Jim Hawkins

Jim Hawkins is the novel’s primary narrator. He is the 17-year-old son of an innkeeper, however, his most important role is that of the cabin boy onboard the Hispaniola. Jim is at once honest and rebellious, loyal and intrepid. When he hears of the pirates’ planned mutiny, he is quick to tell the ship’s captain and doctor; however, shortly after Jim escapes the ship without permission. He performs a similar feat of independence and bravery later in the novel when he sneaks away from the stockade. Jim feels guilty about such acts of independent action, although in both cases his actions help secure the success of the honest men. Over the course of the novel Jim develops from being a boy easily fooled by deceptive men such as Long John Silver to someone capable of recognizing and skillfully navigating deceit. Jim grows from his adventures alone both on the island and on the sea. He learns to navigate difficult-to-manage crafts and even kills a man in self-defense. Yet throughout all, Jim’s principle trait is his honesty. He keeps his promises even when given to dishonest pirates like Long John Silver.

Long John Silver

Captain Smollett

Dr. Livesey

Squire Trelawney

Ben Gunn

The Old Sea Captain

Israel Hands

Genres

Action & Adventure

Literary Area of Study

British Literature

Juvenile Literature

Values & Ideas

Loyalty & Betrayal

Editor Picks

Summer Reading

Robert Louis Stevenson

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Book Brief

Explore Treasure Island reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

About Treasure Island

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Overview

This Treasure Island summary explores Jim Hawkins’s thrilling quest for buried treasure. Discover expert insights on themes, characters, and plot.

Treasure Island Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Old Buccaneer”

Part 1

Get ready to explore Treasure Island and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Treasure Island Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Sea Cook”

Part 2 Treasure Island Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “My Shore Adventure”

Part 3 Treasure Island Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “The Stockade”

Part 4 Treasure Island Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “My Sea Adventure”

Part 5 Treasure Island Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “Captain Silver”

Part 6 Treasure Island Part 6 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Treasure Island Character Analysis

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Themes

Treasure Island Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Treasure Island Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Treasure Island Important Quotes with Page Numbers

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Essay Topics

Treasure Island Essay Topics

Treasure Island

Character Analysis

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