Treasure Island · Chapter
Narrative Continued by the Doctor—End of the First Day’s Fighting explained
The doctor, squire, and their party make their way to the stockade under fire from the mutineers.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Courage and Cowardice
Captain Smollett's refusal to strike the colors under cannon fire and the loyal party's defense of the stockade exemplify courage, while the mutineers' hesitation and retreat show cowardice.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Tom Redruth's faithful service unto death contrasts with the mutineers' betrayal; the captain's log lists those 'left faithful' of the ship's company.
Good versus Evil
The loyal party's stand against the mutineers frames the conflict as a moral struggle, with the raising of the British flag symbolizing lawful order against piracy.
Characters to notice
- Doctor Livesey
Narrates the chapter; leads the party to the stockade, exchanges guns with Trelawney, hands his cutlass to Gray, and tends to the dying Tom Redruth.
- Squire Trelawney
Described as a dead shot; exchanges guns with the doctor, fires at mutineers, and mourns Tom Redruth's death, kissing his hand and weeping.
- Captain Smollett
Raises the British flag on the log-house, counts stores, notes the shortage of rations, and refuses to strike the colors despite cannon fire.
- Tom Redruth
Mortally wounded by a pistol shot from the bush; dies quietly after asking for a prayer, having served faithfully throughout.
- Abraham Gray
Volunteers to retrieve stores; unarmed at first, then given a cutlass by the doctor, showing his readiness and skill.
- Jim Hawkins
Mentioned in the captain's log as cabin-boy; returns safely over the stockade at the end of the chapter.
Key passages
“Don’t you take on, sir. All’s well with him; no fear for a hand that’s been shot down in his duty to captain and owner. It mayn’t be good divinity, but it’s a fact.”
Captain Smollett comforts the squire after Tom Redruth's death, saying that a man killed while doing his duty is at peace, even if that's not strictly theological.
Reflects the captain's pragmatic and stoic view of death in service.
“Strike my colors! cried the captain. No, sir, not I.”
The captain refuses to lower the British flag despite the cannonade, asserting his defiance and pride.
Highlights the captain's stubborn courage and the symbolic importance of the flag.
“I wish I had had a lick at them with the gun first.”
Tom Redruth's dying regret is that he didn't get to shoot at the mutineers before being killed.
Shows Redruth's loyalty and fighting spirit even in his final moments.