Treasure island author biography worksheet

“Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson is a classic adventure novel about young Jim Hawkins, who discovers a pirate treasure map. Joining a voyage to find the treasure, Jim faces danger, betrayal, and mutiny led by the cunning Long John Silver, ultimately discovering the true meaning of bravery and loyalty.

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Key Facts & Information About Treasure Island

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

• Robert Louis Stevenson was a renowned Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer best known for his works, such as “Treasure Island,” “The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde,” “Kidnapped,” and “A Child’s Garden of Verses.” Born in 1850 in Edinburgh, he suffered from chronic health issues throughout his life but continued to write prolifically.
• Stevenson initially studied engineering and law at the University of Edinburgh but eventually pursued his passion for writing.
• His first published work was an essay called “Roads” in 1873, and his early published volumes were works of travel writing. Stevenson made significant contributions to the development of the short story form in the British Isles.
• In 1888, Stevenson and his family left England for the South Seas, where he spent the last years of his life. He purchased an estate in Apia, Samoa, in 1890, and the tropical climate significantly improved his health. 
• Stevenson continued to write extensively at his estate, Vailima, completing some of his finest novels. He died of a stroke in 1894 at age 44.
• Despite fluctuations in his critical reputation since his death, Stevenson’s works are now held in high regard, and he is ranked as the 26th most translated author in the world.

SUMMARY

• The story follows a young boy named Jim Hawkins, who discovers a treasure map in the chest of a deceased pirate, Bill Bones, at the inn run by his parents. 
• After a series of dangerous encounters with pirates, Jim decides to embark on a quest to find the treasure, accompanied by Dr. Livesey and Squire Trelawney, who help finance the expedition.
• The trio outfits a ship, the Hispaniola, and hires a crew, including the cunning Long John Silver, who poses as the ship’s cook. 
• Unbeknownst to them, Silver is a former pirate with plans for mutiny. As the journey unfolds, Jim overhears Silver’s conspiracies and realizes the danger he and his companions are in. 
• Upon reaching the mysterious Treasure Island, Jim sneaks ashore with Silver and the mutineers but soon finds himself fleeing into the jungle after witnessing the pirates’ violent actions.
• In the wilderness, Jim encounters Ben Gunn, a marooned former crew member of Captain Flint. Together, they navigate the treacherous island, while Captain Smollett and the loyal crew take refuge in a stockade. 
• A series of battles ensue between the pirates and Jim’s allies, leading to a climactic confrontation over the treasure. 
• Ultimately, they discover that the treasure has already been dug up, leading to chaos among the pirates.
• After a series of clever maneuvers, Jim and his friends manage to secure the treasure and return home, leaving the remaining pirates marooned on the island. 
• The novel concludes with Jim vowing to abandon treasure hunting, haunted by the memories of his adventures and the darker aspects of greed and betrayal he encountered along the way.

KEY THEMES

• Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson explores several prominent themes that contribute to its enduring appeal.

Adventure and Exploration

• The central theme of adventure and exploration drives the narrative, showcasing the characters’ quest for treasure and the personal growth that accompanies their journey. 
• Jim Hawkins, the protagonist, embarks on a perilous voyage that tests his courage and resourcefulness, ultimately leading to his maturation and self-discovery.

Coming of Age

• The theme of coming of age is intricately woven into Jim’s experiences. 
• As he navigates the treacherous world of pirates and treasure hunting, he confronts moral dilemmas and learns valuable life lessons. 
• This journey transforms him from a timid boy into a courageous young man, capable of making difficult choices and facing danger.

Greed

• Greed is another significant theme, illustrated by the characters’ relentless pursuit of Captain Flint’s buried treasure. This desire often leads to betrayal and violence, as seen in the conflicts between the pirates. 
• While many characters are consumed by greed, Jim’s motivations are more complex; he seeks adventure and personal growth rather than wealth.

Moral Ambiguity

• The novel also delves into moral ambiguity, presenting characters who embody both good and evil traits. Long John Silver, for example, is a charismatic yet treacherous figure, showcasing the complexities of human nature. 
• Jim’s interactions with Silver force him to grapple with trust and betrayal, further complicating his understanding of right and wrong.

Deception and Trust

• Deception plays a crucial role in the story, with characters constantly navigating a web of lies and hidden agendas. Jim’s ability to discern truth from deceit is essential for his survival, highlighting the importance of trust in relationships and the dangers of betrayal.

SETTING AND CHARACTERS

• Treasure Island is primarily set in three locations:
  • The Admiral Benbow Inn, where Jim Hawkins lives with his parents. This is where the story begins as Jim encounters the mysterious Billy Bones, a former pirate of the notorious Captain Flint.
  • Bristol, England, where Squire Trelawney and Dr. Livesey live. Jim travels to Bristol after his father’s death to meet with them and plan the expedition to Treasure Island.
  • The titular Treasure Island, an uncharted island in the Caribbean, is where Captain Flint buried his treasure. Most of the novel’s action takes place on this island, which is described as odd and mysterious, with strange landmarks like Long John Silver’s tavern, Spy-Glass Hill.
• The story is set in the 18th century when piracy was common in the West Indies. The Admiral Benbow Inn and Bristol are the starting points for Jim’s adventure, while Treasure Island represents the ultimate destination and the source of the treasure that drives the plot.
• The main characters in Treasure Island are:
  • Jim Hawkins: The young protagonist who narrates most of the story. Jim’s life changes when he discovers a treasure map and decides to embark on an adventure.
  • Dr. Livesey: A local physician who helps finance the treasure hunt expedition. He is a man of reason and morality.
  • Captain Alexander Smollett: The prudent and authoritative commander of the ship Hispaniola represents integrity, discipline, and leadership, guiding the crew with unwavering moral principles amidst treachery and danger during their quest for treasure.
  • Squire Trelawney: Another financier of the expedition who outfits the ship Hispaniola. He is an enthusiastic but sometimes foolish gentleman.
  • Long John Silver: The ship’s cook who is revealed to be a former pirate. He leads the mutiny against the crew in an attempt to seize the treasure for himself.
  • Captain Flint: The notorious pirate who buried the treasure on the island. Although he is dead, his legacy looms large over the story.
  • Other notable characters include Billy Bones, the pirate who brings the treasure map to the Admiral Benbow Inn, and Ben Gunn, a marooned pirate who helps Jim and his allies in the end.

Treasure Island Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Treasure Island across 23 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Treasure Island. The story follows a young boy named Jim Hawkins, who discovers a treasure map in the chest of a deceased pirate, Bill Bones, at the inn run by his parents.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Treasure Island Facts
2. Treasure Island Summary
3. Treasure Review
4. Exploring Values in Themes
5. Character Highlights
6. Character Vibes
7. Mapping Challenge
8. Treasure Hunt
9. Story Reflection
10. Jim’s Treasures
11. Finding My Treasures

Frequently Asked Questions About Treasure Island

Is Treasure Island based on a true story? 

No, Treasure Island is a work of fiction. While it draws inspiration from pirate lore and adventure tales, it is not directly based on historical events or real-life characters.

How many men are in the faithful party in Treasure Island? 

There are six men in the faithful party: Captain Smollett, Dr. Livesey, Squire Trelawney, Jim Hawkins, Long John Silver, and Ben Gunn.

What is “Treasure Island”?

Treasure Island is an 1883 adventure novel and historical fiction set in the 1700s.

What genre does “Treasure Island” belong to?

It is considered both an adventure novel and a coming-of-age story.

Why is Treasure Island considered influential in popular culture?

Since its publication, the novel has significantly shaped how pirates are portrayed, inspiring countless adaptations and references in literature, film, and other media.

References:

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