How Does Doctor Livesey Influence Jim's Maturity?

Maturity: Defined in many ways, gained through many experiences, shown in many people. Doctor Livesey influences Jim. In the beginning of the story, Dr. Livesey is at the inn when Billy Bones calls for silence. The doctor ignores him at first, finally glancing over his shoulder to harshly warn him, “‘if you keep drinking rum, the world will soon be quit of a very dirty scoundrel!’ The old fellow’s fury was awful. . .The doctor never so much as moved” He spoke “perfectly calm and steady” and warns that if “The Captain” continues to threaten him, “‘I promise, upon my honour, you shall hang at next assizes’” (8). The doctor has no fear of the drunk, angry seaman. He is even a tad snarky towards him. Jim observes this exchange and it is obvious

When the ships company has been attacked by the pirates, Captain Smollett is injured. However, amidst the “cries and confusion”, he manages to still lead his men. Jim notices that “even in the hurly-burly I perceived a change in his voice” yet he still cries “Out, lads, out, and fight ‘em in the open!. . .round the house, lads! round the house!” (120). Jim “mechanically” obeys him. Smollett is a clear leader and steady man. Even though wounded and in pain, he does not give up or lose his cool. He stays calm, watches the battle and commands authority. Later on, when Jim is being chased by the murderous Israel Hands, he too stays calm. While waiting behind the mainmast, he examines his options, knowing that he “must not simply retreat before him” and allows himself “a few darting thoughts on what would be the end of the affair” (150). After being thrown into the water, he is “saved by being prompt” (151) as he climbs up into the mizzen shrouds. Even after being pinned to the mast and killing Hands, he does not fully lose control of himself, but “[clings] with both hands” to the shrouds until his is “once more in possession of [himself]” (153). After the affair is over, he “[hopes] that even Captain Smollett would confess [he] had not lost [his] time” (155). Compared to the child he was in the beginning of “Treasure Island”, Jim has obviously matured by the time he faces Hands. He has observed the captain’s cool-headedness and authority,

When Silver comes to create a treaty with the men and is threatened by Captain Smollett, he “laughed at him aloud. . .as if the idea of alarm had been absurd” (112). Silver is extremely courageous in this act, knowing that his life may be in danger yet fearlessly approaching the stockade. Even in the conversation following this, he keeps his head for the most part and is wise enough to know when to stop. Jim is intrigued by this, even leaving his post to see what happens. Further on, after Silver stops Morgan from killing Jim, he degrades his crew and tells them that Jim is “more a man than any pair of rats of you in this here house” (165-166) Although Jim is still scared, he has “a ray of hope now shining in [his] bosom” (166) and even tells the Doctor how “‘I should have been dead by now, if Silver hadn’t stood for me’” (178). Long John, although a con man, genuinely likes Jim and Jim most definitely looks up to him. Silver is almost the only character that purposefully encourages Jim and the only that is clearly affectionate towards him. Some may say that Silver is very nearly Jim’s father figure throughout his journey. He is charismatic, charming, and courageous, something almost every young person wants to be, so, naturally, Jim looks up to and tries to imitate this