Question

Read the excerpt from the beginning of Chapter 1 of Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson.

SQUIRE TRELAWNEY, Dr. Livesey, and the rest of these gentlemen having
asked me to write down the whole particulars about Treasure Island, from
the beginning to the end, keeping nothing back but the bearings of the
island, and that only because there is still treasure not yet lifted, I
take up my pen in the year of grace and go back to the time when
my father kept the Admiral Benbow inn and the brown old seaman with the
sabre cut first took up his lodging under our roof.

Which best explains Stevenson’s reason for beginning the chapter with this paragraph?
Stevenson creates confusion in the reader with a narrator who explains that he is writing a story because he has been asked to do so by several other characters.
Stevenson creates interest in the reader with mention of still undiscovered treasure and the arrival of a mysterious character in the narrator’s life.
Stevenson creates unease in the reader with a detailed account of the problem the main character has to overcome to reach a solution.
Stevenson creates a clear visual picture in the reader’s head with a strong description of the story’s setting without giving its actual location.

Answer 1

Stevenson's opening paragraph in 'Treasure Island' cleverly piques interest with the hint of hidden treasure and the introduction of a mysterious character, setting the stage for an adventurous tale.

Step-by-step explanation:

Robert Louis Stevenson begins Chapter 1 of Treasure Island in a way that effectively creates interest in the reader.

The beginning of the chapter establishes the premise of the story, capturing the reader's attention and setting the stage for the adventure to come.

The mention of treasure and a mysterious seaman creates a sense of intrigue and anticipation for what will unfold in the story.

He also introduces the notion of an undiscovered treasure and sets the stage for a mysterious adventure with the mention of a 'brown old seaman with the sabre cut,' hinting at an interesting backstory that holds secrets to be unveiled.

This strategic beginning serves as a hook, luring readers in with the promise of high stakes and intriguing characters.