The topographical appropriateness with which Stevenson describes the island and its settings reminds us of the country of Islands, Scotland, where Stevenson was often taken to as a child. The vivid explanations of the hills, green vegetation, pine trees, sea waves lashing against the rocks are quite reminiscent of the places the author visited as a child.

On a human level, the book can be set on two different platforms. Firstly it is set in the constantly changing world of Jim's personality. The voyage to Treasure Island is for Jim a journey to maturity where he learns to distinguish between the good and bad.

Secondly, it is set in the world of greed and treachery. This is the world of pirates where no one can be trusted and everybody exists under the cloud of death.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Attempt a structural analysis of Treasure Island with special emphasis on Stevenson's suspenseful ending for each story.

2. In what way does Jim's life at the inn prepare him for adventure? Discuss.

3. How is Treasure Island more a story of plot and less of character? How does the action in the book contribute to it?

4. Bring out the significance of the apple barrel episode. How does it change the course of the plot? Discuss.

5. Jim undergoes a process of growth through adventure. Trace this development.

6. Comment on the narrative strategy employed by Stevenson.

7. Attempt a character sketch on each: Captain Flint, Pew, Silver and Hands. Compare and contrast their characters.

8. Discuss Treasure Island as a stock adventure story. Discuss the speed of the narrative and the double-narrator strategy used by

Stevenson.

9. Are there any messages hidden in Treasure Island? Does the book make for didactic reading? Discuss.