Perception of Death as Part of the Character’s Growing Up Process in R. L. Stevenson’s Novel Treasure Island

Abstract

The article analyzes the dynamics of perception and cognition of death by the main character of R.S. Stevenson's novel Treasure Island. Throughout the novel, Jim Hawkins observes the deaths of other characters in the novel, each time the circumstances and causes of death become more dramatic and traumatic or him. Progressive "cognition" of death is part of the character's growing up process: death expands Jim's life experience and, at the same time, tests him to preserve religious, moral, an other life principles.