Long John Silver's Shifting Fortunes

The one-legged sea-cook rises to command the mutiny and then falls, escaping at the last moment with a small sack of gold.

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Landlord and Cook

Landlord and Cook Context Long John Silver keeps the Spy-glass Tavern and binds sailors together with charm and flattery. Squire Trelawney hires him as ship's cook. Development Jim Hawkins sees him as a friendly, cheerful man, and believes no pirate could look like this. Silver hides his pirate past behind a public smile. Significance The first impression sets up one of literature's great deceivers. Silver's social grace makes his later violence all the more shocking.

Quartermaster of Mutiny

Quartermaster of Mutiny Context On the voyage, Silver works to corrupt the crew, using the promise of treasure and the fear of Flint's name. Development In the apple barrel scene, he lays out his plan to kill all the honest men once the gold is safe. He is already their elected captain in secret. Significance The mutiny plan is Silver's masterpiece of patience. He wants to let Captain Smollett navigate the ship as long as possible.

Master of the Block House

Master of the Block House Context Silver and the mutineers take possession of the stockade. Jim Hawkins is brought before him as a prisoner. Development Silver puts on a friendly face and offers Jim a choice: join the pirates or die. At the same time, he is playing a double game to save his own neck. Significance The block house is Silver's peak of authority. He must balance the violence of his men against his secret hope of a pardon.

Deposed and Restored

Deposed and Restored Context The mutineers deliver the Black Spot and depose Silver. He responds with a passionate speech, turning their accusations into guilt. Development He produces the treasure chart, and the mutineers fall back into line. He also secretly promises to protect Jim in exchange for a witness. Significance The speech reveals Silver's survival instinct. He regains command not through force but through words and the image of gold.

Escape with a Sack of Coin

Escape with a Sack of Coin Context In port, Ben Gunn helps Silver escape in a shore boat. Silver cuts through a bulkhead and takes a sack of coin worth three or four hundred guineas. Development The party is pleased to be so cheaply quit of him. He disappears with his parrot, and no one hears of him again. Significance Silver's escape is both a moral disappointment and a relief. He remains unpunished, a rogue who slips through every net.

before the voyage in Bristol

during the voyage and apple barrel council

after capturing Jim Hawkins

the night of Jim's capture

while the ship is anchored at the Spanish American port