Silver and Captain Flint (Parrot)

The bond between the one-legged pirate and his screaming parrot carries the tone of the pirate world from tavern to nightmare.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Pirate's Pet

A Pirate's Pet Context Long John Silver introduces Jim Hawkins to his parrot, Captain Flint, a green bird that shrieks 'Pieces of eight!' Development The parrot is a living link to the old pirates. Silver feeds her sugar and speaks of her voyages with pride. Significance The pet humanizes Silver at first. It is also a reminder of the treasure that drives his secret life.

Sea-talk in the Galley

Sea-talk in the Galley Context In the clean galley, Silver and Jim listen to Captain Flint the parrot swear, sing, and scream nautical phrases. Development The bird seems to approve of the voyage, predicting success. Silver insists the parrot is two hundred years old and full of wickedness. Significance The parrot's chatter provides comic relief. It also lets Silver tell pirate stories without seeming to betray himself.

The Bird's Alarm

The Bird's Alarm Context Jim Hawkins creeps into the captured block house and is discovered when the parrot shrieks 'Pieces of eight!' in the dark. Development The bird has kept better watch than any human. Silver is woken and Jim is captured. Significance The parrot's cry is a turning point. Jim's adventure becomes captivity by the voice of a bird.

Companion in the Enemy Camp

Companion in the Enemy Camp Context During the mutineers' council, Captain Flint the parrot sits on Silver's shoulder, preening as he argues for his life. Development Silver's power is reinforced by his connection to the old pirate name. The bird's presence makes the scene both grotesque and strangely domestic. Significance The parrot is Silver's only loyal companion. It is the one creature that cannot betray him.

Gone with the Tide

Gone with the Tide Context Silver escapes in a shore boat, taking a sack of coin and his parrot with him. Development The party learns Ben Gunn helped him go. They are pleased to be quit of him, and the bird vanishes from their lives. Significance The parrot's final image floats with Silver into the unknown. It carries the pirates' cry of gold into Jim's dreams.

at the Spy-glass Tavern

during the voyage to Treasure Island

the night Jim returns to the block house

while Silver faces the Black Spot deposition

after Silver escapes from the ship