Treasure Island book club questions

The reading plan

Meeting 1: Chapters 1 to 11

1. What might the calm doctor's response to threats suggest about handling someone who frightens others?
2. How should losing his father affect our judgment of Jim's reactions to the threatening visitor?
3. What should matter most when planning the treasure hunt: excitement, secrecy, or protection?
4. How much weight should friendliness carry when deciding whether to believe someone's claim of knowing nothing?
5. How would you weigh Captain Smollett's demands for safer arrangements against Jim's resentment of his discipline?

Meeting 2: Chapters 12 to 24

6. What makes counting trusted men a useful response to Jim's news, and what might counting alone fail to solve?
7. How does Silver's killing of a loyal sailor change what resistance seems possible?
8. How cautiously should Jim treat an offer of help that comes with hints of wealth?
9. How would you judge the decision to move supplies ashore when the escape costs vital supplies and weapons?
10. What would make rejecting Silver's bargains worth the risk of an attack?

Meeting 3: Chapters 25 to 34

11. What should Jim weigh when accepting navigation help from a wounded sailor whose manner makes their bargain uneasy?
12. Is Jim's promise to help Silver a fair exchange for protection when Jim is a captive?
13. What does a treasure chart's power to restore Silver's support suggest about his followers' loyalty?
14. How would you judge Jim's choice to keep his promise to Silver rather than take a chance to escape?
15. What might explain the pirates' shift from terror to racing toward the treasure site?

Themes to talk about

Tips for the host

1. Open each meeting with one question everyone can answer, then go deeper.
2. Anyone who fell behind can catch up with the 15-minute summary.