Episode Summary: Empire - Episode 202: Long John Silver: The Truth Behind Treasure Island

In Episode 202 of Empire, hosted by Anita Anand and William Durimpel from Goalhanger, the hosts delve deep into the storied history and enduring legacy of one of literature’s most iconic fictional pirates—Long John Silver—from Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Released on November 12, 2024, this episode explores the intricate connections between real-life piracy, literary creation, and cultural mythology.

Introduction to Fictional Pirates

Anita Anand and William Durimpel kick off the episode with enthusiasm for the subject of pirates, acknowledging the popularity and romanticism that surrounds these seafaring outlaws. They humorously reference their engagements with real pirates from history, including figures like Blackbeard, William Kidd, and Henry Avery, setting the stage for a discussion on how these historical personalities have been transformed into the pirates of fiction and popular culture.

Anita Anand [02:04]: "Today we're going to be discussing probably the pirates that you know better, but the ones that were not real. Or were they the fictional pirates..."

William Durimpel’s Childhood Connection to Treasure Island

William shares a personal anecdote about growing up in North Berwick, Scotland, where tales of Robert Louis Stevenson and the inspiration behind Treasure Island were prevalent. He recalls his grandmother pointing out Stevenson’s childhood home in Edinburgh and the local lore that the nearby Bass Rock and Fidra Island inspired the setting of the novel.

William Durimpel [03:56]: "Long John Silver is something that is deep in my childhood... treasure hunts, which again were inspired by Treasure Island."

Robert Louis Stevenson: From Troubled Youth to Literary Genius

The conversation shifts to Robert Louis Stevenson’s biography, focusing on his rebellious youth, unconventional lifestyle, and his eventual creation of Treasure Island. They discuss Stevenson’s troubled academic career, his bohemian lifestyle in the French Riviera, and his struggles with health and personal relationships, painting a picture of the man behind the legendary novel.

Anita Anand [18:29]: "He goes through that same sort of rebellion and starts becoming known for his outrageous dress and behavior."

The Birth of Treasure Island

Anita details the creative process Stevenson underwent while crafting Treasure Island, inspired by his interactions with Fanny Vandergrift Osborne and his stepson. The pivotal moment came when a 13-year-old boy created a treasure map, igniting Stevenson’s imagination and leading to the development of the novel’s plot and characters.

Anita Anand [25:24]: "He starts turning the rooms into a picture gallery just to keep himself occupied... the idea of Treasure Island haunts him..."

Historical Influences on Treasure Island's Characters

Delving into the historical underpinnings of Treasure Island, the hosts explore how real pirates influenced Stevenson's fictional creations. They highlight the inspirations behind characters like Long John Silver, drawing parallels to actual pirates such as Captain Edward England and the notorious La Bousse. The discussion underscores how Stevenson blended historical facts with fiction to create a compelling and believable pirate narrative.

William Durimpel [36:02]: "They have links that you can trace back... Captain Edward England and the parrot."

The Pirate Code and Its Mythologization

Anita and William examine the concept of the "pirate code" as popularized by Daniel Defoe and immortalized in Treasure Island. They argue that while the pirate code is a romanticized notion of equality and honor among pirates, historical realities were far more brutal and hierarchical.

William Durimpel [13:41]: "This is this fantasy, really... all these guys have much darker and much more hierarchical horror stories attached to them."

Cultural Legacy and Stereotypes of Pirates

The episode also touches on the lasting cultural impact of Treasure Island, particularly how it shaped the stereotypical image of pirates with Cornish accents, parrots, and wooden legs. They attribute the popularization of these traits to early cinematic portrayals, notably by actor John Newton, whose West Country accent became the definitive pirate voice.

Anita Anand [39:38]: "The accent is thanks to John Newton who played both Blackbeard and Long John Silver on screen..."

Connections to Other Literary Works and Historians

Anita shares an intriguing connection between Stevenson and Philip Gosse, a historian whose pirate collection was influenced by Stevenson's bedtime stories. This connection illustrates the ripple effect of Treasure Island on subsequent historical and literary works about piracy.

Anita Anand [34:37]: "Philip Gosse becomes obsessed with pirates because Stevenson infects him with his passion..."

Conclusion: Enduring Fascination with Pirates

Wrapping up, Anita and William reflect on the enduring fascination with pirates, both real and fictional. They emphasize how Treasure Island serves as a bridge between historical piracy and its romanticized portrayal in literature and popular culture. The hosts encourage listeners to engage with pirate lore through festivals and local traditions, highlighting the continued relevance of these tales in contemporary society.

William Durimpel [40:32]: "If you go to North Berwick in June you can join the North Berwick Robert Louis Stevenson Festival and go and take your children to dig up treasure at North Berwick beach..."

Notable Quotes

• William Durimpel [05:59]: "He's stranded and he's sitting, doing sort of skinning goat skins..."

• Anita Anand [13:14]: "Captain Johnson's General History of Pirates, P Y R A T E S which we have concluded is pretty much, pretty much made up..."

• William Durimpel [36:37]: "These are historical stories which are actually established and drawing on that gives the starting point for this book."

• Anita Anand [26:47]: "Jim consciously turning rooms into picture galleries... the imagination of a 13-year-old that the idea of Treasure island haunts him..."

Key Takeaways

• Treasure Island is deeply rooted in both Robert Louis Stevenson’s personal experiences and the historical accounts of real pirates.

• The fictionalization of pirates, particularly through characters like Long John Silver, has significantly influenced public perception and cultural depictions of piracy.

• Historical inaccuracies and romanticized elements in pirate lore, such as the pirate code, contrast sharply with the brutal realities of actual piracy.

• The legacy of Treasure Island extends beyond literature, affecting other historical works, cultural festivals, and even international celebrations like Talk Like a Pirate Day.

This episode of Empire offers a comprehensive exploration of how Treasure Island bridges the gap between historical piracy and its fictional portrayal, highlighting the novel’s lasting impact on both literature and popular culture.