AWR 101 Treasure Island Summary

Treasure Island

- Robert Louis Stevenson: ScotÝsh author 1850-1894
o Also wrote Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
- Published in 1883
o Originally serialized (1881-82) in Young Folks
o Original title: The Sea Cook: A Story for Boys
- Incredibly influential to pop culture perception of pirates

Pirate elements in part 1:
- Drinking
- Pirate song
- Treasure chest
- Pirate slang
- Treasure map
- Pirate clothes
- Peg leg man
- Sword

Genre: boys adventure fiction

- Late 19th century shift toward adventure fiction for boys
- Nondomestic
o Escape from the home
o Home is constraining
o Aim to reclaim boyish nature
- Targeted specifically toward boys and defining masculinity
o Boys are rough and tumble
o Boys seek adventure
o Manhood defined by action and doing rather than a state of mind
o Equated with imperialism, conquering, and exploring

Examples of masculinity

- Billy Bones
o Intimidating, stubborn, confident
o Pg 3-5 several examples
o Potential role model for Jim
- Jim’s parents as role models
o Dad: afraid of Billy Bones and does not force him to pay dues, gets sick and dies
 Weak
 Pushover
o Mom: braver than father, only woman in story