The Treasure in the Forest by H.G. Wells (Intermediate)

Intermediate

story

Once upon a time, two treasure seekers named Evans and Hooker set off on an adventurous journey in a small canoe. They paddled through a serene bay toward an untouched island, a place where the lush, deep green forest came close to the beach. The island was surrounded by calm seas, with towering mountains in the distance looking like frozen waves. The sky was bright and clear, making everything beneath it glow.

As they neared the island, Hooker, the man with the intricately carved paddle, stopped paddling. "It should be somewhere around here," he said, stretching his arms straight out. Evans, his companion, sat at the front of the canoe, closely scrutinizing a worn, yellow piece of paper—a map. He called Hooker to take a look at it.

"Look, Evans," said Hooker in a low voice, "Here’s the reef, and here’s the gap in it." He pointed to the map. "This curvy line is the river, and this star marks the treasure’s location."

Both men were parched from their journey, and their lips were dry. They studied the land carefully as their canoe drifted slowly. Evans’ eyes were half-closed from exhaustion, and he started dreaming about the treasure they were seeking.

In his dream, Evans saw the night when they had discovered the secret of the treasure. He remembered the moonlit trees, a small fire burning, and three Chinamen talking. They had learned that the treasure was hidden long ago by a shipwrecked crew. The treasure had been reburied by Chang-hi, a Chinaman, who wanted to return for it someday. Evans recalled a fierce struggle where he and Hooker had taken the map from Chang-hi. The dream shifted to a strange and unsettling vision of Chang-hi grinning and threatening him.

Suddenly, Evans woke up. They were entering a lagoon, and Hooker pointed out the landmarks on the map. "We must mark the spot where the river meets the sea," Hooker said.

They paddled to the river mouth, and Hooker tasted the water. "It’s fresh water! Let’s drink," he said. Both men eagerly drank the cool water, relieving their thirst.

Refreshed, they pulled their canoe ashore and walked along the beach until they found the spot marked by a clump of bushes. Evans took a special digging tool from the canoe, while Hooker carried the paddle. They pushed through thick reeds and trees, which soon opened up to a cool, shadowy forest. Tall trees with hanging flowers and swinging vines surrounded them.

"It's almost cold here after the sun outside," said Evans, shivering.

As they walked, they heard the sound of rushing water. "We must be close to the river," Hooker said. They pushed through dense vegetation until they reached a quiet pool in the river. Floating on the water were big leaves and beautiful, waxen flowers.

"Let’s search along the riverbank," said Evans.

As they searched, Evans suddenly stopped and pointed. "Look over there!"

Hooker followed his gaze and saw something blue. It was the figure of a Chinaman lying face down on the ground, with a spade nearby and a pile of stones next to a freshly dug hole.

"Someone has been here before us," said Hooker, his voice trembling.

Evans started to curse and shout angrily, but Hooker approached the hole and saw something glinting in the dirt. "It’s still here!" he cried. Inside the hole were several dull yellow bars—gold ingots. Evans pulled one out, but as he did, a tiny thorn pricked his hand. Ignoring it, he celebrated their find.

"We need to move this gold to the mainland," said Evans. "Let’s carry it to the canoe." He used his jacket to carry the ingots.

As they walked, Evans began to feel weak. "My arms hurt," he said. They set the jacket down and rested. Evans was sweating and breathing heavily.

"Let’s keep moving," urged Hooker.

After a few steps, Evans suddenly dropped the coat and clutched his throat. "Don’t come near me!" he shouted, leaning against a tree.

Hooker watched in horror as Evans’ condition worsened. Evans fell to the ground, convulsing. Hooker saw a small thorn in his own hand, realizing the truth: the thorns were poisoned. It was Chang-hi's trap to protect the treasure.

"Evans!" Hooker cried, but Evans was already silent. Hooker tried to suck the poison out, but it was too late. The pain spread through his body, and he knew he was doomed. He sat down, resting his chin on his hands, and stared at his fallen friend.

High above, a gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and white petals from a flower floated down. Hooker understood Chang-hi’s final, terrible grin and realized that the treasure had claimed its last victims. And so, in the quiet, shadowy forest, the treasure remained hidden, guarded by its deadly secret.

This story warns us about the dangers of greed and the importance of being cautious. Evans and Hooker’s unbridled greed led them to ignore the warnings and ultimately brought about their downfall. It teaches us that wisdom and heedfulness are crucial, and that we should always pay attention to the warnings given by others.

Words and Idioms

Study it with Flashcard

https://quizlet.com/kr/929071523/the-treasure-in-the-forest-by-hg-wells-flash-cards/?i=3en6ue&x=1qqt

 

Untouched (adjective) - not altered, damaged, or affected

Scrutinizing (verb) - examining closely and critically

Reef (noun) - a ridge of rocks or coral near the surface of the sea

Parched (adjective) - very dry, especially from heat

Drifted (verb) - moved slowly, especially as a result of outside forces

Lagoon (noun) - a shallow body of water separated from the sea

Convulsing (verb) - suffering violent, involuntary contraction of the muscles

Reed (noun) - a tall, slender-leaved plant of the grass family that grows in water or on marshy ground

Rustled (verb) - made a soft, light sound caused by things gently rubbing together

Intricately (adverb) - in a very complicated or detailed manner

Exhilaration (noun) - a feeling of excitement, happiness, or elation

Treacherous (adjective) - guilty of or involving betrayal or deception; hazardous because of presenting hidden or unpredictable dangers

Deliberation (noun) - long and careful consideration or discussion

Grimace (noun) - an ugly, twisted expression on a person’s face, typically expressing disgust, pain, or wry amusement

Catastrophic (adjective) - involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering

Inexorable (adjective) - impossible to stop or prevent; relentless

Set off on an adventurous journey (verb phrase) - to begin an exciting and risky trip

Paddled through a serene bay (verb phrase) - moved a canoe through a calm and peaceful bay

Unbridled greed (adjective phrase) - uncontrolled or excessive desire for more, especially wealth or power

Hidden peril (noun phrase) - danger that is not immediately obvious

Looming danger (noun phrase) - an impending threat that appears large and menacing

Questions

1. What is the main objective of Evans and Hooker in the story?

 

a) To explore uncharted territories

b) To discover hidden treasure

c) To map the island

d) To find fresh water

 

2. How do Evans and Hooker know where to search for the treasure?

 

a) They receive instructions from a local guide

b) They decode a mysterious message in a bottle

c) They possess a map taken from Chang-hi

d) They follow a trail of clues left by previous explorers

 

3. What causes Evans to start dreaming about the treasure?

 

a) The heat of the sun

b) The rhythmic movement of the canoe

c) His exhaustion and fatigue

d) The sound of the waves

 

4. How does Hooker realize that the thorns are poisoned?

 

a) He reads a warning on the map

b) He remembers Chang-hi's warning

c) He notices symptoms after being pricked by a thorn

d) He tests the thorns on an animal

 

5. What does the treasure symbolize in the story?

 

a) Knowledge and enlightenment

b) The ultimate reward for hard work

c) The dangers of greed

d) The power of nature

 

6. How does the setting of the island contribute to the story's theme?

 

a) It highlights the beauty of untouched nature

b) It creates a sense of adventure and exploration

c) It emphasizes isolation and the unknown dangers

d) It represents a paradise lost

AP-Test Style Writing Topics

1. Analyze the role of greed in "The Treasure in the Forest." Discuss how Evans and Hooker's obsession with the treasure affects their judgment and ultimately leads to their downfall. Use specific examples from the text to support your analysis.

2. Examine the use of setting in "The Treasure in the Forest." How does H.G. Wells utilize the natural environment to enhance the suspense and develop the central themes of the story? Include textual evidence in your response.

3. Discuss the significance of the poisoned thorns in the story. What do they symbolize, and how do they contribute to the overall message H.G. Wells is conveying? Provide detailed references to the story to support your interpretation.

Answer Keys

1. b) To discover hidden treasure

2. c) They possess a map taken from Chang-hi

3. c) His exhaustion and fatigue

4. c) He notices symptoms after being pricked by a thorn

5. c) The dangers of greed

6. c) It emphasizes isolation and the unknown dangers

 

Sample AP-Test Style Writing

 

1. In "The Treasure in the Forest," H.G. Wells explores the destructive power of greed through the characters of Evans and Hooker. Their obsession with the hidden treasure blinds them to the dangers around them and clouds their judgment. From the onset, their single-minded pursuit of wealth is evident as they venture into the unknown, driven by the promise of riches. This greed makes them reckless, as seen when they ignore potential threats and signs of danger in their haste to reach the treasure.

The map, which should be a tool for careful planning, becomes an emblem of their avarice. Instead of approaching their quest with caution, they rush headlong into the forest, driven by visions of gold. This is highlighted when Evans, despite his fatigue and the oppressive heat, dreams not of safety or sustenance but of the treasure's promise. His vision, marred by greed, even twists his memory of the struggle with Chang-hi, underscoring how deeply their obsession has taken root.

Their greed also manifests in their interaction with the environment. They disregard the natural beauty and dangers of the island, focusing solely on the treasure. This is poignantly illustrated when they find the dead Chinaman. Instead of seeing it as a warning, they view it as a mere obstacle to their goal. Their inability to heed this clear sign of danger signifies how greed has eroded their common sense and self-preservation instincts.

Ultimately, their downfall is precipitated by their refusal to consider the consequences of their actions. The poisoned thorns, a subtle but deadly trap, embody the unforeseen perils of unchecked greed. Evans's and Hooker's tragic ends serve as a powerful moral lesson: in their pursuit of wealth, they ignored the world around them, leading to their inevitable demise. Wells's story starkly illustrates that greed not only blinds individuals but also leads them down a path of self-destruction.

 

2. H.G. Wells expertly uses the setting in "The Treasure in the Forest" to enhance suspense and develop the story's central themes. The island's lush, untamed environment is more than just a backdrop; it is an active participant in the narrative, reflecting the themes of isolation, danger, and the unknown.

The serene bay and untouched island create an initial sense of tranquility, but this peace is deceptive. The towering mountains "like frozen waves" and the dense forest that "came close to the beach" suggest an isolation that heightens the story's suspense. This setting isolates Evans and Hooker from civilization, forcing them to confront the natural world's indifference and hostility. The natural environment, beautiful yet foreboding, mirrors their internal journey towards their moral and physical downfall.

The forest itself, with its "cool, shadowy" atmosphere and "tall trees with hanging flowers and swinging vines," adds to the sense of mystery and danger. As the characters push through "thick reeds and trees," the environment becomes increasingly oppressive, reflecting their growing peril. The dense vegetation and shadowy forest not only create a physical barrier but also symbolize the characters' moral blindness driven by greed.

The presence of the lagoon and the fresh water initially offers a respite, symbolizing hope and renewal. However, this hope is fleeting, as the island's true nature soon reveals itself. The discovery of the Chinaman's body near the "quiet pool in the river" shifts the setting from serene to sinister. This juxtaposition of tranquility and danger underscores the unpredictability of the natural world and the thin line between safety and peril.

The climax occurs in this treacherous environment, where the poisoned thorns, a natural yet deadly element, seal Evans's and Hooker's fate. The thorns, hidden in the forest's beauty, symbolize the hidden dangers of their greed. The forest, thus, becomes a character in itself, embodying the themes of deception and the deadly allure of unchecked ambition.

In summary, Wells's use of the natural environment in "The Treasure in the Forest" is pivotal in building suspense and reinforcing the story's themes. The island's beauty and danger mirror the characters' internal struggles, illustrating how the natural world can reflect and amplify human flaws.

 

3. The poisoned thorns in "The Treasure in the Forest" serve as a powerful symbol and play a crucial role in conveying H.G. Wells's overall message. These thorns, seemingly innocuous but deadly, represent the hidden dangers of greed and the unforeseen consequences of one's actions.

The thorns are first introduced subtly, pricking Evans as he eagerly pulls the gold ingots from the ground. This moment, initially brushed off by Evans in his excitement, foreshadows the imminent danger. The thorns' true nature is revealed only later, when both men succumb to their effects, highlighting the often-overlooked perils that accompany blind ambition and avarice.

Symbolically, the poisoned thorns embody the concept of hidden peril. They are a natural element, yet their placement by Chang-hi as a trap signifies the intentional dangers that arise from human greed. The fact that these thorns are part of the forest's flora yet deadly indicates that nature itself can become a weapon when corrupted by human desires.

The thorns also underscore the theme of deceptive appearances. The treasure, glittering and alluring, masks the lethal threat that lies in wait. This duality is mirrored in the environment: the forest, seemingly a paradise, harbors deadly secrets. The thorns are an extension of this theme, reinforcing the idea that what seems valuable and desirable on the surface can hide dangerous consequences.

Furthermore, the thorns contribute to the story's moral lesson. Evans's and Hooker's demise, caused by these small but deadly pricks, illustrates the catastrophic impact of their greed. Their inability to perceive and heed the warning signs—symbolized by the thorns—leads directly to their downfall. Wells uses the thorns to show that greed not only blinds individuals to immediate dangers but also to the broader consequences of their actions.

In essence, the poisoned thorns are a critical narrative device in "The Treasure in the Forest." They symbolize the hidden dangers of unchecked greed and emphasize the story's moral: that the pursuit of wealth, without caution or moral consideration, can lead to unforeseen and often fatal consequences. Through this symbol, Wells effectively conveys the perilous nature of human avarice and the importance of awareness and heedfulness.

 

 

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