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The Life and Writings of Robert Louis Stevenson

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Robert Louis Stevenson Robert Louis Stevenson is one of the greatest authors to hail from Britain. His writings have been enjoyed by countless since he masterfully wrote them down. Stevenson uses characterization, imagery, and conflict to keep his readers captivated by his works in Treasure Island, Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Kidnapped.
Robert Louis Stevenson was born on November 13, 1850 in Scotland. Being the only son of a famous civil engineer, Stevenson was expected to continue the family tradition, but this was against his wishes for his life. At an early age, he exhibited a yearning to write, and although he could not read until he was seven or eight, he composed stories and dedicated them to his parents and …show more content…

Stevenson produces some of literature’s most memorable characters in this novel. Although it is one of his most famous, it is not as psychological deep as his other novels, as it is meant for a younger group of readers. However, this does not take away from the story if one just takes it for what it is. Jim Hawkins, the protagonist of the story, is a character so full of courage and determination that he is undoubtedly the inspiration behind many young lads’ adventurous escapades. His character, although lifted off the pages of a book, is the character that many people aspire to be. Stevenson does not give much information about Jim through dialogue or commentary, but through Jim’s actions do we learn of the content of his character. Jim is the moral backbone of the story, and must right the wrong that Silver creates. The only downside to Jim’s character is that he judges people by their appearances when first meeting him, and he usually judges wrong. He incorrectly judges Long John Silver as an ally at first even though he ends up being the story’s main antagonist. Also, he incorrectly judges Ben Gunn as being a monster, although he turns out to be one of his greatest allies. Jim’s character is resilient and is not likely to break as best exemplified in his quote “You can kill the body, Mr. Hands, but not the spirit” (Stevenson 116). Since Stevenson was sickly as a child and not able to do much physical activity, I think that he lives vicariously

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