Stevenson was quite unaware of the importance of his novel until some time after it was published. He regarded it as a "rattling" good tale that would attract young readers for its entertainment value. He had, however, created a morally complex (at least, for an adventure story) work. The fascinating figure of Long John Silver, certainly a villain as to intentions, dominates most of the novel, and his escape (with a bag of coins) at the end still brings some criticism down on Stevenson because the "bad" person (but one who, earlier in the story, saved Jim's life) is not punished.

For someone who admired courage and daring as much as Stevenson did, though, it is understandable that he would create a character who, while wicked in most of his actions, yet is charming, courageous, and clever. This certainly does not signify that Stevenson endorsed such...