# I Strike the Jolly Roger explained — Treasure Island

> Chapter companion for Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson.

## What happens

Jim Hawkins boards the Hispaniola alone, finds the two pirates dead or wounded, takes command, strikes the Jolly Roger, and makes a bargain with the wounded Israel Hands to sail the ship to North Inlet.

## Themes in this chapter

### Courage and Cowardice

Jim shows courage by boarding the ship alone, taking command, and striking the pirate flag despite the danger.

### Deception and Disguise

Jim and Israel Hands engage in a tense negotiation, each hiding their true intentions.

## Character check-ins

### Jim Hawkins

Boards the Hispaniola, takes command, strikes the pirate flag, and negotiates with Israel Hands.

### Israel Hands

Found wounded on deck; bargains with Jim to help sail the ship in exchange for food, drink, and a bandage.

### O'Brien

Dead on deck, killed in a drunken fight with Israel Hands.

## Key lines

> I've come aboard to take possession of this ship, Mr. Hands, and you'll please regard me as your captain until further notice.

Jim declares himself the new captain of the Hispaniola.

_Jim asserts authority over the wounded pirate._

> I can't have these colors, Mr. Hands; and by your leave I'll strike 'em. Better none than these.

Jim removes the pirate flag and throws it overboard.

_Symbolic act of reclaiming the ship for the loyal party._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/treasure_island_se/chapters/xxv-i-strike-the-jolly-roger
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/treasure_island_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/treasure_island_se/chapters