A professor, a self-made businessman, and a playboy sold all their possessions to leave home for a journey to search for the Sage. They arrived at the base of a mountain, where an old man lived. Upon asking him for directions, each one received a map showing multiple roads with lots of points of interest. One path leads to the mountaintop that was marked by an “X.” “He is there,” said the old man. 

Overjoyed, the men thanked him and went on their way. Shortly thereafter, the three were separated. However, they were confident that they would all meet again in the presence of the Sage. 

The professor treasured the map, but became distracted by the wondrous sights and vistas along the way. New and unusual foods filled his thirst and hunger. The businessman carelessly dropped the map over a bridge, and became lost backtracking the crisscrossing myriad of paths trying to find his way forward. The playboy tried to carry on by himself, but came to realize he didn’t have the will or the skills. He returned to the old man and pleaded, “Sir, you clearly know the way. Can you help me?” 

The old man replied, “Having a map is better than no map, but the map is not the territory. It may orient but cannot empower. Nor is the map your only resource. Many have thought they can do it themselves. You alone came back. Because you know your inability, you ask for a Guide to come alongside for help. Well done. Let’s go. The Sage is not only at the mountaintop. I am He.” 

One literary analysis describes that map to be one of the most important symbols in the novel. “It represents the goal and hope of all parties involved…the driving force of the plot and creates opportunities as well as horrifying circumstances due to greed. Without the map, there would be no story.” 

SparkNotes writes, “The map functions as a sort of magic talisman that draws people into the adventure story. Jim’s possession of the map transforms him from an ordinary innkeeper’s son to a sailor and a hero, and changes the stodgy squire and doctor into freewheeling maritime adventurers.” 

Yet, the irony of course is that in the story, the map ultimately does not lead its owner to the treasure. Stripped of all the local colours and details, Treasure Island is a parable of humanity being oriented and motivated by an object that can transform its owners. It promises guidance to fulfillment of material desires, yet gives false hopes and expectations to obtain that treasure, let alone lasting happiness from that same treasure. 

What are the treasure maps in our lives? Are we following something that can evoke violence and conflict amongst those of us who possess and follow it? Even if the map is correct, it is not the territory, the total reality of the journey and its destination. At the risk of mixing metaphors, who is the real Ben Gunn who can truly guide us in our lives to the real treasure trove?