# On Parole explained — Treasure Island

> Chapter companion for Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson.

## What happens

Doctor Livesey arrives at the blockhouse to treat the wounded mutineers. He speaks with Jim, who has given his parole to Silver, and learns of Jim's discovery of the Hispaniola. The doctor advises Silver to be cautious about the treasure and promises to try to save him if they escape.

## Themes in this chapter

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Jim's decision to keep his parole to Silver despite the doctor's offer to escape underscores the tension between loyalty to his own side and his word to a pirate.

### Courage and Cowardice

The doctor accuses Jim of cowardice for leaving the stockade, but Jim shows courage by refusing to break his parole and by sharing vital information about the ship.

### Deception and Disguise

Silver maintains a cheerful facade while dealing with the doctor, and the doctor conceals his true intentions regarding the treasure and the map.

## Character check-ins

### Jim Hawkins

Jim is wakened by the doctor's arrival and feels ashamed of his insubordinate conduct. He has given his parole to Silver and refuses the doctor's offer to escape, insisting on keeping his word.

### Doctor Livesey

The doctor arrives at the blockhouse to treat the sick and wounded mutineers. He speaks with Jim, learns about the ship's location, and advises Silver about the treasure.

### Long John Silver

Silver greets the doctor cheerfully and reveals that Jim is with them. He later listens to the doctor's advice and is hopeful when the doctor promises to try to save him.

### George Merry

George is at the door of the blockhouse, spitting and spluttering, as the doctor treats the men.

### Tom Morgan

Morgan responds to the doctor's questions about the patients and comments on Dick's illness.

### Dick Johnson

Dick is mentioned as feeling unwell, and the doctor examines his tongue, diagnosing a fever.

## Key lines

> As you have brewed, so shall you drink, my boy.

You must face the consequences of your own actions.

_Doctor Livesey tells Jim that he must accept the results of his decision to leave the stockade._

> I passed my word.

I gave my promise.

_Jim explains to the doctor that he has given his parole to Silver and cannot break it._

> If we both get out alive out of this wolf-trap, I'll do my best to save you, short of perjury.

If we both survive this dangerous situation, I will try to help you, as long as I don't have to lie under oath.

_Doctor Livesey promises Silver that he will attempt to save him from execution if they escape the island._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/treasure_island_se/chapters/xxx-on-parole
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/treasure_island_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/treasure_island_se/chapters