Jun 25, 2003 10:09 PM
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(Updated Jun 25, 2003 10:15 PM)
There was a stage in the early years of my life, must have been when I was between ages 10 and 16 that I used to look at the world through the eyes of the characters in the novels I read. Reading the book from cover to cover was entirely different from actually visualizing myself in the shoes of the hero and embarking on all those wonderful and boyish adventures.
Though I’ve read the adventures of Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, Jack (and the Bean stalk) and Jim Hawkins more than 15 years ago, the characters remain indelibly etched in my mind to this day.
I hope readers will pardon if I err in recounting my memories of this particular book. The story and characters are just a blur at the back of my mind. I hope you understand. Thanks.
The book was written by Robert Louis Stevenson, a chronically incapacitated genius, with the intention of amusing his stepson. The roots of the plot are by themselves shrouded in mystery but the most widely accepted theory is that RLS came across an old map from which germinated the idea and concept of “Treasure Island”.
By a strange twist of fate, Jim Hawkins, a young lad, comes to be in possession of a treasure map with a black spot marked in the centre. He goes off in search of the treasure with Squire Trelawney and Doctor Livesey, two friendly gentlemen. They board the ship “Hispaniola” which is set to sail in the same direction as Jim’s treasure island.
The trio realize rather late in the day that the crew members are actually pirates and former members of Captain Flint’s former vessel with a lust for money that will take them to any length. These thugs are led by Long John Silver who is a past master at deception and sweet talk. Externally, he drips honey and sugar, but within, he’s the worst buccaneer to have ever sailed the seven seas.
The little packet in which Jim finds the map acts as a terrifying catalyst that hurls Jim right into the adventure of a lifetime. Once on the Treasure Island, Jim and his two companions are faced with the twin tasks of finding the buried bonanza and then escaping before the pirates capture them and confiscate their precious treasure.
He’s confronted with the prospects of being the master of a huge treasure on one hand. At the same time, every moment of his life is in great peril and he must use every wit to save his skin. The story is a classic tale of adventure, intrigue and treachery and RLS maintains stranglehold over the readers’ minds with his constantly conniving twists and turns.
Thus Spake TiC
It’s difficult not to notice the subtle undercurrent of ethics and morals that RLS strives to convey throughout. While the never-ending adventure is clearly the more superficial aspect of the story, the ongoing battle between the good and evil, the selfish and selfless, the kind and the vicious adds that extra something to this simple story.
RLS successfully incorporates a totally new style of speech – the dialect of Pirates. It takes some time for the readers to get used to the dialect, but from then on, it’s an enjoyable roller coaster of fun and adventure. The flow is maintained well and the punch lines are delivered with élan by Long John Silver and his pet parrot – “Captain Flint”.
The book was originally printed as a serialized version in a magazine for young children. It is therefore understandable that RLS paid attention in particular to throwing up intriguing situations that lead to a plethora of unanswered questions at the end of each chapter and makes it all the more breathtaking.
Quite like Tom Sawyer, this is a book to be ideally read at a young age when it’s easier to identify with the protagonist. Though RLS might not have consciously meant it to be, the story has the charming feel of an enchanting dreamlike adventure.
The fact that it is recommended as mandatory reading material for children the world over speaks volumes of its popularity even a century after it was first printed.
