Ben Gunn's Long Exile

The marooned sailor's three years of loneliness, his discovery of the treasure, and his restoration to society.

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Marooned on the Island

Marooned on the Island Context Ben Gunn was left on Treasure Island by his shipmates after a failed treasure hunt. They gave him a musket, a spade, and a pick-axe. Development He survived on goats, berries, and oysters, and slowly lost his hold on civilized life. His clothes became rags and his speech grew strange. Significance The marooning creates the wild man of the island. It also puts Ben Gunn in the perfect position to stumble upon Flint's treasure.

Wandering and Finding the Treasure

Wandering and Finding the Treasure Context In his lonely wanderings, Ben Gunn found the skeleton, then the buried treasure beneath the tall pine. He dug it up and carried it to his cave on the two-pointed hill. Development He worked in many weary journeys, storing sacks of coin and gold bars in the cave. He told no one because there was no one to tell. Significance Ben Gunn's discovery is the secret that will undo the pirates. His patient labour turns him from a castaway into the true pre-owner of the treasure.

Meeting Jim Hawkins

Meeting Jim Hawkins Context Ben Gunn approaches Jim Hawkins on the wooded slope, half mad with loneliness. He asks for cheese and tells Jim he is rich. Development He learns that Long John Silver is on the island and turns pale. Jim trusts him with the story of the voyage, and Ben Gunn promises to help. Significance The meeting gives Jim an ally and gives Ben Gunn a way back to civilization. Their friendship will quietly shift the balance of power.

Striking a Bargain with the Doctor

Striking a Bargain with the Doctor Context Dr. Livesey returns from visiting Ben Gunn during the fight and learns that the treasure has already been moved to the cave. Development The doctor promises Ben Gunn that the squire will reward him and take him home. He then builds a strategy around the empty pit. Significance The bargain makes Ben Gunn an instrument of the loyal party. It also explains the doctor's puzzling decisions to give Silver the chart and abandon the stockade.

Recovered and Restored

Recovered and Restored Context Ben Gunn returns to England with the party. He receives a thousand pounds and takes up a lodge as keeper, exactly as he once feared. Development He spends or loses his fortune in nineteen days and is back begging on the twentieth. He becomes a village favourite and a notable singer in church. Significance Ben Gunn's eccentricity survives his exile. He remains true to his nature, a harmless, half-pious castaway who cannot quite fit into ordinary life.

three years before the Hispaniola arrives

during Ben Gunn's years alone on the island

the afternoon of Jim's shore adventure

on the afternoon of the stockade battle

after the treasure is loaded aboard the Hispaniola