Karl Jones: Created page with "The '''Black Spot''' is a literary device invented by Robert Louis Stevenson for his novel ''Treasure Island''. == Description == In the book, pirates are prese..."

2016-04-03T14:17:37Z

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The '''Black Spot''' is a [[literary device]] invented by [[Robert Louis Stevenson]] for his novel ''[[Treasure Island]]''.

== Description ==

In the book, pirates are presented with a "black spot" to officially pronounce a verdict of guilt or judgment.

It consists of a circular piece of paper or card, with one side blackened while the other side bears a message and placed in the hand of the accused.

It was a source of much fear because it meant the pirate was to be deposed as leader, by force if necessary — or else killed outright.

In [[Treasure Island]], [[Billy Bones]] is much frightened by it but remains determined to outwit his enemies; however, he suffers a stroke caused by the overconsumption of liquor and dies.

Later Long John Silver receives the spot, but is calm enough to notice that it has been torn out from a Bible, and warns his associates of the ill luck this will bring upon them.

== Origins ==

The origin of Stevenson's Black Spot might be in the historical tradition of Caribbean pirates of showing an Ace of Spades to a person condemned as traitor or informer.

The card was putting the person dangerously "on the spot", since the ace bears a single pip.

== See also ==

* [[Ace of spades]]
* [[Literary device]]
* [[Robert Louis Stevenson]]
* ''[[Treasure Island]]''

== External links ==

* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Spot_(Treasure_Island) Black Spot (Treasure Island)] @ Wikipedia

[[Category:Card games]]
[[Category:Pirates]]

Black Spot (Treasure Island) - Revision history

Karl Jones: Created page with "The '''Black Spot''' is a literary device invented by Robert Louis Stevenson for his novel ''Treasure Island''. == Description == In the book, pirates are prese..."