"Treasure Island"

Analytical Essay # 103833

English > Analysis
Literature

"Treasure Island"

This paper analyzes the theme of coming of age in the novel "Treasure Island" by Robert Louis Stevenson.

2,005 words () | 6 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper examines the factors of coming of age in Stevenson's novel, "Treasure Island" by looking at the growth of the protagonist, Jim Hawkins, from youth and into manhood. The paper shows how Jim evolved from an inexperienced and naive young man into a man that learned the realities of treasure hunting and of the hardened and callous dangers on the high seas.

From the Paper:

"The central prospect of a young man embarking on a journey to find a lost treasure with men that are much older is part of Stevenson's coming of age thematic in Treasure Island. After he has discovered the map with his mother about Captain Flint's treasure and presents it to Dr. Livesey and Squire Trelawney, Jim is recruited into a sea expedition that demands his highest sense of courage and bravery in the face of the danger that Long John Silver and his pirating mates represent. After Squire Trelawney mistakenly hires Silver and his men to man their ship, Jim must invariably learn to live with sea hardened men that are at once ruthless in their murderous ways; as they are also determined to mutiny when they are far out at sea."

Sample of Sources Used:

Bloom, Harold. Robert Louis Stevenson. New York: Chelsea House, 2004.
Calder, Jenny. Robert Louis Stevenson: A Critical Celebration. New York: Barnes & Noble, 1980.
Harman, Claire. Myself and the Other Fellow: A Life of Robert Louis Stevenson. New York: Harper Collins, 2005.
Jones, William. Robert Louis Stevenson Reconsidered: New Critical Perspectives. New York: McFarland & Company, 2003.
Maixner, Paul. Robert Louis Stevenson: A Critical Heritage. London: Routledge, 1981.