Treasure Island · Chapter
I Strike the Jolly Roger explained
Jim Hawkins boards the Hispaniola alone, finds the two pirates dead or wounded, takes command, strikes the Jolly Roger, and makes a bargain with the wounded Israel Hands to sail the ship to North Inlet.
What happens
Jim Hawkins boards the Hispaniola alone, finds the two pirates dead or wounded, takes command, strikes the Jolly Roger, and makes a bargain with the wounded Israel Hands to sail the ship to North Inlet.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This chapter marks the dramatic climax because Jim and Israel Hands reach a psychological peak of mutual suspi…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Courage and Cowardice
Jim shows courage by boarding the ship alone, taking command, and striking the pirate flag despite the danger.
- Deception and Disguise
Jim and Israel Hands engage in a tense negotiation, each hiding their true intentions.
Characters to notice
- Jim Hawkins
Boards the Hispaniola, takes command, strikes the pirate flag, and negotiates with Israel Hands.
- Israel Hands
Found wounded on deck; bargains with Jim to help sail the ship in exchange for food, drink, and a bandage.
- O'Brien
Dead on deck, killed in a drunken fight with Israel Hands.
Key passages
“I've come aboard to take possession of this ship, Mr. Hands, and you'll please regard me as your captain until further notice.”
Jim declares himself the new captain of the Hispaniola.
Jim asserts authority over the wounded pirate.
“I can't have these colors, Mr. Hands; and by your leave I'll strike 'em. Better none than these.”
Jim removes the pirate flag and throws it overboard.
Symbolic act of reclaiming the ship for the loyal party.
