# The Attack explained — Treasure Island

> Chapter companion for Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Courage and Cowardice

The defenders show bravery under fire, while some mutineers flee; Gray's steadfastness is highlighted.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

The loyal party stands together against the mutineers, with Gray earning special commendation.

### Good versus Evil

The battle clearly divides the loyal men from the treacherous pirates, ending in a moral victory.

## Character check-ins

### Captain Smollett

Leads the defense, assigns positions, and is wounded during the battle.

### Jim Hawkins

Helps load muskets and fights with a cutlass, narrowly escaping Anderson.

### Doctor Livesey

Defends the door and defeats an attacker with a cutlass.

### Squire Trelawney

Fires from the north side and supports the wounded captain.

### Abraham Gray

Praised by the captain for his duty; kills Job Anderson.

### Job Anderson

Leads the mutineers' assault and is killed by Gray.

## Key lines

> Gray, I’ll put your name in the log; you’ve stood by your duty like a seaman.

Captain Smollett praises Gray for his loyalty and promises to record his good conduct.

_Shows the captain's recognition of steadfastness under pressure._

> If they can get up to it, and fire in upon us through our own ports, things would begin to look dirty.

The captain warns that if the enemy reaches the loopholes, the defenders will be in serious danger.

_Highlights the tactical vulnerability of the blockhouse._

> Five against three leaves us four to nine. That’s better odds than we had at starting.

After the battle, the captain calculates that the defenders now face better odds than before.

_Reflects the captain's strategic mindset and resilience._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/treasure_island_se/chapters/xxi-the-attack
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/treasure_island_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/treasure_island_se/chapters