Greetings!
Today on the blog we have a lot to get through, as I am going to try to break the book down each week into parts. Part two of the book is called “The Sea-cook” and features a great deal of adventure and action, as Jim Hawkins begins his quest on the high seas! Jim learns about the real meaning of friends in this part, and he also learns to not simply trust somebody because they seem nice.
Chapter 7
In this chapter, Jim is under the eye of the gamekeeper Redruth, who he doesn’t like very much for being overbearing. Eventually, Jim receives a letter from Squire Trelawney about the status of the boat: it’s ready but the squire has blabbed a good deal about their mission. Jim goes back to the Admiral Benbow for one final night and then ventures to Bristol the next day.
Chapter 8
Jim meets with Trelawney and is tasked with taking a letter to Long John Silver. At this particular meeting, Jim notices that Black Dog is in the tavern, but Silver feigns ignorance and sends some men after him in a mock chase. Silver’s charisma wins over Jim’s suspicions and they look forward to their adventure together searching for treasure.
Chapter 9
The parties concerned venture to the Hispaniola, the ship that will take them on their voyage, and the meet Mr. Arrow and Captain Smollett, who doesn’t like the idea of the mission or the men aboard as he has been listening closely to what the men have to say–treasure adventures do not bode well for the captain. Though the captain seems knowledgeable, Jim doesn’t like him.
Chapter 10
Jim overhears Silver singing a pirate tune but is distracted by the setting sail. Moreover, this chapter focuses on Mr. Arrow’s lack of command and his eventual demise overboard. Israel Hands, the coxswain, fills in for the man. Though much of the voyage so far seems easy, Jim makes the fateful decision to duck into a barrel of apples to nap.
Chapter 11
Jim overhears Silver telling tales of Captain Flint, which puts Silver and his comrades as pirates. Many aboard, as it turns out, have been turned to the pirate’s sides (at least the few remaining honest ones), and this increases Jim’s worries. Silver explains that he would seek death for those not on their side when they reach the treasure island. While Jim listens, land is discovered.
Chapter 12
During the excitement for land, Jim explains to Captain Smollett and the squire that he has urgent news. They seek him later and he explains himself. Though, there is little they can do as a captain and squire–too many of the crew are pirates or stand with the pirates. They end their conversation with no sure plan except that they must continue on their journey.
Analysis
In this part, Jim learns some truths about the voyage and about friends. Though he doesn’t like Captain Smollett right away, he soon finds that one doesn’t always enjoy the company of the ones they should trust. Silver, in this instance, is a charismatic and affable man–but a devious charlatan as well. Smollett, meanwhile, is strict, but he is a man of honor. Additionally, the squire is a kind man, but completely daft, as he gives away crucial information that should have been kept quiet; and, Mr. Arrow, though seemingly competent, has no ability to control those around him and ends up drunk most of the day.
Works Cited
Stevenson, Robert Louis. “Treasure Island.” Project Gutenberg, http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/120.
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