Exploring the Depiction of Death as a Central Theme in Treasure Island Novel

Abstract

Treasure Island is an adventure story which has attracted attention for long period of time. Death was depicted in different senses. There was natural deaths like that of Jim's father because of sickness, Billy Bones death of apoplexy. Or unnatural death like Painful death of Blind Pew and Tom, and homicide of many pirates. While Jim killed Israel Hands in self-defense. Black spot is a symbolic sign of near death. Most pirates are died by gun shots, stabbing, and physical attack. Deaths of Pirates aren't depicted as sad incident. Death plays a crucial role in shaping the plot of the novel. The story explores the consequences of violence, especially killing. Death was depicted in very interesting details like how features of dead person change after death. Many deaths are shown as tragic incidents caused sadness for departing people, while human feelings toward dead people were shown with many characters in the story. Jim Hawkins is the protagonist of this novel, while Long John Silver shared him the interest of audience as pivotal character. While it is story of adventure, most issues actually related to death or afraid of being dead. Death actually may be the central issue in Treasure Island novel. The methodology that is used in this paper is comprehensive coverage of all deaths incidents on the novel, how it happened, and what are they referring to?. This paper found that most death incidents are used as leverage to develop feeling of adventure, suspense and horror in the novel, While it is used to reflect the criminal side of pirates. This paper contributes in enhancing deep understanding of how death could be substantial part of a novel plot, and this could be reflected in different senses.