1. Long John Silver plots a mutiny aboard the Hispaniola, murders a man in cold blood, and betrays his comrades.

He is also cheerful, personable, and friendly to Jim. Why does Stevenson create such a likeable villain?

2. Why does Stevenson take so long to get the voyage of the Hispaniola underway? The brig does not leave Bristol until chapter 10. How does Stevenson use the early chapters to set the stage for Jim's adventures?

3. Jim leaves the Admiral Benbow Inn after his father's death and joins Doctor Livesey and Squire Trelawney. How do these two men function as surrogate father figures? Is Long John Silver a father figure, as well?

4. Squire Trelawney is depicted as overly talkative and a poor judge of character who prefers Long John Silver to Captain Smollett. What are the consequences of the squire's turning over the hiring of the crew to...