Abstract: Features of the narration in the novel Treasure Island. Treasure Island Robert Louis Stevenson

The history of the creation of the novel “Treasure Island”

A special place in Stevenson’s work is occupied by the work that made the writer famous throughout the world - “Treasure Island” (1883).

The story of the creation of the novel is quite curious: one rainy day - and it rains quite often in Pitlochry - Robert entered the living room and saw: a boy, the writer’s stepson, playing, bending over what was lying on the table large sheet paper, on which the contours of some island were depicted, the boy drew a map, and his stepfather noticed the game and continued... Taking a pencil, Stevenson began to finish drawing the map. He marked the mountains, a stream, a forest... Under three red crosses he made the inscription: “Treasures are hidden here.” With its outline, the map resembled a “rising fat dragon” and was full of unusual names: Spyglass Hill, Skeleton Island, etc.

After that, putting the sheet in his pocket, he silently left... Lloyd was very offended by such strange behavior of his stepfather, who was always attentive to him. Stevenson valued maps more than many books: “for their content and for the fact that they are not boring to read.” “I cast a thoughtful glance at the map of the island,” says Stevenson, “and among the imaginary forests the heroes of my future book... I didn’t have time to come to my senses when I found myself in front of Blank sheet paper, and I was already compiling a list of chapters.” And the next day, Robert called the boy into his office and read him the first chapter of the novel “The Ship's Cook,” which today is known throughout the world as “Treasure Island.”

Stevenson continued to write the novel at an amazing speed - one chapter a day. He wrote as he probably never had the chance to write again. And in the evenings he read it to everyone at home.

Looks like it's hitting the target. Previously, Stevenson had sketched out a plan for a novel more than once and even started writing, but that, according to him, was all over. And then everything suddenly came to life and began to move, each character, as soon as he appeared from Stevenson’s pen, stepped into the shadow of an imaginary forest or onto an imaginary deck, already knew exactly what he should do, as if the book had long been ready in the author’s head.

“Sooner or later, I was destined to write a novel. Why? An idle question,” Stevenson recalled at the end of his life in the article “My first book is “Treasure Island,” as if answering a question from an inquisitive reader. The article was written in 1894 at the request of Jerome K. Jerome for the magazine “Idler” (“Idle Man”), which then started a series of publications by already famous modern writers on the topic “My First Book.” “Treasure Island”, in fact, did not correspond to the theme, since this first novel of the writer was far from his first book. Stevenson had in mind not just the chronological order of the appearance of his books, but above all their meaning. Treasure Island was Stevenson's first book that received widespread acclaim and made him world famous. Among his most significant works, this book is truly the first and at the same time the most popular. How many times, starting from early youth, did Stevenson take up the novel, changing his plans and narrative techniques, testing himself again and again and trying his strength, prompted not only by considerations of calculation and ambition, but above all by the inner need and creative task of conquering a large genre. For a long time, as mentioned above, attempts were unsuccessful. “A story—I want to say a bad story—can be written by anyone who has diligence, paper and leisure, but not everyone can write a novel, even a bad one. Size is what kills.” The volume was frightening, exhausting and killed the creative impulse when Stevenson took on a big thing. With his health and feverish creative efforts, it was generally difficult for him to overcome the barriers of a large genre. It is no coincidence that he does not have “long” novels. But these were not the only obstacles that stood in his way when he had to give up big plans. The first novel required a certain degree of maturity, an established style and confident skill. And the beginning must be successful, so that it opens up the prospect of a natural continuation of what has begun. This time everything worked out the best way, and that ease of internal state was created, which Stevenson especially needed, when the imagination, full of strength, is inspired, and creative thought seems to unfold by itself, without requiring any spurs or prodding.

This time, the map of the fictional “Treasure Island” gave impetus to the creative idea. “On a chilly September morning - a cheerful light was burning in the fireplace, the rain was drumming on the window glass - I began “The Ship's Cook” - that was the first name of the novel.” Subsequently, this name was given to one of the parts of the novel, namely the second. Long time, with short breaks, in a narrow circle of family and friends, Stevenson read what he had written for the day - usually the daily “portion” made up the next chapter. According to the general testimony of eyewitnesses, Stevenson read well. The listeners showed keen interest in his work on the novel. Some of the details they suggested ended up in the book. Robert's father also came to listen. Sometimes he even added small details to the text. Thanks to Thomas Stevenson, Billy Bones' chest and the objects that were in it, and a barrel of apples appeared, the same one, by climbing into which the hero revealed the insidious plan of the pirates. “My father, a grown child and a romantic at heart, was immediately inspired by the idea of this book,” Stevenson recalled.

The novel was far from finished when the owner of the respectable children's magazine Young Folks, having become familiar with the first chapters and the general concept of the work, began publishing it. Not on the first pages, but after other works, the success of which he had no doubt - trifling works, designed for banal tastes, long forgotten forever. "Treasure Island" was published in Young Folks from October 1881 to January 1882 under the pseudonym "Captain George North." The success of the novel was insignificant, if not dubious: the editors of the magazine received dissatisfied and indignant responses, and such responses were not isolated. A separate edition of “Treasure Island” - already under the author’s real name - was published only at the end of November 1883. This time his success was thorough and undeniable. True, the first edition did not sell out immediately, but already in next year a second edition appeared, followed by a third, illustrated edition in 1885, and the novel and its author became widely known. Magazine reviews ranged from condescending to overly enthusiastic, but the prevailing tone was one of approval.

People of various circles and ages became engrossed in the novel. Stevenson learned that the English Prime Minister Gladstone had been reading the novel long after midnight with extraordinary pleasure. Stevenson, who did not like Gladstone (he saw in him the embodiment of the bourgeois respectability he hated), said to this: “It would be better if this high-ranking old man was involved in the state affairs of England.” An adventure novel is impossible without a tense and exciting plot; it is required by the nature of the genre itself. Stevenson substantiates this idea in many ways, relying on the psychology of perception and the classical tradition, which in English literature dates back to Robinson Crusoe. Events, “incidents,” their relevance, their connection and development should, in his opinion, constitute the primary concern of the author of an adventure work. The psychological development of characters in the adventure genre becomes dependent on the intensity of action caused by the rapid succession of unexpected “incidents” and unusual situations, and turns out to be involuntarily limited by a tangible limit, as can be seen in the novels of Dumas or Marryat.

Stevenson may not have become a lighthouse builder, but he writes about storms and reefs with the pen of a hereditary seaman. What about borrowing? How easy is it to catch him in literary theft? Well, of course, the parrot was taken from Defoe, and the island as a setting was inhabited by Robinson Crusoe. However, it never occurred to anyone to reproach Stevenson, neither critics during his lifetime, nor literary historians later. It didn’t hurt Stevenson at all that he himself admitted: the boy came up with the idea, the father made an inventory of Billy Bones’ chest, and when a skeleton was needed, Edgar Allan Poe found it, and the parrot was ready, alive, all that remained was to teach him instead of “Poor Robinson Crusoe !” repeat: “Piastres! Piasters! Even the map, which was a special source of pride for Stevenson as an author, was, for that matter, used more than once, and above all by Gulliver. But the fact of the matter is that Stevenson did not pick up all this suddenly, but knew it deeply, his district, bookishly - fictional world, with whom I got along since childhood.

The boy, who played imaginary little men with his father, became big and wrote “Treasure Island.”

Features of the narrative in the novel “Treasure Island”

“Treasure Island,” the first novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, was created by an already experienced writer, the author of many short stories and literary essays. As we can see from what was described above, Stevenson had long been preparing to write this particular novel, in which he could express his view of the world and of modern man, which does not interfere with the fact that the events of the novel date back to the 18th century. The novel is also surprising in that it is narrated from the perspective of the boy Jim, a participant in the search for a treasure located on a distant island. The quick-witted and brave Jim manages to uncover a conspiracy of pirates who were going to take away the treasures from the organizers of this romantic voyage. After going through many adventures, brave travelers reach the island, find a man there who was once a pirate, and with his help take possession of the treasure. Sympathy for Jim and his friends does not prevent the reader from singling out John Silver among all the characters. The one-legged ship's cook, companion of the pirate Flint, is one of the most remarkable images created by Stevenson.

“Treasure Island” begins with a sparse description of the boring life of a small village where the hero, Jim Hawkins, lives. His everyday life is devoid of joy: the boy serves visitors to the tavern that his father runs and counts the proceeds. This monotony is broken by the arrival of a strange sailor, who upends the measured life of the townsfolk and radically changes Jim’s fate: “I remember, as if it were yesterday, how, stepping heavily, he dragged himself to our door, and his sea chest was carried behind him in a wheelbarrow.” From this moment, extraordinary events begin: the death of a sailor - a former pirate, the hunt of his accomplices for the map of Captain Flint, stored in the sailor's chest, and, finally, an accident that allowed Jim to become the owner of a map of treasure island: “... - And I’ll take this too for good measure “I said, taking a stack of papers wrapped in oilcloth.”

So, Jim, Dr. Livesey and Squire Trelawney - completely respectable people - turn out to be the owners of the map and decide to go in search of treasure. It is noteworthy that with all the contempt for pirates that the squire expresses (“What do they need, except money? For what, except money, would they risk their skin!”), he himself immediately buys a schooner and equips an expedition for other people’s riches.

“The spirit of our century, its swiftness, the mixing of all tribes and classes in the pursuit of money, the fierce, in its own way romantic, struggle for existence, with the eternal change of professions and countries...” - this is how Stevenson characterizes the time in which he lives. And indeed, half the world rushes to Africa, America, and Australia in search of gold, diamonds, and ivory. These searches attract not only adventurers, but also “respectable” bourgeoisie, merchants, who in turn become participants in “romantic” adventures in unknown countries. So Stevenson puts almost an equal sign between pirates and “respectable” bourgeois. After all, they have one goal - money, which gives the right not only to a “fun life”, but also to a position in society.

Silver, who believes that after the treasure is found, it is necessary to kill the captain, the doctor, the squire and Jim, says: “I do not at all want the devil to barge into me when I become a member of parliament and ride around in a gilded carriage.” to the monk, one of the thin-legged strekulists.”

Silver's desire to become a member of parliament is not at all so utopian. Who cares how the money was obtained - what matters is that they have it. And this opens up inexhaustible opportunities in bourgeois society to become a revered person. They don't talk about the past. Money can also buy a title of nobility. But this remark from Silver also contains hidden irony, expressing Stevenson’s attitude towards those who rule the country.

The romantic adventures of the heroes begin from the first minutes of their journey. Jim accidentally overhears Silver's conversation with the sailors: “... I witnessed the last chapter in the story of how an honest sailor was seduced into joining this bandit gang, perhaps the last honest sailor on the whole ship. However, I was immediately convinced that this sailor was not the only one. Silver whistled quietly, and someone else sat down next to the barrel.” And he learns about the danger that is growing every minute. Events on the island, the struggle between pirates and a handful of loyal people, the disappearance of treasures - all this creates a special tension in the plot. And it is in this situation, brought to the limit, that the characters of the heroes emerge: the narrow-minded, hot-tempered and self-confident squire, the judicious Doctor Livesey, the reasonable and decisive captain, the boyishly impulsive Jim and the intelligent, treacherous, born diplomat Silver. Their every action, every word expresses the inner essence of their character, determined by their natural gifts, upbringing, and position in society, from which they are now cut off.

Lesson type: explanation of new material

Lesson objectives:

To form in students an understanding of Stevenson’s work, to deepen

knowledge about the features of adventure literature;

Tasks:

To introduce students to the works of R.L. Stevenson (review);

Prepare students to perceive the novel “Treasure Island”;

Repeat the features of adventure literature: plot, hero, extreme situation;

Instill an interest in reading, create a need for reading. Educational technologists: group technology, ICT, problem technology;

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LESSON 1-2

Topic: Creativity RL. Stevenson. Novel “Treasure Island” (5th grade)

Lesson type: explanation of new material

Lesson objectives:

To form in students an understanding of Stevenson’s work, to deepen

knowledge about the features of adventure literature;

Tasks:

To introduce students to the works of R.L. Stevenson (review);

Prepare students to perceive the novel “Treasure Island”;

Repeat the features of adventure literature: plot, hero, extreme situation;

Instill an interest in reading, create a need for reading.Educational technologists:group technology, ICT, problem technology;

Equipment: presentation of Pover Point, filmstrip “Treasure Island”,

Handout;

During the classes.

Organizational moment

Stage I. A teacher's word about R. L. Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson lived his life as one big Adventure. Born in Scotland in 1850 in the family of a hereditary marine engineer. His grandfather and father were lighthouse builders and inventors.

In the Stevenson house they loved to tell stories various stories. Both the nanny and the father told little Robert fairy tales about robbers and pirates. These stories continued in the boy’s imaginary world, acquiring more and more new adventures. He called this world the Land of Bed. Why Beds? Because he was sick much more often than he was healthy. Robert grew up as a traveler and avid adventurer, but was never able to

Country of Bed. He was barely twenty years old when he learned that he was terminally ill with tuberculosis. The doctors prescribed: “Absolute peace, no worries, no shocks, no surprises, even pleasant ones.” Somehow they sympathized with him: “What a pity that you are forced to remain silent.” To which Stevenson replied: “Being silent is also an activity.” And that same evening, with his left hand, he scribbled a cheerful poem about distant countries:

When I become an adult, I will be able to visit the shore, where a palm tree with a golden branch grows in the thick grass, and in the homeland of the bison, and visiting Robinson. In general, Stevenson had an amazing ability to transform

troubles and troubles into adventure. For him there was nothing more exciting than reading and writing books. He said about himself: “I always had two books in my pocket, I read one and wrote in the other.” The novels of A. Dumas attracted him more than the most tempting travels: “No part of the world can seduce me as much as these pages.” He was more interested in writing about amazing deeds than in performing them (3;82).

You could ask students to answer the question, which novels by R. L. Stevenson do they know? (“Black Arrow”, “Treasure Island”, “Catriona”.)

About the novel by R.L. Stevenson "Treasure Island"

When the novel Treasure Island was published in 1881, the book

There was a dedication: “To Mr. L.O...”.

(You may want to show students the cover of the first edition.)

And it was stated that “L.O.’s taste and imagination helped create the novel.”

It turned out that L.O. is Stevenson's adopted son, Lloyd Osborne.

And the story of the creation of “Treasure Island” is as follows: one rainy day in Scotland, Stevenson and his stepson Lloyd began to color a map of the island he had invented, which resembled a dragon in outline. Stevenson then marked three red X's on the map and said, "There is treasure buried here." And the next morning the boy heard the first chapters from a manuscript called “The Ship's Cook,” then Stevenson changed the title.

The whole family participated in the creation of the work. For example, Stevenson’s father compiled a list of things found in the chest of Billy Bones, an experienced sailor, since he himself had been associated with the sea all his life and knew what the “sea wolf” might need.

So the novel “Treasure Island” was dedicated to Lloyd Osborne “From him loving friend" The author himself wrote about the book: “If the guys don’t like it, then there are no real guys now.”

Stage II. Presentation "Treasure Island". Introduction to the first chapters of the novel “Treasure Island”

The purpose of the second part of the lesson is to introduce students to the events with which the work begins and to get to know the main characters. When watching a filmstrip, the teacher(or student) comments on the shown frames in order to fill in the gaps in storyline. (The presentation ends on the slide corresponding to Chapter X “Swimming”)

III stage. Summarizing. Homework explanation

1. At the end of the lesson, the teacher asks the students to tell what they remember from the life of R.L. Stevenson and from the history of his creation of the novel.

2. List the main characters of the novel. For what purpose did the heroes set off on their journey?

Reflection:

Signal cards:

Was the lesson interesting? (yes - red; no - blue) -Did I learn something new? (yes - red; no - blue)Homework

General homework:

2. Retelling of Chapter XI from the 1st person;

3. Brief retelling of Chapter XVIII;

4.Prepare expressive reading by the roles of Chapter XXX “To be honest

word";

5. View in explanatory dictionary meaning of the word hypocrisy.

Or on the website http://slovarozhegova.ru/

Methodological commentary.

Homework is done in groups. A task common to all groups is given, each group member performs part of the common task.

There are 5-6 people in a group: leader or captain, assistant captain, critic (is an opponent for other groups with whose opinions she does not agree this group), chronicler (monitors the progress of the lesson and writes down the main points), as well as ordinary members of the group.

The homework is distributed among the team members by the captain.

LESSON 2

Topic: Extreme situations in the lives of Stevenson's heroes

Stage I.

The lesson begins with a retelling from 1st person Ch. XI (the retelling of one student may replace the retelling of another), as a result of which we find out what Hawkins heard while sitting in an apple barrel?

II stage. Discussion of Chapter XII "War Council"(everyone read) 1. Conversation on the questions:

Jim Hawkins found out. That there are pirates on the ship. How does he behave in this situation? (Students support their answers with quotes from the text.)

The students conclude that Jim Hawkins was at first scared and speechless with fear:“...my heart, and my legs, and my hands immediately refused to serve me...”However, despite his fear, Jim was able to tell the captain, squire and doctor about everything, thereby warning them of the danger.

How do Captain Smollett, Dr. Livesey and Squire Trelawney take the news?

All the heroes behave with dignity; none of them were afraid of the pirates without panic. The squire blames himself for not listening to the captain's opinion about the crew. The captain behaves as a real captain should.2.Reading the episode.

The teacher asks the students to read a fragment from the words:"First of all, Mr. Smollett said..."pay attention to the captain's speech. Short, concise and clear sentences, tension that corresponds to the situation on the ship itself, and also speaks of the captain’s courage, his composure and his responsibility for the lives of honest and noble people: the squire, the doctor and Jim.

What decision do the participants in the “war council” come to?

You need to remain calm on the ship.

Stage III. Presentation

1.During the viewing process, we draw students’ attention to the following slides:

1) portrait of Ben Gan;

Word drawing;

Pay attention to Ben Gan's look, to his clothes; What can we say about Ben Gan's life on the island?

2) portrait of Jim Hawkins and Silver;

Word drawing;

What can you say about Silver? What kind of hero do you think this is? Positive or negative?

The student who performed individual task, additionally tells students how Livesey, Trelawney and Smollett got to the island. 2. Questions for students:

Why did Captain Smollett raise the British flag when he was at the fort?

Why doesn’t Captain Smollett agree to accept Silver’s terms, since the pirate promises to spare their lives?

Stage IV. Reading by roles of chapter XXX “On honestly" Reading two scenes

1. Livesey and the pirates.

The following questions are proposed for discussion:

Why does Doctor Livesey come to the pirates?

Livesey is first and foremost a doctor, and for a doctor there are no “friends” and no enemies. His task is to help the sick.

How do the pirates feel about Dr. Livesey?

The pirates respect the doctor. Moreover, they tolerate his jokes and follow all the doctor’s advice and orders.

How does the doctor behave around pirates?

Pay attention to speech(working with the text of the work).

2. Livesey's conversation with Jim.

On what terms does Silver allow Hawkins to talk to Livesey?

Jim gives Silver his word of honor that he won't run away.

Why does Jim refuse to run away with Livesey?

How does this act characterize Hawkins?

Jim cannot break his word, since there were always people in front of him worthy of emulation: doctor, squire, captain. Such an act is a matter of honor for Hawkins. He can keep his word.V stage. Silver's image

Methodical comment

The teacher offers students several cards describing Silver's behavior and speech.

How does John Silver behave throughout the novel?

How does John Silver feel about Jim Hawkins?

- What is hypocrisy? Can we call Silver a hypocritical person? Whose interests does he look after first?

№1

(Jim Hawkins) “... But as soon as I looked at this man, all my suspicions were dispelled. I saw the captain, I saw the Black Dog, I saw the blind Pugh, and I thought I knew what kind of sea robbers were. No, this neat and good-natured owner of the inn did not at all look like a robber.... "(101, p. 42)

№2

“In his youth he was a student and, if he wants, he can talk like he’s reading a book. And how brave he is! The lion is nothing before him, before our Long John...

№3

“But it’s not easy to fool me. Whoever tries to let go of the rope so that old John breaks out will not live long in this world. Some were afraid of Pugh, others were afraid of Flint. And Flint himself was afraid of me. Afraid of me and was proud of me...." (101.P.58)

№4

"" - You are like this spit to me! - he (Flint) shouted. “In an hour, I’ll heat up your old blockhouse like a barrel of rum.” Laugh, thunder, laugh! In an hour you will laugh differently. And those of you who remain alive will envy the dead!” (101, p. 100)

№5

"U The squire and doctor have a map. But do I know where they hide it? ...so, let the squire and the doctor find the treasure and help us load it onto the ship... But who will calculate the course? None of you are capable of this...” (101, p. 59)

№6

“But notice: I am a mountain for you, and I will not give up on you.... Hearing your words, I said to myself: stand up for Hawkins, John and Hawkins will stand up for you. You are his last card! A favor for a favor, I decided. You will save your witness; when it comes to trial, he will save your neck.” (101, p. 137)

№7

“Silver enjoyed complete freedom and, despite our coldness, began to behave with us again like a privileged and friendly servant. He didn’t seem to notice everyone’s contempt for himself and tried to serve everyone, he was tirelessly polite to everyone...” (101, p. 1b5)

№8

“Silver, holding a gang of robbers with one hand, and with the other grasping at every possible and impossible means to save his personal life... And yet my heart sank with pity when I looked at him and thought what dangers he was surrounded by and what a shameful death awaited him.” (101, p.143)

On at this stage lesson between groups may have a discussion. “Critics” enter the discussion. Some condemn Silver, considering him a hypocritical person. Others justify it, explaining that Silver cannot be bad person, because he does not offend Hawkins and protects him.

The teacher’s task is to lead students to the following conclusion: Silver is prudent and prudent. He is in no hurry to kill the captain, because he understands that none of the pirates will be able to calculate and correctly determine the course of the ship. When John Silver realized that the pirates had lost, he did everything possible to save his life. But we cannot blame Silver for cowardice; on the contrary, he is brave and strong-willed Human. However, above all, he looks after his own interests.

We can call Silver a hypocritical person. Since hypocrisy is behavior that covers up insincerity and malicious intent with feigned sincerity and virtue. Both Silver's behavior and speech change depending on the situation.

In Jim, Silver values intelligence, courage, and honesty. However, when necessary, he uses Jim as a cover.

Thus, the character of John Silver has many faces.

VI stage. The meaning of the novel's title

Why R.L. Did Stevenson change the original title "The Ship's Cook" to "Treasure Island"?

Why do you think the novel takes place on the island?

If the novel were called "The Ship's Cook", then all the attention would be focused on Silver. And Stevenson showed us how pirates and the captain, squire, doctor, Jim behave differently extreme situation. The content of the novel is broader than the story only about the ship's cook, Silver.

The action takes place on the island, since it is here that a person can express himself, show himself as he really is. Treasure is usually buried on a desert island

VII stage: Summing up. HomeworkCaptains evaluate the performance of each team member. Creative written work.

1). Why was Flint afraid of Silver? 2). What could Silver's parrot know? 3). What pirate customs do we know about, and which ones can we only guess about?

From a similar game emerged “Treasure Island” - the book that made Stevenson famous.

And it happened like this. One day Stevenson drew a map of an imaginary island for his stepson, then a story began to develop around the map about the people who visited this island. They used sailors, beacon men, and lighthouse watchmen, which Stevenson heard as a child, accompanying his father on his inspection trips to lighthouses. TO to the young listener the old one joined, and it was he, Stevenson’s father, who suggested the contents of the pirate chest, the name of Captain Flint’s ship. So real things: a map, a chest - gave rise to a fictional story about pirates, the memory of which was still alive in England during Stevenson's time.

Piracy developed widely during the centuries-long wars of the main maritime powers of the time: England and Spain. ( This material Robert Louis Stevenson will help you write competently on the topic of Treasure Island. Summary does not make it possible to understand the full meaning of the work, so this material will be useful for a deep understanding of the work of writers and poets, as well as their novels, novellas, short stories, plays, and poems.) English pirates especially zealously robbed Spanish caravans delivering overseas gold from Mexico, Peru, and the West Indies. During the war, such legalized robbery was carried out by the so-called privateers, who carried out their raids under the English flag. But the British did not want to suspend this profitable fishery even during the truce. They no longer equipped the so-called corsairs under their own flag, who acted on the principle “if not caught, not a thief.” The English kings graciously accepted prey from them and shamelessly disowned them if they happened to get into trouble. Some of these corsairs became avengers for themselves and defenders of the offended (this suggested to Cooper the image of his “Red Corsair”), but more often, finding themselves outside the law, these outcasts joined the ranks of pirates who robbed at their own peril and risk. Having thrown out a black flag with a skull and crossbones, they did not allow passage to their own, English, merchant ships and later caused a lot of trouble to the English government fleet before they were exterminated by it. Stevenson does not show the pirates of this heroic period, but only the fragments of piracy, the marauding robbers who seek and snatch from each other the treasures accumulated by the famous robbers of the past - Morgan, Flint and others. Such is Flint's former comrade-in-arms - the one-legged John Silver.

But the adventures of these pirate offspring are only the outer side of the book. Its main idea is the victory of good over evil, and what wins is not brute force, not the insidious cunning and treacherous cruelty of Silver, who inspires insurmountable fear in everyone around him, but the courage of a weak but confident boy who is not yet spoiled by life.

However, while condemning evil, Stevenson cannot hide his admiration for the energy and vitality of the one-legged cripple Silver. He spares him. At the end of the book, having snatched his share, Silver goes into hiding and thereby escapes punishment. “We never heard anything more about Silver. The disgusting one-legged sailor left my life forever. He probably found his black woman and is living somewhere for his own pleasure with her and Captain Flint.”

The Black Arrow was written much later, when Stevenson had already become an established children's writer and had gained experience as a historical novelist as the author of two books about David Balfour: Kidnapped and Catriona. The history of Balfour was written according to family legends about a relatively recent past, and in “The Black Arrow” Stevenson retreats far back, to the 15th century, to the era of the so-called Wars of the Scarlet and White Roses. It was a war of two noble families- Yorks and Lancasters, who laid claim to the English throne, and it got its name from the scarlet and white roses that adorned the coats of arms of each of the warring parties. The rivalry between the applicants involved their supporters - the feudal barons - with their retinues and servants, then entire mercenary armies and crowds of people driven by force. This war was waged with varying success for 30 years; it was accompanied by brutal violence and robberies and depleted the country for a long time. Cities and villages that did not expect good from any of the warring parties accepted everything less participation in this selfish and fratricidal war. The people called for “a plague on both your houses,” limiting themselves to self-defense or taking revenge on the feudal lords for their violence, as the leader of the free riflemen, John Vengeance-for-all, takes revenge in “Black Arrow.”

But evil is fully exposed in Stevenson’s most mature book, the novel “Master Ballantrae.” From the outside, this is again an entertaining adventure; it shows the disintegration of a family of Scottish nobles, adventures at sea, encounters with pirates, a journey to India, North America, and in the center of the book is the elegant, handsome, but moral monster Master Ballantrae. He destroys everything around him, but he himself perishes, clearly revealing the “worthy fruits of evil.”

Fame came to Stevenson, but his illness worsened. In search of a milder climate, he came to the Pacific islands of Samoa. And only here, in last years, he finally breaks through from literature to that active life that he has long dreamed of.

TO local residents Stevenson was respectful. He liked the honest, trusting and proud Samoans, who had difficulty enduring “the introduction of a new view of money as the basis and essence of life” and “the establishment of a commercial system instead of a warlike one.” In some crucial sense, for Stevenson they were more cultured than the vodka, opium and arms dealers who represented European culture on the islands.

On the Samoan Islands, Stevenson spends the last four years of his life, surrounded by the respectful adoration of the aborigines, who dubbed him with the honorary nickname “The Teller of Stories.”

Stevenson stands up for them every time they get into trouble, experiencing the heavy hand of the British, American and especially German colonialists. The consuls and the advisers they appointed constantly intervened in the feuds of the natives, imprisoned their leaders as hostages, threatening to blow them up with dynamite if the natives tried to free them, extorted illegal taxes, and organized punitive expeditions.

Stevenson tried to keep the natives from reckless actions that could only lead to their final extermination. Seeking the release of the hostages, Stevenson wrote a number of letters to English newspapers. German authorities tried to expel him from the island, but to no avail. Not daring to quarrel with England on this issue, the Germans finally left Stevenson alone.

In his book A Note to History, Stevenson described the misadventures of the Samoans. He talks about the “fury of the consuls” during reprisals against the natives. He ridicules the German colonialists, “suppressed by their greatness and devoid of any sense of humor,” describes not only their violence, but also their attitude towards any outside interference, their perplexed question: “Why don’t you let these dogs die?” And in conclusion, he appeals to the German emperor to intervene in the excesses of officials and protect the rights of the natives. This call remained unanswered, except for the fact that in Germany this book was burned and a fine was imposed on the publishers.

On December 3, 1894, in his forty-fifth year, Stevenson died. He was buried on a hill and the final lines of his poem “Requiem” were written on his grave:

Under the wide and starry sky

Dig a grave and lay me down.

I lived joyfully and died joyfully,

And he willingly lay down to rest.

Write this in memory of me:

“Here he lies, where he wanted to lie;

The sailor returned home, he returned home from the sea,

And the hunter returned from the hills."

The natives carefully guarded the hill and prohibited hunting on it so that birds could fearlessly flock to the grave of the “Teller of Stories.”

Separated from people by illness, Stevenson, unlike many of his withdrawn and prim compatriots, was easy to handle, charming man, with an open soul. He himself was drawn to people, and they willingly became friends with him.

Stevenson dreamed of writing in such a way that his books would be the favorite companions of sailors, soldiers, and travelers, so that they would be reread and retold during long night watches and around campfires.

Not being able to actively serve people, he still wanted to help them, no matter what. Stevenson tried with his books to convey to the reader that cheerfulness and inner clarity that allowed him to overcome weakness and illness. And he succeeded. About one of his books, published under a fictitious name, readers wrote to the editor: “It is clear from everything that the author is some ruddy provincial gentleman who grew up on bloody roast beef, does not take off his red hunting coat and jackboots, and tirelessly poisons foxes.” Meanwhile, Stevenson had just suffered an exacerbation of the disease and did not get out of bed.

“We will teach to the best of our ability. a people of joy,” Stevenson wrote in his article about the American poet Whitman, “and let us remember that these lessons should sound cheerful and inspired, should strengthen courage in people.” In his best books, Stevenson fulfilled this requirement.

I. Kashkin

Sources:

Annotation: Famous adventure novel about nobility, kindness and friendship that help the heroes have a happy ending full of dangers journey for treasures.

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Composition

Robert Louis Stevenson was born on November 13, 1850 in Edinburgh, political cultural center Scotland, and on his maternal side belonged to the ancient Belfur family. Hence the main theme of most of his works is Scotland, its history and its heroes. In the third year of his life, the boy suffered from a bronchial disease, the consequences of which tormented him throughout his life and led to early death. At the age of 17 he entered the University of Edinburgh and received a law degree. The name Stevenson appears for the first time in literature in 1866. In 1873 he became a professional writer. Famous work Stevenson - "Treasure Island", which was released separate publication in 1883, brought the author widespread success.

And it all started with fun. As the author of “Treasure Island” himself said: “Once I drew a map of the island. It was carefully and beautifully painted. I called my work “Treasure Island”. I've heard there are people for whom cards mean nothing, but I can't imagine it! Names, outlines of forests, directions of roads and rivers, prehistoric traces of man - this is an endless source for anyone with eyes and even a penny of imagination.

When I looked at the map of my Island, the heroes of my future book began to stir among the imaginary forests. Their tanned faces and shiny weapons were visible from the most unexpected places. They scurried back and forth, struggled and searched for treasure on a few square inches of thick paper...” Other outstanding work Stevenson, " Strange story Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" was published in 1886. The writer’s third significant work, “The Owner of Ballantrae,” was written during a trip to the South Seas on board the yacht Casco. “The Lord of Ballantrae” can be called a Scottish version of “The Brothers Karamazov”, but not because of the influence: Stevenson himself simply came to the same idea - through the collapse of an old family to show the turn in national history.

The writer portrays the images of two brothers, whose relationship, in addition to the difference in temperament, is completely complicated by both the political struggle and the struggle for the right of inheritance. The elder became a participant in the rebellion of 1745 - the last attempt of the Scots to secede from England. Meanwhile, the younger one remained at home, taking possession of the estate and his brother's bride. In December 1889, Robert Louis Stevenson and his wife Fanny arrived in Samoa aboard the schooner Equator. The writer was sick with tuberculosis. Doctors advised him to change the climate. As a result of the marriage, the Stevensons acquired 126 hectares of land in the mountains 5 kilometers from the capital of Western Samoa, Apia, for 200 pounds.

Despite the fertile atmosphere, Stevenson did not write a single serious book in Samoa. The century of romanticism is over. It was at this time that the active division of Polynesia between Britain, America and Germany was ongoing. The writer joined the fight for the rights of the local population, gaining fame among the natives. He became a national hero of Samoa. Since that time, everything in Western Samoa has been named after him - hotels and streets, restaurants and cafes. In December 1894, Stevenson died, bequeathing to be buried here, not far from his new home.

Slide 2

Briefly about life

Robert Louis Stevenson - English writer Scottish origin, the largest figure of national neo-romanticism, a recognized master of the adventure genre. Born in Edinburgh on November 13, 1850. His father was a hereditary engineer, his mother was a representative of an old family.

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"The Pentland Rebellion" was the first work that young Stevenson wrote in 1866. Stevenson received his education at the Edinburgh Academy, from 1871 to 1875, at the Faculty of Law. During 1873-1879. He lived mainly in France, and his source of income was the modest earnings of a writer who was just beginning his career in literature.

Slide 4

In 1880, Stevenson was diagnosed with tuberculosis, which forced him to move to a more favorable climate. Having visited southern France, Switzerland, England, and America, Stevenson and his family traveled around the south Pacific Ocean- both in order to improve my health and to collect materials for the next essays. Having visited the Marquesas Islands, Tahiti, Hawaii, and Australia, he decided to settle in Samoa for a long time.

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In 1883, the novel “Treasure Island” appeared, a recognized masterpiece of adventure literature. Subsequently, the novels “Kidnapped” (1886) and “The Owner of Ballantrae” (1889) appeared, which strengthened his reputation as a master of an entertaining plot and psychological accuracy in depicting images. In 1893, a collection of stories entitled “Evening Conversations on the Island” was published. Collections of poetry also came out from his pen - “Children’s Flower Garden of Poems” (1885), “Ballads” (1890). Until the end of his life he remained an essayist and publicist. Very promising, according to researchers, last novel Stevenson's "UirGermiston" remained unfinished. Death found Robert Louis Stevenson in Polynesia, on the island of Uplow on December 3, 1894. A stroke put an end to his biography. The inhabitants of the island, who were admirers of his talent, built a grave on the top of the mountain.

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"Treasure Island"

How was Robert's work “Treasure Island” invented? One day Stevenson drew a map of an imaginary island for his stepson, then a story began to develop around the map about the people who visited this island. They used the stories of sailors, beacon men, and lighthouse watchmen, which Stevenson heard as a child, accompanying his father on his inspection trips to lighthouses. The old listener joined the young listener, and it was he, Stevenson’s father, who suggested the contents of the pirate chest and the name of Captain Flint’s ship. So real things: a map, a chest - gave rise to a fictional story about pirates, the memory of which was still alive in England during Stevenson's time

Slide 7

Stevenson did not want to show the pirates of this heroic period, but only the fragments of piracy, the marauding robbers who seek and snatch from each other the treasures accumulated by the famous robbers of the past - Morgan, Flint and others. Such is Flint's former comrade-in-arms - the one-legged John Silver.

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While studying this story in literature lessons, we went through the third part, which was called “My Adventures on Land,” this part can be briefly described as follows: CHAPTER 13 Some of the pirates, led by Silver, and Jim land ashore. Jim runs away. CHAPTER 14 Jim, sitting in the thickets, witnesses a murder (Silver killed the honest sailor Tom) CHAPTER 15 Jim meets Ben Gunn. Ben Gunn says that he was left here on a desert island. Ben wants to meet the squire. I liked all of these three chapters, because if you don’t know the content of one of them, then it will be difficult to understand the plot of the others. Let's sum it up

Abstract: Features of the narration in the novel Treasure Island. Treasure Island Robert Louis Stevenson - artistic analysis

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Briefly about life

"Treasure Island"