join the mutiny. When Tom refuses and remains loyal to his duty, Silver brutally murders him. Terrified, Jim flees deeper into the island, realizing he is now alone and in grave danger.
Chapter 21
The Man of the Island
Jim Hawkins encounters Ben Gunn, a marooned sailor who has lived alone on the island for three years. Ben Gunn reveals he was part of Flint's crew and knows about the buried treasure. He strikes a deal with Jim for passage home and a share of the treasure in exchange for his help. Their conversation is interrupted by the sound of cannon fire, signaling the start of a battle between the loyal crew and the mutineers.
Chapter 22
Part IV: The Stockade
After the first landing on Treasure Island, the loyal party, including Jim Hawkins, Doctor Livesey, Squire Trelawney, and Captain Smollett, establishes a defensive stockade on the island. Jim overhears Long John Silver's mutiny plot in the apple barrel, leading to heightened tensions. The group fortifies their position as the mutineers prepare to attack.
Chapter 23
Narrative Continued by the Doctor—How the Ship Was Abandoned
Doctor Livesey narrates the strategic abandonment of the Hispaniola. With Jim Hawkins gone ashore, the captain, squire, and doctor decide to fortify a stockade on the island. They load supplies into a jolly-boat, arm themselves, and successfully recruit Abraham Gray from the mutineers before abandoning the ship.
Chapter 24
Narrative Continued by the Doctor—The Jolly-Boat’s Last Trip
The doctor narrates the perilous fifth trip of the jolly-boat, overloaded with men and supplies, as the ebb tide sweeps them off course. They face the threat of the pirates manning the long nine gun on the Hispaniola. Squire Trelawney fires at Israel Hands but misses, hitting another pirate. The boat is swamped by the gun's shot, forcing the crew to wade ashore with lost stores and only two serviceable guns, while pirates approach from the woods.
Chapter 25
Narrative Continued by the Doctor—End of the First Day’s Fighting
The doctor, squire, and their party make their way to the stockade under fire from the mutineers. They successfully defend the stockade, killing one attacker, but Tom Redruth is mortally wounded. Captain Smollett raises the British flag, counts supplies, and notes the shortage of rations. The mutineers bombard the stockade with cannon fire from the Hispaniola, but the shots are largely ineffective. Volunteers attempt to retrieve stores but find the mutineers already looting them. The chapter ends with Jim Hawkins returning safely over the stockade.
Chapter 26
Narrative Resumed by Jim Hawkins—The Garrison in the Stockade
Jim Hawkins, after his encounter with Ben Gunn, returns to the stockade to find his friends have fortified themselves. The loyal party, under Captain Smollett's leadership, buries Tom Redruth, organizes watches, and discusses their dire situation. They resolve to fight the mutineers, relying on rum, climate, and careful tactics. The chapter ends with the arrival of a flag of truce and Long John Silver himself.
Chapter 27
Silver’s Embassy
Silver approaches the stockade under a flag of truce to negotiate with Captain Smollett. He offers terms: the treasure map in exchange for either safe passage or a share of supplies. Smollett refuses, threatens to put a bullet in Silver's back, and orders him to leave. Silver departs in a rage, vowing to destroy the blockhouse.
Chapter 28
The Attack
Captain Smollett organizes the defense of the blockhouse after Silver's departure. The loyal party prepares for an assault, and a fierce battle ensues when the mutineers storm the stockade. Despite being outnumbered, the defenders repel the attack, killing five pirates but losing Joyce and wounding the captain.
Chapter 29
Part V: My Sea Adventure
Jim Hawkins embarks on a solo adventure on the island, leaving the stockade to explore the Hispaniola and the surrounding area. He cuts the ship adrift, boards it, and engages in a deadly fight with Israel Hands, ultimately killing him. Jim then returns to the stockade only to find it taken over by the mutineers.
Chapter 30
XXII: How My Sea Adventure Began
After the battle, Jim grows restless and envious of Doctor Livesey's freedom. He secretly packs biscuits and pistols, slips out of the stockade, and heads to the eastern spit to find Ben Gunn's hidden boat. Discovering the crude coracle, Jim then resolves to cut the Hispaniola adrift under cover of night to thwart the mutineers' plans.
Chapter 31
The Ebb-Tide Runs
Jim Hawkins, in the coracle, struggles to navigate the treacherous current toward the Hispaniola. He cuts the schooner loose from its anchor, overhearing a drunken quarrel between Israel Hands and another pirate. After cutting the final hawser, he is swept alongside the ship, glimpses the two men fighting, and is carried by the ebb tide through the narrows toward the open sea, fearing for his life.
Chapter 32
The Cruise of the Coracle
Jim Hawkins awakens adrift in his coracle off the southwest end of Treasure Island. He attempts to land but is deterred by dangerous cliffs, breakers, and sea lions. He decides to paddle north toward the Cape of the Woods, but struggles to control the coracle. He spots the Hispaniola sailing erratically with no one at the helm, and resolves to board her. After a perilous chase, he leaps from the coracle onto the schooner's jib-boom as the coracle is crushed beneath the ship.
Chapter 33
I Strike the Jolly Roger
Jim Hawkins boards the Hispaniola alone, finds the two pirates dead or wounded, takes command, strikes the Jolly Roger, and makes a bargain with the wounded Israel Hands to sail the ship to North Inlet.
Chapter 34
Israel Hands
Jim Hawkins and the wounded Israel Hands navigate the Hispaniola into the North Inlet. Jim discovers Hands has armed himself with a hidden dirk, realizing his life is in danger. After the ship runs aground and careens, Jim climbs the rigging and recharges his pistols. Hands follows, but Jim threatens him. In a sudden move, Hands throws his dirk, pinning Jim to the mast; Jim's pistols fire, and Hands falls into the water.
Chapter 35
Pieces of Eight
Jim Hawkins, having killed Israel Hands and disposed of O'Brien's body, finds himself alone on the Hispaniola. He manages to lower the sails and abandons the ship, wading ashore. He makes his way back to the stockade under the rising moon, only to discover a large fire burning and no sentries awake. Creeping inside, he is betrayed by Silver's parrot, Captain Flint, who shrieks 'Pieces of eight!' and awakens the sleepers. Jim is captured by the pirates.
Chapter 36
Part VI: Captain Silver
Jim Hawkins awakens to find himself in the hands of Long John Silver and the mutineers. Silver reveals that he has hidden the treasure map and tries to negotiate with Jim, offering him a chance to join the pirates. Jim refuses, and tensions rise as the pirates grow restless. Silver protects Jim from the other mutineers, and they set out to find the treasure, only to discover it has already been dug up by Ben Gunn. In the ensuing chaos, the loyal party ambushes the pirates, and the treasure is recovered. The story concludes with the party sailing back to England, leaving the pirates marooned on the island.
Chapter 37
In the Enemy’s Camp
Jim Hawkins is captured by the pirates and brought into the blockhouse, where he finds the buccaneers in possession. Long John Silver tries to persuade Jim to join his crew, revealing that the loyal party is still alive. Silver's authority is challenged by the pirates, who demand a council. After they leave, Silver secretly strikes a bargain with Jim, promising to protect him if Jim will save Silver from the gallows. Silver also reveals that the doctor gave him the treasure map, hinting at a deeper scheme.
Chapter 38
The Black Spot Again
The mutineers formally depose Long John Silver by presenting him with the Black Spot, cut from a Bible. Silver defends his actions point by point, then produces the treasure map to regain their trust and loyalty, securing his position as captain once more.
Chapter 39
On Parole
Doctor Livesey arrives at the blockhouse to treat the wounded mutineers. He speaks with Jim, who has given his parole to Silver, and learns of Jim's discovery of the Hispaniola. The doctor advises Silver to be cautious about the treasure and promises to try to save him if they escape.
Chapter 40
The Treasure-Hunt—Flint’s Pointer
Jim Hawkins is led by Long John Silver and the mutineers on a treasure hunt across the island. Silver tries to secure Jim's loyalty, while the pirates' reckless behavior and fear of Captain Flint's ghost create tension. The group follows the map's clues toward the tall tree on Spy-glass Hill, haunted by superstition.
Chapter 41
The Treasure-Hunt—The Voice Among the Trees
Silver and the pirates, with Jim as a hostage, ascend the plateau toward the treasure site. They are terrified by a mysterious voice singing Flint's song and calling for Darby M'Graw, which they initially take for Flint's ghost. Silver reasons it must be Ben Gunn, restoring their courage. They press on, driven by greed, only to find the treasure pit already excavated and empty, with only a broken pick and a board from Flint's ship Walrus remaining.
Chapter 42
The Fall of a Chieftain
The mutineers discover the treasure pit is empty, leading to a confrontation. Silver switches sides again, and the doctor, Gray, and Ben Gunn ambush the pirates, killing Merry and others. The loyal party recovers the treasure from Ben Gunn's cave, reunites with the squire and Captain Smollett, and celebrates their success.
Chapter 43
And Last
The crew finishes transporting the treasure to the Hispaniola, abandons the three surviving mutineers on the island despite their pleas, and sets sail. After a stop in Spanish America where Long John Silver escapes with a sack of coins, the party returns to England. The chapter concludes with a brief epilogue detailing the fates of the survivors and Jim's lasting nightmares of the island.
Chapter 44
Endnotes
A brief endnote noting that one of the mutineers shot by Squire Trelawney died of his wound that evening, though this was not known until later by the loyal party.
