Black Spot (Treasure Island)

The Black Spot is a literary device invented by Robert Louis Stevenson for his novel Treasure Island (originally serialized between 1881 and 1882, and published in 1883). It represents a paper or card token used to deliver a verdict against accused pirates, signaling either their removal from command or their imminent execution by fellow pirates.

In Treasure Island

Within the story, the "black spot" serves as an official declaration of guilt or judgment among pirates. It consists of a round piece of paper or card, blackened on one side, with a written message on the reverse, handed directly to the accused. This token instills dread as it foretells forced dethronement or death. For instance, Billy Bones is struck with terror upon receiving it but attempts to outsmart his adversaries; nevertheless, he succumbs to a fatal stroke brought on by heavy drinking and is ultimately killed by the blind beggar (Blind Pew). Later in the narrative, Long John Silver also receives the black spot but remains unshaken, recognizing that the paper was torn from a Bible, foreshadowing ill fate.

The inscription on the reverse side of the black spot quotes passages from the Biblical Book of Revelation, alluding to the mark of the beast and final judgment:

In other works

The Black Spot has been featured across numerous works in popular culture, including:

1911: M.R. James’ tale "Casting the Runes" compares runes to the black spot as symbols marking bearers for death.
1930: In Swallows and Amazons, pirate captain Uncle Jim is given the Black Spot by crew member Nancy.
1933: The film Gabriel Over the White House depicts racketeer Nick Diamond drawing a Black Spot as a sign of menace.
1938: In Algiers, drawing the ace of spades is considered an omen of severe misfortune.
1946: P. G. Wodehouse’s novel Joy in the Morning references the black spot as a symbol of bad luck.
1948: Shirley Jackson’s story "The Lottery" uses a black spot to select individuals for ritual sacrifice.
1964: Harlan Ellison’s "Lonelyache" includes a nightmare sequence involving receipt of the black spot.
1969: In A Pirate Utopia, pirate lord Olaf is marked with the black spot for unauthorized torture.
1986: Stephen King’s novel It names a nightclub “The Black Spot.”
1990: The television series The Bill mentions the black spot as a death sentence mark for prisoners.
1996: The film Muppet Treasure Island portrays the black spot as a pirate’s death warrant, used strategically by Long John Silver.
2000: The video game Skies of Arcadia presents the black spot as a message from bounty hunters.
2002: The MMORPG Puzzle Pirates employs "Black Spot" as a temporary mute function for disruptive players.
2002: Disney’s animated film Treasure Planet metaphorically depicts the Black Spot as a black hole threatening the crew.
2006: In Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, Captain Jack Sparrow is branded with a Black Spot, marking him for pursuit by the Kraken.
2006: The Asylum’s production Pirates of Treasure Island incorporates the Black Spot consistent with the original novel.
2007: CBS reality series Pirate Master uses the black spot to nominate contestants for elimination challenges.
2008–2009: Musical groups Murder By Death and Alestorm reference the Black Spot in tracks on their albums Red of Tooth and Claw and Black Sails at Midnight, respectively.
2011: The Doctor Who episode "The Curse of the Black Spot" features it as a mark placed on victims targeted by supernatural forces.
2011: Kate Beaton’s comic collection Hark! A Vagrant shows a pirate receiving a black spot prior to being shot.
2012: The TV sitcom 30 Rock metaphorically uses the black spot to signify disapproval.
2016: The series Black Sails depicts Billy Bones employing a black spot to intimidate traitors.
2016: The naval-themed expansion for 4X game Endless Legend rewards assaults on empires marked by a Black Spot.
2017–2018: The WIB Optimist Project and JT Music’s Sea of Thieves rap mention issuing black spots as warnings or penalties.
2020: The video game Terraria introduces The Black Spot item granting access to a pirate ship mount.
2021: The tabletop RPG Lancer features a Blackspot Targeting Laser weapon named after privateer William Kidd, referencing Treasure Island.

This extensive presence highlights how the Black Spot continues to symbolize threat, judgment, or impending doom across various media platforms, reinforcing its cultural significance and commercial appeal within entertainment franchises.

References