Treasure Island: 2. Jim's blues
The pirates attack the Admiral Benbow Inn hoping to sieze Billy Bones' map. Jim and his Ma escape to Squire Trelawney's house, where they discover that the map is a pirate treasure map. The song is a slow blues number.
The story
...you must not breathe a wordLivesey to Trelawney
Jim and his mother escape from the pirates, taking the map with them. They go to the home of Squire Trelawney where they meet with Jim's friend Dr Livesey. The Squire sends the local militia to the Benbow Inn and one of them returns to inform the group that the Blind Beggar has been trampled to death but that the other pirates have all escaped. When they study the map they determine it must be the key to the lost treasure hoard of Captain Flint. Squire Trelawney declares that they willl sail to the Caribbean to find the treasure - with himself going as 'Admiral' and Jim going as cabin boy. Dr Livesey sounds a note of caution, saying they must all remember to keep the undertaking a secret...and pointing out to the Squire that he is their greatest liability.
The main characters
| Name | Who is... |
|---|---|
| Jim Hawkins | Our hero - a 12 year old in search of adventure |
| Billy Bones | A pirate on the run - because he has the treasure map |
| Squire Trelawney | Self-appointed leader of the expedition to claim the treasure |
| Dr Livesey | A friend of Squire Trelawney - though much more sensible and dependable |
| Captain Smollett | The captain of the 'Hispaniola' - is injured by the pirates |
| Long John Silver | The notorious leader of the pirates and part of Captain Flint's original crew...but forms a bond with Jim |
| Flint | A legendary pirate...also Silver's parrot |
| Ben Gunn | Marooned on Treasure Island |
| Hands | One of the nastiest of the pirates |
In the song tutorial
| Timing | Content |
|---|---|
| 00 00 | Learning Verse 1, beginning: 'When the moon and the stars are shining up above...' by listening to each phrase and then repeating with the choir. Then singing the whole of the verse through. |
| 02 49 | Learning Verse 2, beginning: 'The sun in morning, the deep blue is calling...' Verse 2 is sung to almost the same melody as Verse 1. Then singing the verse all the way through. |
| 04 33 | Learning the Middle 8, beginning: 'It's eary in the morning...' The music for the Middle 8 provides a contrast to the verses and comes at about the middle of a song. |
| 06 20 | Learning the ending to Verse 3, beginning 'I'm longing for adventure...' Verse 3 has the same melody as Verses 1 and 2, except the bluesy ending, which is more complex in both rhythm and pitching the notes. |
Story questions
Where do Jim and his mother go?
They flee to the home of Squire Trelawney
What do they learn happens to the pirates attacking the Inn?
They all escape - with the exception of the Blind Beggar, who is trampled to death by the militia's horses
What do they believe the map to be?
The key to finding the lost treasure hoard of the notorious pirate, Captain Flint, which is buried in the Caribbean
What does Squire Trelawney say they will do?
Charter a ship and crew and go in search of the treasure, with himself as 'Admiral' and Jim as Cabin Boy
Why is Dr Livesey anxious about Squire Trelawney?
He knows that the Squire cannot hold his tongue...and this is a mission that will require utmost secrecy
Resources
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Teacher's Notes
Guidance on all episodes (pdf)
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Lyrics - Jim's blues
Download / print the lyrics (pdf)
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Music - Jim's blues
Download / print the music (pdf)
