One-legged pirate John Silver is a fictional character in Robert Stevenson ’s novel Treasure Island. He occupies an important place in the plot of the work. To find out all the details about his character, life history, as well as other useful information, you should read this article.
Background
In the first part of the novel, the one-legged pirate Silver is mentioned as some kind of scary person who should be feared. Not much is known about him, and only from the dialogues or conversations of Billy Bons. It is known that he previously was a team captain Flint. Even the chief on the ship was afraid of this hero, since he was a boatswain. There are disagreements in different translations, but from the words of John himself it is clear that he did not understand navigation, but at the same time he was a quartermaster. This means that Silver defended the interests of the team on the ship and was the second most important person on board after Flint himself.
general description
What was the name of the one-legged pirate from Treasure Island, it becomes known after the first part. At different times, John Silver had several nicknames. Most often the man was called “Ham”, “Long John”, and the most famous nickname - “One-legged” - he received for his wooden limb. The character never parted with the faithful parrot, who often shouted the word "piastres."
Flint was afraid of Silver for his ability to adapt and his love of intrigue. Even in his youth, this guy showed unprecedented dexterity, which over the years has not disappeared. In the book, even with a crutch, he perfectly deals with those who did not want to join his pirate team. John in most cases shows his calmness, but this is only a mask, and mortal danger is hidden under it. Thanks to the ability to cause fear among people around, Silver has always been held in high esteem by the pirates. Plus, his incredible physical strength helped to maintain such an image.
Some information and the first meeting
The one-legged pirate in the first part of the book appears as an unknown, mysterious evil. They talk about him with caution and always warn that a man with great stature and injuries should be avoided by all means. Silver has incredible leadership skills. He does not even need to use his physical strength to persuade people to himself. Verbal arguments are in his arsenal the same dangerous weapon.
The reader first meets him at the moment when Squire Trelawney gathers a team to his ship called "Hispaniola". He enters the "Spyglass" tavern, which was located right next to the port. There he talks nicely with the owner of the institution, who turned out to be John Silver. Under the influence of alcohol and good mood, Trelawney tells an interesting story about a future treasure hunt. An experienced pirate shook everything on his mustache, remembered the information in order to use it in the future.
Actions on the ship
Stephenson's one-legged pirate from Treasure Island was fearsome, but Squire Trelawney had no idea. Silver took advantage of this ignorance and hired a cook on the ship "Hispaniola". At the same time, John deftly managed to convince Trelawney to hire the sailors, whom he would advise. They turned out to be pirates loyal to him, who on the ship wanted to constantly revolt. Only Silver's leadership talent kept them from this venture. He understood that action should be taken at the right time.
They did not have a map or information about the place where the treasure was hidden. That is why the rebellion happened only on the way to the island of Treasures. Earlier, the conversation of the one-legged temporary cook and Israeli Hands was overheard by a young young man, Jim Hawkins. He told this to the doctor, squire and captain Smolett. Even at that time, Silver did not come into direct conflict. At the landing, he appointed security, and he went to explore the island. The author skillfully increased the atmosphere of mystery around the former boatswain and showed step by step his true character.
Fatal mistake
The one-legged pirate from Treasure Island miscalculated the moment he went with the team to uncharted terrain. He set up his camp in a swamp, where people began to get a fever. About half of Silver's allies died, and Ben Gunn stabbed another. At this time, Dr. Livesey with his close company managed to arrange an escape from the ship "Hispaniola". Together, Hawkins, Smolett and the rest reached the fort, which was once erected by Captain Flint himself. It was in this fortification that they decided to defend themselves against Silver.
When the pirate leader saw this , he went with a white flag to the squire and doctor's team. He tried to solve the situation through diplomatic means, because he understood the possible losses in a direct collision. Livesey and Trelawney did not agree with him, because this meant the loss of all the desired treasures. After that, the assault on the fort began with prolonged skirmishes.
The twists and turns of fate
Dr. Livesey, talking with his allies, takes a white flag and goes to the one-legged pirate from Treasure Island. They decided to capitulate, and Silver was glad to agree to give them life in exchange for a card and a fort. At this time, he had already discovered the loss of the ship, and now he was in great danger from his own pirates. It turns out that young Jim Hawkins took the ship to another place, but by mistake returned to the fort already mastered by the Silver team. The pirate leader was glad of such a gift of fate. The one-legged leader saw his salvation in the young, because in England he was only expected to die.
He enters into an agreement with Hawkins, according to which he must save the guy from the team. He in response will testify in his favor in court after arriving at home. Silver was able to save Jim, although he almost lost his captain because of this. The next day, John asks to witness also Dr. Livesey, who came with a white flag. After such actions, Silver is forced to actively seek treasures, so as not to feel the anger of the team.
Climax in the work
In the novel Treasure Island, the one-legged pirate John Silver did not follow Dr. Livesey's advice on taking the time to find the treasure. The pirates demanded action, and the captain was forced to agree. He studies the map in detail, after which he sets off with the pirates to the place indicated by the legendary captain Flint. Upon arrival, enthusiasm quickly gave way to hatred. There should have been seven hundred thousand guineas on Treasure Island, and instead, the pirates discovered only two coins.
An active dispute begins between the sea robbers, including John Silver and George Merry. At this point, Dr. Livesey and his allies open heavy fire at the pirates. The one-legged captain, taking advantage of the moment, shoots at Mary and sends him to another world.
Final story
Photo of one-legged pirate John Silver does not exist. You can find out the approximate appearance of this character only from illustrations for the novel “Treasure Island”. The main antagonist in the work repents and enters the service of Captain Smolett. Only now the pirate will always remain such that Trelawney and Livesey did not take into account. Silver took advantage of Ben Gann to escape on a boat with the Hispaniola. At the same time, he brought with him about four hundred guineas. The author points out that the one-legged master of intrigue has disappeared from sight, and no one has ever heard of him again. As for the one who served from real personalities for this image, disputes are still ongoing. Some sources claim that this is a pirate Nathaniel North, but no one can say for sure.