What is loyalty? Loyalty to friends, family, or oneself is what defines loyalty. Although the analysis of Long John Silver, Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island character, is interesting and complex, it can also be subjective. Silver exhibits many leadership-oriented and charismatic traits. However, does this make him loyal? What happens when someone has bad intentions but still remains loyal? This is a difficult dilemma to grasp. We tend to think of faithfulness as a positive goal, but it isn’t always true. Treasure Island is all about loyalty to a cause. But Silver was only loyal himself. The determination of Long John Silver to find treasure proved loyalty to himself.
Long John Silver is a shrewd man, but his greed keeps him focused on his goals. It’s easy to see how Long John Silver has managed to conceal his true identity for many days. Jim then accidentally hears the pirates express their rebellion for mutiny. Silver fooled Dr. Livesey and Jim until that moment. Jim recalls that “It was Silver’s voice, and I didn’t hear a dozen words before I could show myself to the world. Instead, I lay there, trembling, listening, in extreme fear and curiosity. For, in those twelve words, it became clear that the lives and safety of all honest men aboard depended upon me alone.” (Stevenson 99). A group of illegal pirates could be controlled by the mutineer-leader for several weeks. These actions could be motivated by his passion for something else. He is driven by his selfishness. Silver will kill honest, good-hearted men like Tom Reruth. He shows that he is focused on his goals and doesn’t show any culpability. This mutineer might have an immediate need for the treasure. However, his inability to determine how much wealth he has over others may indicate that he is greedy. Long John Silver is determined to attain riches. Silver’s honor is sacrificed to take a piece of the jewels. This happens even close to the book’s end. Long John Silver’s resolve to accomplish precarious tasks is constant. However, relationships are rarely in Long John Silver’s way. One pirate said that he liked that boy now. He was the best boy I have ever seen. He is a far better person than any of you who are present in this house. Silver described Jim as a teenager but more manly than any mutineers. Long John Silver doesn’t want to let this love slip, even though it seems sincere. Although he will physically hurt Jim, he won’t do it emotionally. Although Long John Silver may be fond of Jim, he doesn’t let it stop him from following his narrow, one-way path.
Long John is so strongly committed to winning the treasure that he only holds his own survival in high regard. Silver’s personal mantra is “Dooty Is Dooty” which states that any responsibility you have is your obligation and must be fulfilled in all circumstances. It doesn’t matter to what lengths you need to go to accomplish this goal. Success is indisputable. Silver’s life is at risk if he doesn’t want it to be. This is yet another testament to Silver’s selfishness and insatiable concern for his own wealth and life. Jim Hawkins didn’t say these words after Silver switched sides from the mutineers to the honest man. To ensure his safety, he does this. Silver is not described as being generous or greedy. This would be a disruption to the whole plot. Long John Silver is self-sufficient, which drives his character and drives the storyline. Silver would have no motivation to commit deceit or murder if it wasn’t for his present sense of rapacity. Long John Silver’s success can be attributed to greed. But this is not true of all life.
Loyalty can be subjective and relative. Loyalty can be viewed from multiple perspectives (ethically and socially) in order to determine its value. Long John Silver may be considered loyal only to him. He might not be loyal to his fellow mutineers or peers, but that’s all relative. Long John Silver is loyal to his own mindset. Silver’s ultimate success at stealing treasure is down to his greed. In the end, it was proven that greedy and pre-determined thinking can make you succeed.
