CHAPTER SUMMARIES WITH NOTES

CHAPTER 30: On Parole

Summary

The wake up call comes from the sentinel who shouts on seeing Dr. Livesey. Though Jim is happy to hear this, he can’t face him as he feels ashamed of his conduct. Silver welcomes the Doctor and tells him that he has a surprise for him. Dr. Livesey asks Silver if it was Jim. He proceeds to treat his patients without paying much attention to Jim. He is quite absorbed in his work. After checking on everyone, Dr. Livesey asks Silver if he can speak to Jim in private. Silver accompanies Jim outside and leaves him with the Doctor.

The Doctor had a lot to say. He tells Jim that leaving his crew and running away during the time he was needed most was unkind and cowardly. Jim weeps at this and tells the Doctor that he had blamed himself enough for it. When the Doctor begs him to escape, he tells him about the word given to Silver. He tells the Doctor that he had recaptured the ship and briefly describes his adventures. Dr. Livesey is delighted to hear this and praises Jim for his efforts.

He asks Silver not to rush for treasure. Silver agrees to it. He tells him that he won’t, at least not at the cost of his and Jim’s life. Dr. Livesey assures him a fair trial after they get back. Silver is thrilled to hear this. After asking Silver to take care of Jim, the Doctor leaves the stockade alone.

Notes

Jim comes into contact with Dr. Livesey. At this moment, Jim feels ashamed to face him for his misdeeds, especially after finding out the state they are in, Jim again blames himself.

When Silver announces that he has a surprise for the doctor, he promptly asks if it were Jim. The doctor gets on while his chores inquiring about his patients’ health and cheering them up. He doesn’t pay much attention to Jim. This must surely build up Jim’s sense of disgrace. Silver allows the doctor to speak to Jim in private. This causes another uproar among his men but he is the least concerned.

The doctor makes Jim aware of the stupidity of his actions. He asks Jim to escape form the camp now. Jim refuses to as he doesn’t want to go back on his word given to Long John Silver. The doctor is delighted to hear that Jim has recaptured their ship. Their conversation shows the level of intimacy and trust they share. The reader also realizes that Silver has informed the Squire of his decision to side with him. This does confuse the reader because Silver seems to be constantly seeking his benefit.

As the Chapter ends, Stevenson gives us details about the main character in the story. Jim’s quality of being true to himself is illustrated when he refuses to break the promise given to Silver. The reader may note the doctor is bought into the scene after a long time. Stevenson points his picture as a man bound to his duty as a doctor. For, even in the enemy’s camp, where he has the utmost threat to his life, he performs his function. The Doctor’s quality to appreciate good work is again touched upon when he praises Jim for recapturing the ship.

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