What the account book contains and why did Billy Bones write it? And also, can someone name a few themes we can find in treasure island? I will need it for my exam prep, Thanks!

From the text:

On the first page there were only some scraps of writing, such as a man with a pen in his hand might make for idleness or practice. One was the same as the tattoo mark, “Billy Bones his fancy”; then there was “Mr. W. Bones, mate,” “No more rum,” “Off Palm Key he got itt,” and some other snatches, mostly single words and unintelligible. I could not help wondering who it was that had “got itt,” and what “itt” was that he got. A knife in his back as like as not.

“Not much instruction there,” said Dr. Livesey as he passed on.

The next ten or twelve pages were filled with a curious series of entries. There was a date at one end of the line and at the other a sum of money, as in common account-books, but instead of explanatory writing, only a varying number of crosses between the two. On the 12th of June, 1745, for instance, a sum of seventy pounds had plainly become due to someone, and there was nothing but six crosses to explain the cause. In a few cases, to be sure, the name of a place would be added, as “Offe Caraccas,” or a mere entry of latitude and longitude, as “62° 17′ 20″, 19° 2′ 40″.”

The record lasted over nearly twenty years, the amount of the separate entries growing larger as time went on, and at the end a grand total had been made out after five or six wrong additions, and these words appended, “Bones, his pile.”

“I can’t make head or tail of this,” said Dr. Livesey.

“The thing is as clear as noonday,” cried the squire. “This is the black-hearted hound’s account-book. These crosses stand for the names of ships or towns that they sank or plundered. The sums are the scoundrel’s share, and where he feared an ambiguity, you see he added something clearer. ‘Offe Caraccas,’ now; you see, here was some unhappy vessel boarded off that coast. God help the poor souls that manned her—coral long ago.”

Important themes include honor, adventure, coming of age, and conflict.

Exploring the Hidden Meanings of "Billy Bones's Fancy"

The cryptic phrase "Billy Bones his fancy" found on the first page of the treasure map offers a tantalizing glimpse into the mind of the map's creator. It could be a reference to a beloved possession, a personal motto, or perhaps a clue to the location of the treasure.

The Enigma of the Crosses

The enigmatic series of crosses in the account book provides a fascinating insight into the pirate's ruthless business practices. Each cross likely represents a victim of the pirate's crimes, a chilling reminder of the human cost of their plunder.

The Conflict Between Honor and Greed

The story of "Treasure Island" is rife with conflicts, both internal and external. The characters are constantly grappling with their own desires and the moral implications of their actions. The treasure map, as a symbol of immense wealth and power, serves as a catalyst for these conflicts.

A Coming-of-Age Tale

Beyond the adventure and intrigue, "Treasure Island" is also a coming-of-age story. Jim Hawkins, the young protagonist, undergoes a profound transformation as he navigates the treacherous world of pirates and learns the harsh realities of life.

The Allure of Adventure

The novel's enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the spirit of adventure. The treasure map, with its promise of untold riches and exotic locations, serves as a powerful symbol of the allure of the unknown.