The Doomed Voyage of the Hispaniola

How the squire's open-handed talk, Silver's crew, and an overheard plot set the ship on a course toward mutiny.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Squire's Recruiting Letter

Squire's Recruiting Letter Context A letter from Squire Trelawney to Dr. Livesey announces that the ship Hispaniola is bought and fitted, and that a one-legged cook named Long John Silver has gathered a crew. Development The letter reveals the squire's loose tongue: he has already talked about the treasure in Bristol. Jim Hawkins notices the danger at once, but Redruth dismisses it. Significance The recruitment of Long John Silver is the hinge of the whole voyage. The squire's indiscretion gives the pirates a perfect way to infiltrate the expedition.

Meeting at the Spy-glass

Meeting at the Spy-glass Context Jim Hawkins carries a note to Long John Silver at the Spy-glass Tavern. He is startled to see Black Dog slip out of the room. Development Silver plays the outraged landlord, sending men after Black Dog and pretending to know nothing of the man. His charm and energy almost convince Jim that he is innocent. Significance The encounter foreshadows Silver's double nature. It also shows how deep the pirate network runs in Bristol, and how easily Jim is disarmed by kind words.

Captain's Warnings

Captain's Warnings Context Captain Smollett asks to speak to the cabin party and bluntly says he does not like the cruise, the men, or the officer. Development He explains that the crew knows more than he does, that the secret has leaked, and that the ship should be defended as if a mutiny is possible. The squire is offended, but the doctor agrees to his precautions. Significance The captain's warnings establish him as a professional voice of caution. They also give the reader a clear sense that the voyage is already poisoned before it begins.

Council in the Apple Barrel

Council in the Apple Barrel Context Jim Hawkins climbs into the empty apple barrel to eat an apple and overhears Long John Silver, Israel Hands, and Dick discussing the mutiny. Development Silver plans to wait until the treasure is aboard, then kill the honest men. He admits that some hands remain faithful and warns the others to obey him. Significance The apple barrel scene is the turning point of the voyage. Jim's hidden position gives the loyal party its only warning and turns a boy into the key to their survival.

War Council in the Cabin

War Council in the Cabin Context Dr. Livesey arranges for Jim Hawkins to tell his story to the captain and squire in the cabin. They listen with grave faces. Development The gentlemen count their strength: only seven reliable men against nineteen mutineers. Captain Smollett decides they must pretend ignorance and wait for a chance to strike. Significance The council turns the sea voyage into a siege. It also establishes the uneasy trust between the captain and the squire, who finally admits he was wrong.

weeks after the map is discovered, while Jim stays at Squire Trelawney's hall

Jim's first day in Bristol before sailing

the day before the Hispaniola sails

the last evening before sighting Treasure Island

immediately after Jim reports the mutiny plot