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Treasure Island, Chapter 1 summary

Chapter 1 of 34 · Part 1: The Old Buccaneer · 9 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 1, a secretive old sailor settles at the Admiral Benbow, frightens its customers, and pays the narrator to watch for a one-legged seaman. His unpaid bills burden the narrator’s father, but Dr. Livesey challenges his threats and makes him submit to the authority of the law.

What happens

  1. The narrator begins his account at the request of Squire Trelawney, Dr. Livesey, and their companions, withholding the island’s location.
  2. An old sailor arrives at the Admiral Benbow, pays several gold pieces, and asks to be called Captain.
  3. The captain avoids seamen and pays the narrator monthly to watch for a one-legged sailor, who fills the boy’s nightmares.
  4. His drunken songs and violent stories frighten customers, while his unpaid lodging puts pressure on the narrator’s father.
  5. Dr. Livesey refuses the captain’s demand for silence and calmly faces his knife threat.
  6. The doctor identifies himself as a magistrate, warns the captain, and leaves him subdued for several evenings.

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In this chapter

Dr. LiveseyCaptain SmollettMr. Trelawney

What to notice

The doctor reveals the legal authority behind his warning. Unlike the frightened inn company, he makes the captain obey.

Quick check

What does the captain pay the narrator to do?

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