Treasure Island Character Analysis: Bill Bones to Captain Smollett

Key Characters and Plot Points in Treasure Island

Bill Bones: Is He a Pirate?

Bill Bones certainly seems to be a pirate. We can affirm this by several pieces of evidence:

• He has a distinctive cut across his cheek.
• He is constantly involved in fights and exhibits rude behavior.
• He is always drinking, a habit commonly associated with fictional pirates.
• He frequently sings a typical pirate song.

Why Did Bill Stay at the Admiral Benbow Inn?

Bill decided to stay at the Admiral Benbow Inn because it was far away from where other pirates would search for him. He believed the remote location offered him safety and anonymity.

The Encounter with Black Dog

Black Dog is another member of the crew Bill was once associated with. When Bill saw him, he became extremely nervous. The text provides evidence of his distress: “the color went from his face and he looked old and sick.”

The visit was not friendly; they were discussing and shouting. The discussion escalated into a fight with swords, which Bill won, injuring Black Dog's shoulder.

Blind Pew and Bill's Death

Pew is another pirate who came specifically to deliver the Black Spot to Bill. When Bill was confronted by Pew, he became highly agitated. The reason for Pew's visit was to deliver the Black Spot, a fatal warning.

Upon seeing the Black Spot, Bill was paralyzed by fear and died immediately from a heart attack. Evidence showing his extreme nervousness includes the moment he received the warning: “the captain opened her hand and look into. 'Ten o’clock!' he cried, and jumped up.”

Understanding the Black Spot

The Black Spot is a piece of paper upon which a threatening message is written, serving as a formal death sentence delivered by a pirate crew.

When Bill received it, he became so nervous that he suffered a heart attack. This happened because he knew the pirates were coming to kill him, and his already poor health, exacerbated by excessive drinking, could not withstand the shock.

Long John Silver: Evidence of Piracy

Long John Silver certainly seems to be a pirate. Evidence that shows this fact includes:

• He had only one leg.
• He sang a typical pirate song.
• He owned a parrot named Captain Flint.

Captain Smollett's Complaints and Requests

Captain Smollett is the captain of the Hispaniola. He voiced several complaints about the voyage preparations:

• He complained about the voyage itself.
• He was angry because, despite being the captain, he was the one who knew the least about the purpose of the journey.
• He was unable to choose his own crew, a duty traditionally belonging to the captain.

Smollett made three specific requests to ensure the safety of the ship and the honest members of the crew:

1. To put the powder and weapons under the cabin.
2. That people he had confidence in would sleep near him.
3. To keep the map a secret from the crew.