# X: The Voyage explained — Treasure Island

> Chapter companion for Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Adventure and Coming of Age

Jim experiences the thrill of setting sail and the responsibilities of a young sailor, culminating in his critical eavesdropping that forces him into a man's role.

### Deception and Disguise

Long John Silver hides his mutinous intentions behind a friendly, helpful demeanor, deceiving Jim and the officers.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

The crew's apparent contentment masks a brewing betrayal, as Silver plots to seize the treasure for the pirates.

## Character check-ins

### Jim Hawkins

Jim is excited by the voyage and works hard. He hides in the apple barrel and overhears Silver's mutiny plot.

### Long John Silver

Silver is the ship's cook, beloved by the crew, and shows great skill and charisma. He reveals his treacherous plans in the apple barrel.

### Captain Smollett

Smollett is cautious and disapproves of the squire's leniency with the crew. He remains distant from the squire.

### Squire Trelawney

The squire spoils the crew with extra grog and treats, and is at odds with Captain Smollett.

### Doctor Livesey

Livesey is present on the voyage and is the captain's confidant regarding the crew's discipline.

### Mr. Arrow

The first mate is a secret drunkard, ineffective as an officer, and disappears overboard during a dark night.

## Key lines

> Fifteen men on the dead man's chest—Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum!

The crew sings a pirate shanty as they raise the anchor, a song that reminds Jim of Billy Bones at the Admiral Benbow.

_This song connects the voyage to the earlier pirate presence and foreshadows danger._

> I understood that the lives of all the honest men aboard depended upon me alone.

Jim realizes from Silver's words that he is the only one who can warn the captain and save the loyal crew from mutiny.

_This marks a turning point where Jim accepts a crucial responsibility._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/treasure_island_se/chapters/x-the-voyage
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/treasure_island_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/treasure_island_se/chapters