Moral Ambiguity of Silver

Long John Silver's charm and cruelty are so mingled that neither the characters nor the reader can settle on a verdict.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Charming Landlord

The Charming Landlord Context Jim Hawkins enters the Spy-glass Tavern and finds Long John Silver hopping about on his crutch, cheerful and kind. Development Silver's laughter at his own forgotten score makes Jim forget his fear of the one-legged man. He seems incapable of cruelty. Significance The first appearance primes the reader to accept Silver's mask. His moral ambiguity will depend on this initial goodwill.

The Double Tongue

The Double Tongue Context The same voice that told Jim he was a fine lad now calmly plans to murder the cabin party. Development Silver talks of hanging, death, and treasure without a change in tone. Jim hears him flatter Dick with exactly the same words used on himself. Significance The double tongue reveals Silver as a performance. Yet even the performance has a kind of sincerity in its love of talk.

Murder at the Dell

Murder at the Dell Context Jim Hawkins watches Silver murder Tom, a man who claims God sees him, with a cold and practised blow. Development Silver then cleans his knife and whistles for the other pirates. His agility and decisiveness are terrifying. Significance The murder fixes Silver as a killer, yet his resourcefulness also evokes a strange admiration. He is a villain with vitality.

The Unexpected Protector

The Unexpected Protector Context Silver saves Jim from the knives of his own crew and later keeps his word to the doctor, protecting the boy. Development His motives are transparently selfish, yet he risks his life for Jim. He seems genuinely glad to have the boy beside him. Significance The protection deepens Silver's ambiguity. A man so self-serving can still show a flicker of paternal feeling, or at least self-preserving decency.

Cheaply Quit of Him

Cheaply Quit of Him Context Silver escapes with a few hundred guineas, and the party is pleased to be so cheaply rid of him. Development Jim admits he may still be living comfortably with his wife and parrot. The book refuses to punish him fully. Significance The ending leaves Silver unpunished and unrepentant. He is the character who occupies every shade of moral grey.

when Jim Hawkins first meets Silver in Bristol

during the apple barrel plot

when Silver kills Tom with his crutch and knife

when Silver stands between Jim and the mutineers

after Silver escapes with the sack of coin