Treasure Island

Describe boyhood in Treasure Island

Ways in which Jim develops form childhood, how boyhood is presented in Treasure Island

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Treasure Island is a boy's dream. Really, you have a treasure, pirates, adventure and basically everything a boy, even today, could dream about. Jim Hawkins is living with his mother and father at their inn, the Admiral Benbow. His life isn't bad but his father gets sick and dies. Jim is left to care for his mother and run the business. I think Jim matures early on in the novel with the responsibilities thrust on him. Stevenson's world is certainly a boys world. We get rough and eccentric pirates stumbling into Jim's life. Black Beard and Long John Silver are particular examples. Jim has mentor figures in Doctor Livesey and Squire Trelawney that help him along in his adventure. "adventure" is the operating word here! Eventually Jim becomes more astute in matters of human nature, loyalty and deceit. He also experiences the boyhood fantasy of swashbuckling pirates, hidden treasure and fantastic voyages. What boy can resist that?