with no intention to take offence,a purpose; what one means to do
Treasure Island
Chapter 9
Robert Louis Stevenson · Trailblazers 4th–6th
Copywork
Sir, said Captain Smollett, with no intention to take offence, I deny your right to put words into my mouth. No captain, sir, would be justified in going to sea at all if he had ground enough to say that. As for Mr. Arrow, I believe him thoroughly honest; some of the men are the same; all may be for what I know.
The doctor has offered the captain a word, and the captain answers "I deny your right to put words into my mouth". Read his last sentence aloud: it goes from "Mr. Arrow" to "some of the men" to "all". What does "all may be for what I know" add to the two clauses before it?
Discussion
Narration Tell what happens from the boarding of the Hispaniola to the moment the captain sends Jim off to the cook.
- Read the captain's three “I don't like” lines aloud. What tone do you give them: rude, blunt, worried, or something else? Tone
- The captain says he came in meaning “to get discharged,” yet he asks for changes and says he will do his duty. Which did he want more: to leave, or to stay? Character
- The squire swears he told no one the island's position, and Jim believes him. Does it matter who let it out, or only that it is out? Moral reasoning
- The captain says a mate should “keep himself to himself.” Is being friendly with the crew a fault in an officer? Theme
- Why might Stevenson end the chapter on Jim hating the captain, rather than on the doctor's “we shall see”? Author's choice
Make a Connection Tell about a time someone spoke plainly to you and you were not sure whether to thank them or be angry.
Vocabulary
- intention
- justified
would be justified in going to sea at all
having good reason; shown to be right- seaworthy
All well, I hope; all shipshape and seaworthy?
fit to sail safely- slight
but the slight, if there be one, was unintentional.
an insult given by neglect- unintentional
was unintentional.
not done on purpose- precautions
take certain precautions or let me resign my berth.
steps taken beforehand to avoid danger- discharged
I meant to get discharged.
released from a post or job- intolerable
but as for that intolerable humbug,
unbearable- humbug
that intolerable humbug,
a fraud; a person who is all show- overhauled
The whole schooner had been overhauled;
thoroughly refitted and repaired
Critical thinking
- The doctor says the captain fears a mutiny, and he answers, “I deny your right to put words into my mouth.” Using two pieces of evidence, is that answer honest or evasive?
- The squire says, “I will do as you desire, but I think the worse of you.” Using two pieces of evidence, is the squire fair to the captain?
- Silver comes aboard and asks about the powder, then goes below at once when told. Using two pieces of evidence, what does that suggest about him?