Treasure Island · Chapter
III: The Black Spot explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Superstition and Fear
The black spot is a superstitious symbol of doom that terrifies Captain Bones, and the blind man Pew embodies a fearsome, almost supernatural presence.
Deception and Disguise
Pew's disguise as a harmless blind beggar hides his true menacing nature, and the captain's paranoia about hidden enemies underscores the theme of deception.
Characters to notice
- Jim Hawkins
Jim cares for the captain, refuses his bribe for rum, and is forced by the blind man Pew to lead him to the captain.
- Billy Bones
The captain is weak and paranoid, begs for rum, receives the black spot from Pew, and dies of apoplexy.
- Pew
A terrifying blind beggar who delivers the black spot to Captain Bones, using force and intimidation.
Key passages
“But you won’t peach unless they get the black spot on me, or unless you see that Black Dog again, or a seafaring man with one leg, Jim—him above all.”
Don't tell anyone unless they give me the black spot, or you see Black Dog again, or especially a one-legged sailor.
Captain Bones warns Jim about the specific threats that should trigger him to reveal the secret.
“I never saw in my life a more dreadful-looking figure.”
I had never seen anyone who looked more terrifying.
Jim describes his first impression of the blind man Pew.
“Ten o’clock! he cried. Six hours! We’ll do them yet!”
Ten o'clock! We have six hours! We can still outrun them!
Captain Bones realizes the deadline set by the black spot and tries to rally himself.