# Israel Hands explained — Treasure Island

> Chapter companion for Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson.

## What happens

Jim Hawkins and the wounded Israel Hands navigate the Hispaniola into the North Inlet. Jim discovers Hands has armed himself with a hidden dirk, realizing his life is in danger. After the ship runs aground and careens, Jim climbs the rigging and recharges his pistols. Hands follows, but Jim threatens him. In a sudden move, Hands throws his dirk, pinning Jim to the mast; Jim's pistols fire, and Hands falls into the water.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Disguise

Hands pretends to be helpless and sends Jim for wine as a pretext to retrieve a hidden dirk, demonstrating his deceitful nature.

### Courage and Cowardice

Jim shows courage by outmaneuvering Hands and standing his ground despite being wounded, while Hands' cowardice is revealed in his treacherous ambush.

### Good versus Evil

The confrontation between Jim and Hands embodies the struggle between innocence and ruthless criminality.

## Character check-ins

### Jim Hawkins

Navigates the Hispaniola with Hands, discovers Hands' hidden dirk, and engages in a deadly confrontation.

### Israel Hands

Wounded coxswain who feigns weakness, arms himself with a dirk, and attempts to kill Jim but is ultimately shot and falls overboard.

### O'Brien

Dead crewman lying on deck, referenced by Hands in a discussion about death and spirits.

## Key lines

> This here's an unlucky ship—the Hispaniola, Jim... There's a power of men been killed in this Hispaniola—a sight o' poor seamen dead and gone since you and me took ship to Bristol.

Hands comments on the many deaths aboard the Hispaniola, calling it an unlucky vessel.

_Hands reflects on the ship's deadly history, foreshadowing his own fate._

> Dead men don't bite; them's my views—amen, so be it.

Hands states his belief that killing eliminates threats, justifying his ruthless actions.

_This phrase encapsulates Hands' amoral philosophy and is later echoed by Jim in a taunt._

> One more step, Mr. Hands, and I'll blow your brains out! Dead men don't bite, you know.

Jim threatens Hands with his pistols, using Hands' own saying against him.

_Jim turns Hands' cynical motto back on him, showing his growing confidence._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/treasure_island_se/chapters/xxvi-israel-hands
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/treasure_island_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/treasure_island_se/chapters