Treasure Island · Chapter
Narrative Resumed by Jim Hawkins—The Garrison in the Stockade explained
Jim Hawkins, after his encounter with Ben Gunn, returns to the stockade to find his friends have fortified themselves.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Betrayal
Jim's loyalty to his friends is tested as he returns to the stockade, while Ben Gunn's secretive proposal hints at a potential alliance that could betray the pirates.
Courage and Cowardice
Jim shows courage by navigating the bombardment and returning to the stockade; Captain Smollett's leadership inspires the garrison to face their dire circumstances.
Superstition and Fear
Ben Gunn's superstitious reverence for Flint and the 'Jolly Roger' flag evoke the fear and lore surrounding pirates and treasure.
Characters to notice
- Jim Hawkins
Narrates his return to the stockade, reports his meeting with Ben Gunn, and is assigned sentry duty.
- Ben Gunn
Meets Jim in the woods, gives instructions for future contact, and reveals his knowledge of the island and Flint's stockade.
- Doctor Livesey
Serves as cook, discusses Ben Gunn's sanity, and reveals he carries Parmesan cheese for Ben Gunn. Participates in strategy meeting.
- Captain Smollett
Organizes the garrison, divides watches, keeps up spirits, and leads the discussion on prospects and tactics.
- Squire Trelawney
Part of the garrison, assigned to a watch with Hunter and Joyce.
- Tom Redruth
Lies dead and unburied along the wall; later buried under the Union Jack.
Key passages
“Now Ben Gunn is fly. Rum wouldn't bring me there, where you're going—not rum wouldn't, till I see your born gen'leman, and gets it on his word of honor.”
Ben Gunn says he is too clever to go to the stockade, not even for rum, until he meets a gentleman and receives a promise on his honor.
Ben Gunn insists on a formal agreement before revealing his secret.
“That man Smollett is a better man than I am. And when I say that it means a deal, Jim.”
Doctor Livesey admits that Captain Smollett is superior to him in character and leadership, which is a significant compliment.
The doctor's respect for Smollett underscores the captain's competence.
“If there's any doubt about the matter, he is. A man who has been three years biting his nails on a desert island, Jim, can't expect to appear as sane as you or me.”
The doctor says that if there is any question about Ben Gunn's sanity, he is indeed sane, because three years alone on an island would make anyone seem odd.
The doctor rationalizes Ben Gunn's eccentric behavior.