Open Prompt 11/13

2007, Form B. Works of literature often depict acts of betrayal. Friends and even family may betray a protagonist; main characters may likewise be guilty of treachery or may betray their own values. Select a novel or play that includes such acts of betrayal. Then, in a well-written essay, analyze the nature of the betrayal and show how it contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.

Trust is a very important part of any relationship; be it professional, romantic, or colloquial. People rely on one another frequently, to the point where if this trust is broken, it is considered a serious breach which can drastically affect not only the relationship but the greater lives of everyone involved. To betray someone says words about the individual who breaks the trust and in literature can even say something about the world in which the story takes place. In Treasure Island, Long John Silver’s betrayal of the crew’s trust serves not only to highlight his own greed but also explores the inherent evils of piracy itself.

                Long John Silver’s betrayal displays a blatant lack of regard for the fate of anyone beside himself, showing him in an incredibly negative light. Jim’s voyage to seek the treasure begins on an optimistic note, with no clear antagonist in sight and gold on the horizon. However, when Jim overhears Silver speak of betrayal we immediately realize that there is now a clear enemy to the protagonists of the story, and blood will be shed. The fact that Silver plans to slaughter all those who won’t join him in a mutiny causes us to hate him all the more; a man who puts the lives of others below not his own life but merely his wealth is not a man to love.

                Long John Silver is in fact a representative for all pirates, and serves to subvert admiration for the selfish nature of piracy. A common tactic that pirates use at sea is to disguise their ship as a merchant to get close to their targets before raising the Jolly Roger and opening fire. Silver’s introduction in the novel mimics this technique. When first mentioned, he is merely a deckhand seeking work, innocently pursuing labor on a ship whose purpose he seems not to know. However, as soon as the voyage is underway, he hoists his true colors and leads a bloody mutiny, seeking the treasure for himself.  By creating this parallel between Silver and pirates in general, Stevenson allows Silver to represent all pirates and reveal that their adventure and enthusiasm is no excuse for their bloody, selfish nature.

                Pirates, while on the surface entertaining and adventurous, are violent and cruel, and Silver’s betrayal in Treasure Island illustrates this vividly. His breach in trust is inexcusable, and causes misery for many a man. Betrayal is one of the few acts which is nearly universally negative; there is often a time for anger or misery in the face of tragedy, but betrayal is never excused.