Treasure Island Character Analysis
In the novel Treasure Island, written by Robert Louis Stevenson, a young boy named Jim Hawkins must battle against a group of mutineers on an island, risking the life of himself and his friends, in order to be the first to find Captain Flint’s hidden treasure. The characters’ decisions and traits in Treasure Island demonstrate the theme of greed. Greed is a constant and inordinate craving, want, or desire for money or possessions; solely for the interests and pleasures of oneself that is often times never satisfying. In this novel, Robert Louis Stevenson uses the theme of greed through the decisions and character traits of Long John Silver, Israel Hands, and George Merry to teach readers to be content and happy with what you do have, by describing
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The words and actions of George Merry determine a strong personality. I can conclude that he is very brave for speaking out against Long John Silver when he points out four major mistakes he has made as captain (Stevenson 162-163). When George was arguing the rules of captain with Long John Silver, he demonstrated greed. He wanted to be the one in charge because he was dissatisfied with whom was in control and the choices that were made by Long John Silver. George’s attitude demonstrates a selfish desire for power. He couldn’t be content because Silver wasn’t doing things his way. At this point greed sets in because George Merry wanted self-satisfaction and wasn’t thinking about the effects of his actions on others, while Long John Silver was. George is upset that Silver “let the enemy out o’ this here trap for nothing” (Stevenson 162) and that “this here boy” (Jim) is still alive (Stevenson 162). This dialogue implies that George is only set on one thing: treasure. Another example where George Merry displays greed is when he and the mutineers finally come to the site of the buried treasure (Stevenson 184). He appears paranoid when he falsely accuses Long John Silver of knowing the treasure wasn’t in its place all along (Stevenson 186). Greed causes his paranoia, resulting in a charge. Luckily, Gray and Ben Gunn appear, joining Long John Silver and Jim, “with smoking muskets, from along the nutmeg trees” (Stevenson 186). These examples of how George Merry displays the trait of greed and the consequences from it show readers how greed destroys
The words and actions of George Merry determine a strong personality. I can conclude that he is very brave for speaking out against Long John Silver when he points out four major mistakes he has made as captain (Stevenson 162-163). When George was arguing the rules of captain with Long John Silver, he demonstrated greed. He wanted to be the one in charge because he was dissatisfied with whom was in control and the choices that were made by Long John Silver. George’s attitude demonstrates a selfish desire for power. He couldn’t be content because Silver wasn’t doing things his way. At this point greed sets in because George Merry wanted self-satisfaction and wasn’t thinking about the effects of his actions on others, while Long John Silver was. George is upset that Silver “let the enemy out o’ this here trap for nothing” (Stevenson 162) and that “this here boy” (Jim) is still alive (Stevenson 162). This dialogue implies that George is only set on one thing: treasure. Another example where George Merry displays greed is when he and the mutineers finally come to the site of the buried treasure (Stevenson 184). He appears paranoid when he falsely accuses Long John Silver of knowing the treasure wasn’t in its place all along (Stevenson 186). Greed causes his paranoia, resulting in a charge. Luckily, Gray and Ben Gunn appear, joining Long John Silver and Jim, “with smoking muskets, from along the nutmeg trees” (Stevenson 186). These examples of how George Merry displays the trait of greed and the consequences from it show readers how greed destroys