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Setting
Definition of Simile
A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things. To make the comparison, similes most often use the connecting words "like" or "as," but can also... read full definition
A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things. To make the comparison, similes most often use the connecting words "like... read full definition
A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things. To make the comparison, similes most often... read full definition
Chapter 6. The Captain’s Papers
Explanation and Analysis—The Treasure Map:
In Chapter 6, the novel uses descriptive language and vivid visual imagery to describe the invaluable map of Treasure Island, where Captain Flint's buried treasure supposedly lies:
It was about nine miles long and five across, shaped, you might say, like a fat dragon standing up, and had two fine land-locked garb ours, and a hill in the centre marked “The Spy-glass." […] above all, three crosses of red ink—two on the north part of the island, one in the south-west, and, beside this last, in the same red ink, and in a small, neat hand, very different from the captain’s tottery characters, these words:—Bulk of treasure here.
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Explanation and Analysis—Silent as the Grave:
In Chapter 6, Jim, Doctor Livesey, and the Squire look over the map to Treasure Island. Aware that other pirates are also in search of Captain Flint's treasure map, Doctor Livesey tells them they are in danger and must keep its existence a secret. The Squire then uses a simile to respond to the Doctor and assure that he is to be trusted:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"Livesey," returned the squire. "You are always in the right of it. I'll be as silent as the grave."
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Chapter 8. At the Sign of the “Spy-glass”
Explanation and Analysis—Animals:
Animals, especially birds, are a common motif in Treasure Island. Birds are associated with pirates—Long John Silver in particular. When Silver first appears in Chapter 8, Jim uses a simile and compares him to a bird:
Unlock with LitCharts A+His left leg was cut off close by the hip, and under the left shoulder he carried a crutch, which he managed with wonderful dexterity, hopping about upon it like a bird. […] Indeed, he seemed in the most cheerful spirits, whistling as he moved about among the tables, [...].
Chapter 10. The Voyage
Explanation and Analysis—Animals:
Animals, especially birds, are a common motif in Treasure Island. Birds are associated with pirates—Long John Silver in particular. When Silver first appears in Chapter 8, Jim uses a simile and compares him to a bird:
Unlock with LitCharts A+His left leg was cut off close by the hip, and under the left shoulder he carried a crutch, which he managed with wonderful dexterity, hopping about upon it like a bird. […] Indeed, he seemed in the most cheerful spirits, whistling as he moved about among the tables, [...].
Explanation and Analysis—Clever Long John:
In Chapter 10, the Hispaniola's coxswain Israel Hands praises Long John Silver (whom he nicknames Barbecue) and uses a simile to describe the way he speaks:
Unlock with LitCharts A+He’s no common man, Barbecue, said the coxswain to [Jim]. He had good schooling in his young days, and can speak like a book when so minded; and brave—a lion’s nothing alongside of Long John! I seen him grapple four, and knock their heads together—him unharmed.
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Chapter 11. What I Heard in the Apple Barrel
Explanation and Analysis—Animals:
Animals, especially birds, are a common motif in Treasure Island. Birds are associated with pirates—Long John Silver in particular. When Silver first appears in Chapter 8, Jim uses a simile and compares him to a bird:
Unlock with LitCharts A+His left leg was cut off close by the hip, and under the left shoulder he carried a crutch, which he managed with wonderful dexterity, hopping about upon it like a bird. […] Indeed, he seemed in the most cheerful spirits, whistling as he moved about among the tables, [...].
Chapter 14. The First Blow
Explanation and Analysis—Animals:
Animals, especially birds, are a common motif in Treasure Island. Birds are associated with pirates—Long John Silver in particular. When Silver first appears in Chapter 8, Jim uses a simile and compares him to a bird:
Unlock with LitCharts A+His left leg was cut off close by the hip, and under the left shoulder he carried a crutch, which he managed with wonderful dexterity, hopping about upon it like a bird. […] Indeed, he seemed in the most cheerful spirits, whistling as he moved about among the tables, [...].
Chapter 15. The Man of the Island
Explanation and Analysis—Animals:
Animals, especially birds, are a common motif in Treasure Island. Birds are associated with pirates—Long John Silver in particular. When Silver first appears in Chapter 8, Jim uses a simile and compares him to a bird:
Unlock with LitCharts A+His left leg was cut off close by the hip, and under the left shoulder he carried a crutch, which he managed with wonderful dexterity, hopping about upon it like a bird. […] Indeed, he seemed in the most cheerful spirits, whistling as he moved about among the tables, [...].
Chapter 18. Narrative Continued by the Doctor: End of the First Day’s Fighting
Explanation and Analysis—Lain Like a Trojan:
In Chapter 18, Squire Trelawney’s gamekeeper and servant Tom Redruth is shot and killed by mutineers on Treasure Island. Narrated by Doctor Livesey, the novel then uses both an allusion and simile to describe Tom Redruth after his death:
Unlock with LitCharts A+He had lain like a Trojan behind his mattress in the galley; he had followed every order silently, doggedly, and well; he was the oldest of our party by a score of years; and now, sullen, old, serviceable servant, it was he that was to die.
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Chapter 34. And Last
Explanation and Analysis—Coins Like Autumn Leaves:
In Chapter 34, Jim, Long John Silver and the rest of the crew finally find the ever-elusive buried treasure. Jim uses vivid imagery and a simile to describe the money he and the others find:
Unlock with LitCharts A+English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Georges, and Louises, doubloons and double guineas and moidores and sequins, the pictures of all the kings of Europe for the last hundred years, strange Oriental pieces stamped with what looked like wisps of string or bits of spider’s web, round pieces and square pieces […] nearly every variety of money in the world must, I think, have found a place in that collection; and for number, I am sure they were like autumn leaves, so that my back ached with stooping and my fingers with sorting them out.
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