Treasure Island - Episode 5

Summary

The script narrates a tale of mutiny and adventure on a mysterious island. The protagonist observes a shift in crew behavior upon sighting the island, with Long John Silver emerging as a cunning ringleader. Amidst the tension, the protagonist witnesses murder and meets Ben Gunn, a marooned man who promises riches from Captain Flint's treasure. As the crew's loyalty wavers, the protagonist must navigate betrayal, alliances, and the quest for treasure.

Takeaways

• 🏝️ The island appears colorless and sad, with gray trees and yellow sand, creating an ominous atmosphere.
• 🗻 The Spyglass Hill stands out with its 400-foot height, sheer stone sides, and flat top, serving as a landmark.
• 👤 The crew's morale deteriorates upon sighting the island, with discipline lost and resentment growing among the men.
• 👨‍⚕️ The doctor suspects the presence of fever on the island and observes the crew's increasing surliness, hinting at potential mutiny.
• 🤠 Long John Silver tries to maintain order by setting a good example and singing songs to distract the crew from their discontent.
• 🔫 Captain Smollett arms loyal men with pistols and plans to manage the situation by allowing the crew ashore, hoping to prevent a revolt.
• 🏃‍♂️ The protagonist, Jim, decides to go ashore unnoticed, seeking to escape Long John and explore the island independently.
• 🗡️ Jim witnesses Long John Silver murdering Tim Cooper, revealing Silver's ruthless nature and the imminent danger on the island.
• 🕊️ Jim encounters Ben Gunn, a marooned man who has survived on the island for three years, craving a civilized diet and a return to society.
• 💰 Ben Gunn claims to know the location of Flint's treasure and offers to share it, hinting at a potential alliance with Jim and his crew.
• 🚢 The situation escalates as cannon fire and gunshots are heard, signaling a battle and the raising of the Union Jack, indicating a British presence.

Q & A

How does the island appear to the narrator the next morning?

The island appears colorless and sad, with gray trees and only streaks of yellow beach sand breaking up the dreariness.

What is the Spyglass Hill described as?

The Spyglass Hill is described as towering about 400 feet above everything else with sheer stone sides and a top that seems flat enough to be a statue.

Why did the crew lose their discipline once they sighted the island?

The crew lost their discipline due to the stagnant smell of sodden leaves and rotting tree trunks, as well as the presence of the island and the fear of fever as suggested by the doctor.

What does the doctor observe about the crew's behavior?

The doctor observes that the entire crew is surly, with resentment spreading to the honest men, and mutiny hanging over them like a thundercloud.

How does Long John Silver respond to the captain's orders?

Long John Silver responds quickly with the cheeriest 'aye aye sir' and sets a good example for the men, encouraging them to behave like real sailors.

What is Captain Silver's strategy to prevent a revolt?

Captain Silver's strategy is to allow the men an afternoon ashore, hoping that if they all go, they can control the ship, and if some go, Silver will bring them back as mild as lambs.

Why does the narrator decide to go ashore?

The narrator decides to go ashore because he believes that with only six pirates left on the ship, the cabin party does not need his assistance, and he wants to explore the island.

What does the narrator witness Long John Silver do to Tim Cooper?

The narrator witnesses Long John Silver murdering Tim Cooper by throwing his crutch at him and then stabbing him twice in the back with a knife.

Who is Ben Gunn and what is his situation?

Ben Gunn is a marooned man who has been living on the island for three years, surviving on goats, berries, and oysters, and craving a civilized diet.

What does Ben Gunn reveal about the treasure?

Ben Gunn reveals that he was part of the crew that buried the treasure with Flint and that he knows the location of Flint's treasure.

How does the Union Jack appear in the story?

The Union Jack appears as a flag fluttering above the woods, signaling a startling sight and possibly indicating the presence of other people or a ship.