Captain Flint's Parrot as Chorus

The parrot's repeated cry of 'Pieces of eight' marks the pirate world's persistence and Silver's strange attachment.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Parrot at the Spy-glass

Parrot at the Spy-glass Context Jim Hawkins enters the Spy-glass Tavern and sees Long John Silver with a parrot on his shoulder. The bird screams 'Pieces of eight!' Development Silver explains that the parrot is called Captain Flint, after the famous buccaneer, and has sailed with pirates all over the world. Significance The parrot introduces the romance of piracy in a comic key. It also links Silver to the old world of Flint and treasure.

Parrot in the Galley

Parrot in the Galley Context In the clean galley, Jim Hawkins often sits with Long John Silver and watches Captain Flint the parrot swing in her cage. Development The bird swears, sings, and repeats nautical phrases. Silver treats her with affection and feeds her sugar, making himself seem harmless. Significance The parrot deepens Silver's mask of good nature. It gives the cook a touch of domestic warmth that makes his later treachery more frightening.

Pieces of Eight Warning

Pieces of Eight Warning Context Jim Hawkins creeps into the dark block house expecting to find his friends. Instead, the parrot's sharp voice breaks the silence: 'Pieces of eight!' Development The cry wakes the mutineers, and Jim is captured. Silver says the bird is a better watch than any human. Significance The parrot's warning is a twist of fate. Jim's own adventure is undone by the same token that once charmed him.

Perched at the Council

Perched at the Council Context The mutineers deliver the Black Spot to Long John Silver. Through the tense negotiation, Captain Flint the parrot sits on Silver's shoulder, preening. Development Silver uses the bird's presence as a link to the pirate past, speaking of Flint and the old days. The parrot seems to lend him authority. Significance The parrot is Silver's witness. Her unthinking cry of gold connects the quarrel to the treasure that drives them all.

Gone with the Tide

Gone with the Tide Context Ben Gunn confesses that Silver has escaped in a shore boat, taking a sack of coin and his parrot with him. Development The party is glad to be so cheaply quit of him. No one knows where Silver and Captain Flint have gone. Significance The parrot disappears with her master, carrying the pirate world's last echo. Jim Hawkins will still hear 'Pieces of eight!' in his worst dreams.

when Jim Hawkins first visits Silver's tavern in Bristol

during the voyage to Treasure Island

the night Jim Hawkins returns to the captured stockade

while Silver faces deposition in the block house

after Silver escapes from the ship in the Spanish American port