The effect of socialization on character development is much more subtle in Treasure Island. For Jim, the death of the two most dominating men in his life at the time, his father and Billy Bones, is what forces him into adulthood as well as marks the beginning of his adventure. When both men die, no one is present to protect Jim and his mother. Jim expresses, “All they would do was to give me a loaded pistol lest we were attacked, and to promise to have horses ready saddled in case we were pursued on our return, while one lad was to ride forward to the doctor’s in search of armed assistance” (Stevenson, 25). It is expected of Jim to assume the responsibilities and duties of a man, even though he is still a child. The men in the neighbourhood