Treasure Island: A Story of Pirates, Treasure, and Adventure

Penguin Readers Level 2 - Written by Robert Louis Stevenson

Introduction: A Famous Adventure Story

Treasure Island is one of the most famous adventure stories in English. The book is very old, but people still love it today. It is full of action, danger, and excitement. Many movies and TV shows are based on this book. It is a classic story about pirates, a boy, and a big treasure.

This version of Treasure Island is from Penguin Readers Level 2. The language is easier, so it is good for students who are learning English. Let’s learn more about this exciting book!

The Main Character: Jim Hawkins

The story is about a boy named Jim Hawkins. Jim is a smart and brave boy. He lives with his mother and father at a place called the Admiral Benbow Inn. It is a small hotel near the sea.

One day, a strange old man comes to stay at the inn. He is a sailor. His name is Billy Bones. He drinks a lot and is always afraid. He says that pirates want to find him. Billy Bones has a big wooden box. He keeps it in his room.

The Treasure Map

One day, Billy Bones dies suddenly. Jim and his mother open the wooden box. Inside, they find some money and an old paper. This paper is a map. It shows the way to a secret treasure island. The treasure is gold and silver that pirates hid many years ago.

Jim shows the map to a rich man, Mr. Trelawney, and a doctor, Dr. Livesey. They decide to go and find the treasure. Mr. Trelawney buys a ship. The ship’s name is the Hispaniola. They look for good sailors to help them on the journey.

Long John Silver and the Pirates

One of the new sailors is a man named Long John Silver. He has only one leg and uses a crutch. He is friendly and works as a cook on the ship. Jim likes him at first. But later, Jim hears Long John Silver talking to other men. They are planning to take the treasure for themselves!

Jim is shocked. He tells Mr. Trelawney and Dr. Livesey. Now they know that some of the crew are pirates. Jim and his friends must be very careful. They must stop the pirates from taking the treasure.

On Treasure Island

After a long trip, the ship arrives at Treasure Island. The island is green and full of trees. It looks quiet, but it is very dangerous. The pirates want to kill Jim and his friends.

On the island, Jim meets a strange man. His name is Ben Gunn. He is an old pirate. He lived on the island for many years. Ben Gunn is a little crazy, but he is kind. He tells Jim a secret: he already found the treasure a long time ago and hid it in a safe place!

A Battle for the Treasure

Now, there is a big fight between the pirates and Jim’s group. Jim is very brave. He helps his friends and makes smart plans. Long John Silver tries to trick everyone, but Jim does not trust him.

There is shooting, fighting, and danger. But in the end, Jim and his friends win. The bad pirates run away or are caught. Jim, Ben Gunn, Dr. Livesey, and Mr. Trelawney find the treasure and take it back to the ship.

Back to England

Jim and his friends go back to England with the treasure. They are safe now. Jim is a hero. He learned many things on the island. He saw good men and bad men. He learned that money is not the most important thing. Being brave, honest, and kind is more important.

Why Students Should Read This Book

Treasure Island is a great book for students learning English. Here’s why:

• ✅ The story is exciting and interesting.
• ✅ The book uses simple English in this Penguin Readers version.
• ✅ Students learn many new words and phrases.
• ✅ It teaches good lessons about bravery, friendship, and honesty.
• ✅ It helps students enjoy reading in English.

New Words in the Book

Here are some important words from the story:

Word	Meaning
Treasure	Gold, silver, or money hidden in a secret place
Island	Land with water all around it
Pirate	A thief on the sea
Map	A drawing that shows places
Ship	A big boat
Battle	A big fight
Friend	A person you like and trust

You will see these words many times in the book. Try to learn them!

Fun Facts About Treasure Island

• 📖 The book was first published in 1883.
• 🎬 There are more than 50 films and TV shows about Treasure Island!
• 🏴‍☠️ The character Long John Silver is one of the most famous pirates in stories.
• 🦜 Long John Silver has a parrot that says, "Pieces of eight!"
• 🏝 The story gave us the idea of a pirate treasure map with an "X" on it!

Conclusion: A Book Full of Adventure

Treasure Island is a wonderful book for young readers. It is full of action, mystery, and danger. Jim Hawkins is a hero, and his story is fun to read. This Penguin Readers Level 2 version makes the story easy to understand for CEFR A1 students.

If you like stories about pirates, treasure, and brave boys, you will love Treasure Island. So, get your book and start reading today!

Robert Louis Stevenson Scottish novelist, essayist, poet and travel writer 

Robert Louis Stevenson: The Master of Adventure and Imagination

Introduction: A Writer of Timeless Tales

Robert Louis Stevenson is a name that continues to echo through the corridors of classic literature. Best known for works like Treasure Island and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Stevenson was a Scottish novelist, poet, essayist, and travel writer whose imagination captured readers from the Victorian era to the present day. His ability to blend thrilling adventures with deep psychological insight makes his work both entertaining and intellectually rich. This article explores his life, major works, and lasting influence on literature and culture.

Early Life and Education

Robert Louis Balfour Stevenson was born on November 13, 1850, in Edinburgh, Scotland. His father, Thomas Stevenson, was a prominent lighthouse engineer, and his mother, Margaret Isabella Balfour, came from a family of ministers and academics. Although Stevenson was expected to follow in his father’s footsteps and study engineering, he was more drawn to literature and storytelling from an early age.

He enrolled at the University of Edinburgh to study engineering but quickly changed to law. Even while studying law, Stevenson spent more time writing essays, stories, and travel pieces than he did preparing for a legal career. His poor health—he suffered from chronic respiratory problems throughout his life—allowed him time for deep introspection and imagination, which later shaped his writing.

First Successes: Essays and Travel Writing

Before gaining fame as a novelist, Stevenson made a name for himself through essays and travel writing. Works such as An Inland Voyage (1878) and Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes (1879) were early indications of his talent. These books mixed personal observation with vivid descriptions of landscapes and cultures, a style that would become a hallmark of his work.

In these early pieces, Stevenson’s prose was graceful, insightful, and laced with humor. He showed a deep appreciation for life’s small pleasures and the complexities of human nature. His travel writings earned him a modest reputation and helped him establish connections in literary circles.

Breakthrough: Treasure Island

Stevenson’s literary breakthrough came in 1883 with the publication of Treasure Island, a novel that remains one of the most popular adventure stories of all time. Originally serialized in the children’s magazine Young Folks, the story introduced iconic characters like Long John Silver and Jim Hawkins. It was a masterclass in suspense, character development, and vivid setting.

Treasure Island was not just a children’s adventure—it was a sophisticated narrative about morality, loyalty, and the allure of the unknown. The success of the book transformed Stevenson into a household name and opened doors to greater literary achievements.

The Duality of Man: Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Published in 1886, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde took Stevenson’s career to a new level. The novella explored the duality of human nature—the struggle between good and evil within the same individual. Dr. Jekyll, a respectable scientist, creates a potion that transforms him into the violent and cruel Mr. Hyde.

The story was both a horror tale and a psychological study, reflecting Victorian anxieties about identity, morality, and scientific advancement. Its influence spread far beyond literature, entering medical, psychological, and philosophical discussions. Today, the phrase “Jekyll and Hyde” has become part of the English language, symbolizing a person with two drastically different sides.

Health Struggles and the Search for a Better Climate

Stevenson's health had always been fragile, and the cold, damp climate of Scotland worsened his condition. He began to travel extensively in search of a healthier environment. His journeys took him to the south of France, Switzerland, the United States, and finally to the South Pacific.

In 1888, Stevenson and his family sailed across the Pacific, visiting places such as Tahiti, Hawaii, and the Gilbert Islands. In 1890, he settled in Samoa, where he bought an estate and built a house named Vailima. He developed a deep connection with the Samoan people and became an advocate for their rights during colonial tensions.

Life in Samoa and Final Years

In Samoa, Stevenson’s health initially improved, and he continued to write prolifically. He became a respected figure in the local community, known as “Tusitala,” meaning “teller of tales.” Despite his declining physical condition, his creative spirit remained strong. He wrote novels, short stories, poems, and letters that reflected his observations of life in the Pacific.

On December 3, 1894, Robert Louis Stevenson died suddenly of a cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 44. He was buried on Mount Vaea in Samoa, where his tomb bears an epitaph he wrote himself, known as Requiem:

Under the wide and starry sky,
Dig the grave and let me lie.
Glad did I live and gladly die,
And I laid me down with a will.

Legacy and Literary Influence

Stevenson’s legacy is enduring and far-reaching. His works have been translated into numerous languages and adapted into countless films, television series, and stage plays. From the pirate adventures of Treasure Island to the psychological drama of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, his stories continue to capture the imagination of readers around the world.

His literary style, marked by clarity, rhythm, and vivid imagery, has influenced generations of writers, including Joseph Conrad, Ernest Hemingway, and Jorge Luis Borges. Stevenson also helped shape the modern genres of adventure fiction and psychological horror, making him a pivotal figure in the evolution of narrative storytelling.

Conclusion: A Life of Creativity and Courage

Robert Louis Stevenson lived a life full of travel, illness, discovery, and creativity. He defied the expectations of his time and followed his passion for storytelling, producing works that still resonate with readers of all ages. His ability to weave adventure with profound moral and psychological questions makes him one of the most versatile and important authors in English literature.

Though he died young, his stories live on—testaments to the power of imagination, the richness of language, and the enduring appeal of a well-told tale.