Lord of the Flies
By David
Mr. Cluver
Grade 10 Language Arts
1/10/2011
The Sound of the Shell
1.
The author describes the area the boys crashed in as a “long scar smashed into
the jungle.” The jungle seems tropical and inviting, with a lot of fruit and vegetation.
Yet at the same time the seemingly life-saving and cool fruits caused them to have
stomachaches. The heat seems a nice change to the cloudy British weather, but it
proves to be more of an irritation than a blessing. Golding also mentions the
coconuts were decaying and skull like.
2.
(1) My first impression of Ralph was that he was a simple schoolboy, who was
both knowledgeable and sensible. He is also responsible for his actions, as well as he
is dependable. He believes in civilization and tries to maintain order and democracy
despite the situation. “We've got to have rules and obey them. After all, we're not
savages. We're English, and the English are best at everything.” (2) Piggy is an
outsider compared to the other boys; his physical features set a line between him
and the other boys. I thought of him as the typical nerdy Asian kid, who has no
physical capabilities at all and only knows knowledge from books. Also he lacks the
courage from doing “fun” sports the other boys take part in. (3) Jack first gave me the
impression of a dictator and politician. His violent ways of trying to be the leader as
well as being obsessed with power. This reminds me of Hitler and his SS henchmen.
Hitler’s empowering speeches are similar to Jack’s actions and his talks of “fun” and
“adventure”. (4) The last of all is Simon, who gives me the impression of a pacifier, or
“Jesus”. From his actions I could tell that he was kind, and preferred peace over
whatever the other boys were doing. For example, Simon helped the littleuns build
shelter and pick fruit. He was also an outsider like Piggy.
3.Most of the boys begin to take violence as a sort of sport and they no longer hunt
just to eat. Their thirst for food turns into a thirst for blood. The line between right
and wrong is blurred, as the boys no longer limit the bloodlust to hunger, and blood
governs their lives.
4.
The boys climb up the steep cliff and they discover the beauty of the island from
atop the cliff. After seeing the spectacular view of their island, Ralph feels as if they
had found a land of their own. The shore is lined with all sorts of palm trees and
surrounding the shore is a coral reef, forming a lagoon between it and the beach. The
boys are excited about having the tropical paradise all to them and want to explore
more of the island.
5.
Jack is still under the influence of civilization and its taboos, and though he
wants to prove himself, he slams his knife into a tree trunk and is furious with
himself.
Fire on the Mountain
1.
A little boy says that he is afraid of “the beastie”. He believes that “the beastie”
transforms into jungle vines in the day, and becomes a beast at night. The other boys
dismiss his fears and say that it is not real. The jungle is being compared to a snake or
a predator-like beast. At first Golding compared the fire to a bright squirrel, and then
he mentions the fire crept like a jaguar. The fire becomes savage with the growing
smoke and flame and rages out of control.
2.
There is fear amongst the troop, but the older boys reassure them there is no
monster. Jack offers to hunt and kill the monster; his manner of solving things is
more barbaric and aggressive. Ralph on the other hand tries to calm the littleuns
down by saying it doesn’t exist. He uses a more parental approach by denying the
fact that the beast exists and he is not as brash as Jack who makes seemingly
“exciting” decisions. This situation shows the differences in the way Ralph and Jack
deal with things.
3.
The boys dismiss the fact that one of the littleuns has disappeared. They have
no compassion for one another and have lost the ability to think rationally. The boys
giggle at the destruction their “signal fire” has caused and they are leaning towards
violence.
4.
Piggy is smarter than the rest of the boys and his intelligence helps the boys get
past many situations. He uses his rationality instead of sudden bursts of thoughts to
deal with situations. Piggy is kind and caring towards the littleuns and he takes
responsibility. Piggy despises the other boys’ behaviour, such as when they all
trooped up the mountain after Jack. He says they are like “a crowd of kids”.
5.
The littleun that mentioned the existence of the beastie has disappeared. He
has presumably died in the wildfire and he is never seen again. No one in the group
cared enough about each other, and the littleun is soon forgotten.
Huts on the Beach
1. The first instance of Jack being compared to an animal is when Golding describes
him as doglike and uncomfortably on all fours. This description of Jack makes him
seem like a dog. The second example of Jack being compared to an animal was:
“He closed his eyes, raised his head and breathed in gently with flared nostrils,
assessing the current of warm air for information.” This compares Jack to a snake,
because only snakes have the ability to assess the air.
2. An example of onomatopoeia is: “there was not even the whine of insects.” An
example of a simile is: “The boys lay, panting like dogs.” Metaphors, similes, and
alliteration can help the reader to better picture the environment or the setting,
as in the example. They can also help smooth out the writing and make it livelier.
3. When one of the boys saw a ship, Jack suggests they could paint their faces and
steal up on one so they couldn’t see. These suggestions show that law and order
are starting to fall, since a average person would not talk so stealing up on to a
ship.
4. Jack saw a pig, but he was unable to kill it, because he was held back by morals.
But the savagery was that Jack complains of his inability to kill the pig and his
desire later on to find and kill a pig. He can’t listen hear what Ralph is proposing
and focuses entirely on hunting. Jack is almost naked. Clothing represents
civilisation, since you do not see any other living animal wear clothing, unless
humans made them wear it.
Painted Faces and Long Hair
1. As the story moves on, they children and the twins are described more on their
status towards the opposing forces of Jack and Ralph. The book portrays their
alliances and their ties to the parties and how they swing between sides. As the
portraying of the littleuns becomes more political, it also foreshadows a split within
the group that is about to come.
2. The littleuns are immature, so they have fewer matters on their minds, and lead
“simple” lives. They pass most of their time by eating fruit and playing together; they
suffer from diarrhea due to eating large amounts of fruit. The littleuns constantly
suffer from visions and bad dreams. Piggy and the older boys dismiss the nightmares
and visions as mirages and their imagination. The littleuns talk about the “beastie”
and that it prowls in the darkness. The bad dreams and visions show that although
the littleuns lead worriless lives, they are still fearful at the idea of being cut off from
civilization and living on a deserted island. They fear the unknown and are constantly
anxious during the darkness when there are no adults. The littleuns live separate
lives from the older boys and largely stay out of their way. But occasionally they are
tormented by them. Especially by Roger who stomps over their sandcastles and
throws stones to intimidate them. In all, the littleuns are living simple lives. But they
live their lives in fear and anxiety, due to the unknown world and the tormenting
from the older boys.
3. Maurice and Roger, especially Roger, Jack’s henchmen. Ralph, Piggy, and Simon are
kind to the littleuns, and help them with everyday things. They use their power to
provide the littleuns with protection and use it for good. However, Maurice and
Roger use their power for evil and self-entertainment. They are cruel to the littleuns,
and they are rash in their decisions. Roger and Maurice treat the littleuns as slaves
and they torture them as a form of entertainment. This all builds up to show that
both Maurice and Roger are on the road to savagery and their lack of sympathy as
humans.
4. Ralph and Piggy see a ship on the horizon, but the notice that the signal fire has
gone out, due to Jack’s irresponsibility. The fire is a symbol of the boys’ connection to
civilization, and the fact that it has died out shows that they boys are falling into an
ever deepening despair. The fire was a tool to contact civilization, but at the first
chance, it was failed. The fire was the hunters’ responsibility, but they were too glad
over the killing of a pig. Jack’s bloodlust and struggle for power has allowed him to
forfeit any matters considering civilization. In summary, the incident with the smoke
on the mountain shows the ending of civilization, and the beginning of savageness.
5. Ralph eventually wins in his argument with Jack, and Jack apologizes for and
admits that it was his responsibility that the signal fire went out. Ralph however does
not win all the way, as Jack repeatedly shoots back several comments. In the end,
although he admits that it was his fault, he never apologizes to Piggy about his
glasses.
Beast from Water
1. Ralph accumulated numerous doubts and worries since the beginning of their
wreckage. He changes from the slightly brash boy in the beginning, and he began to
notice more of his comrades and his surroundings. He discovered that his shorts
were too short and that his fair blonde hair had begun to cover his in his eyes and
became tangled. He becomes more mature and grownup. In the beginning, Ralph
was somewhat rash in his decisions and didn’t think of their consequences. But later
on he begins to think over what he has to say and considers his lines before calling
an assembly.
2. Ralph begins to question his thinking and how things have been done in the
past. Only, decided Ralph as he faced the chief's seat, I can't think. Not like Piggy.
He realizes, although everyone enjoys being together and talking, nothing every gets
done. He holds a meeting and explains he questionings. He gives examples of no one
getting the water, the ending of the construction of the huts, and other things that
have no be accomplished.
3. At first Ralph thought of Piggy as an unwelcome and unnecessary interference
Ralph didn't ask Piggy what his name was, since he wasn't interested. Slowly
however Ralph's attitude to Piggy began to change, he slowly began to recognize
Piggy and rely on him both as an ally and as a comrade. Piggy was the voice of reason
and suggested lighting a signal fire on the beach when the beast was prevented the
boys from lighting the fire on the mountain. Slowly Ralph's attitude changed from
lack of interest, to a time where he made use of Piggy's skills, to friendship and
finally to the recognition that Piggy had been his friend all the time.
4. Simon mentions "As if, "said Simon, "the beastie, the beastie or the snake-thing,
was real. Remember?" His comments on the Beast rekindle doubt of the beast’s
existence within the older boys. His remark causes Jack to doubt whether he is the
one hunting or he is the one being hunted. His influence on Ralph also shows, in the
following quote: "As if this wasn't a good island, "said Ralph slowly. "Yes, that's right.”
Simon’s comment’s importance lies in Simon’s influence and status amongst the
older boys. His remarks cause confusion, doubt, and uncertainty.
5. When Ralph asked Percival his name, Percival replied him with Percival Wemys
Madison. The Vicarage, Harcourt St. Anthony. But at the end of the story he stutters
and searches he memory before saying nothing. In the beginning, Percival could still
remember his full name. He seemed proud of it and it resembled his unwavering
attachment to society. On the contrary, in the end he loses his touch for the magical
words and he forgets his name. The change in the way Percival says his name is
significant as it shows that he has been in the wild for far too long and has already
lost his feeling for civilization.
6. Before, Ralph had set up a place reserved for the lavatory. But as time passed by
people started to ignore the designated area and started “reliving” themselves all
over the place. Having a designated place for lavatories is a sign of civilization, while
the act of “reliving” everywhere is an act of savagery and is the wild. As the rule on
where you can relive deteriorates, it also signals the collapse of society and the
connection to civilization.
7. Ralph was reluctant to believe in "the beast" from the beginning. He thinks that
the beast is just the littleun’s imagination and that they have more important matters,
which he mentions in the assembly, such as the construction of the huts. His focus
and outlook is realistic, and is determined to arrange civilization among the boys.
Jack, on the other hand, doesn't really believe in the beast but he uses its existence
within the littleun’s mind to gain control over them and force them to join his side.
He disapproves of the littleuns in believing in the beast and is just exploiting the
littleun’s fear.
Beast from Air
1. A plane gets shot down near the island. A pilot in a parachute floats down onto the
island. This is the sign from the grownups world; however there was no child awake
to see it. The man from the parachute shows that the grownup world is not too far
away. In fact it is just over the horizon. Its significance as the sign is that the incident
reminds us of the bloodshed and war going on in the grownup’s world.
2. Sam and Eric sit around the fire, and Eric supposedly sees the beast. However Sam
does not see it. Later the both see the beast and they rush back to the shelters to
spread the news. At the shelter Ralph hands the conch to Eric and as he speaks, Sam
cuts in and takes up the story. Although all of the boys see Sam and Eric as one, their
seeing of the beast and their reactions show that they are two individuals. Also when
telling the story they don’t speak simultaneously but as two individuals.
3. The conch represents civilization. However, the boys later determine the one with
the conch has the power to speak. Thus the conch later represents power. Jack lusts
for power and control. So he wants to get his hands on the conch. However he still
respects it as Ralph is “in power” and he has to somewhat obey his orders or at least
pretend. In all, the conch represents power and authority, in which Jack lusts. His
attitude towards it is that or desire and mad want.
4. “Simon, walking in front of Ralph, felt a flicker of incredulity--a beast with claws
that scratched, that sat on a mountain-top, that left no tracks and yet was not fast
enough to catch Samneric. However Simon thought of the beast, there rose before
his inward sight the picture of a human at once heroic and sick.” (p 210) Simon thinks
there could be a beast, but he is afraid to admit it. On the contrary, Jack is doubtful of
the beast’s existence but he uses it to gain support from the littleuns. Ralph and
Piggy are also hesitant to believe in the beast. They are caught up in many other
problems such as Jack, but do their best to provide the liitleuns safety.
5. “Now the sea would suck down, making cascades and waterfalls of retreating
water, would sink past the rocks and plaster down the seaweed like shining hair: then,
pausing, gather and rise with a roar, irresistibly swelling over point and outcrop,
climbing the little cliff, sending at last an arm of surf up a gully to end a yard or so
from him in fingers of spray.” The significance of comparing the sea to an animal or
human gives the sea enables the reader to be able to imagine and perceive the sea
more clearly.
6.
When Ralph took the boys to relight the fire on the mountain, many of the boys
failed to obey. Jack rolled stones into the sea and many boys followed him. Soon
disorder broke out amongst the boys. Some wanted to go back to the beach, while
some wanted to roll stones; no one listened to Ralph who called them to relight the
fire. Jack becomes a more influential and powerful person in the group. He
challenges Ralph in front of the other boys, and asks him if he is afraid of the beast,
and causes Ralph to act foolishly. This causes Ralph to lose some of him support and
status in the group.
Shadows and Tall Trees
1. The parachutist is described as: “something like a great ape was sitting asleep with
its head between its knees. Then the wind roared in the forest, there was confusion
in the darkness and the creature lifted its head, holding toward them the ruin of a
face.” It is no longer described as a human remain, but that of an animal. The
children are also referred to as animals: “Ralph found himself taking giant strides
among the ashes, heard other creatures crying out and leaping and dared the
impossible on the dark slope; presently the mountain was deserted, save for the
three abandoned sticks and the thing that bowed.” The children are depicted as
creatures that cried out and leaped down the mountain.
2. “Jack was the first to make himself heard. He had not got the conch and thus
spoke against the rules; but nobody minded.” This is an example of civilization and
order breaking down. The conch symbolizes civilization, but Jack is able to speak
without the conch. He ignores it existence and goes against the rules. Thus order is
deteriorating within the group. Earlier on the boys chant and dance around the fire
after the pig hunt shows how things are becoming more and more savage. The
chants and dances around the fire are an example of how fast the traces of society
are disappearing.
3. In chapter 5, Golding briefly mentions Ralph’s home life. It shows that although he
was pretty well off, his childhood wasn’t exactly smooth. “Mummy had still been with
them and Daddy had come home every day.” His mother for some reason had left
them in his early childhood. And his father, a naval officer, had used to return home
often. But now his father had returned home less frequently. This shows that he was
separated from his parents at a young age and didn’t grow up in their guidance.
4. The scene in how they kill the pig brings up the fact that every human being has a
fair amount savagery within them, and it is likely to erupt once society is taken away.
The boys often are drunk with savageness and they frequently overlook whatever
they were doing, and only realize what they have done during the aftermath. The
killing of the pig acts as a precursor because since the boys take almost the same
positions and act in the similar way when they torture Robert as when they kill
Simon later on.
5. The boys get caught up in a frenzy of hunting, dancing around the fire, and
bloodlust. They torment Robert as if he was a boar, and they nearly kill him before
they realized that he was actually a substitute. Ralph gets caught up in the dancing
and savage frenzy, and he joins the other boys in tormenting Robert. This shows that
he is losing control of the other boys and his own posture. When darkness falls on
the island, Jack asks Ralph to join the hunt for the beast. Ralph argues that it will be
harder to hunt for the beast at night, but he eventually gives in to Jack’s request in
order to regain his status in the eyes of the boys. His giving in to Jack’s request shows
how desperate Ralph, in trying to regain respect and his status.
Gift for the Darkness
1.
Jack lied to the group and told the other boys at the assembly that Ralph had
called his choir group or the hunters, cowards. He accused Ralph of being a coward
and of being weak like Piggy. He accused Ralph of not being able to provide meat for
them and that it was Jack’s that was responsible for their meat. The boys knew
however that Jack was simply trying to spread rumors about Ralph in order to
become the leader. Thus they didn't support him when he demanded that they
should have a reelection.
2.
The way how Jack says his line, shows that he thinks that the whole thing is a
game, instead of a disaster. He uses the word “play”, which shows that he thinks he is
playing a survival games, and that nothing is serious. For example, it is as if a boy
refuses to play tag with another group because they have slightly hurt him. Jack
doesn’t take anything serious and from his line, the reader can infer that he is living
in a world of his own. The significance of the line is it gives a new understanding to
Jack’s attitude and behavior.
3.
Piggy speaks with assurance and keeps his composure most of the time. During
the time after Jack left he spoke with increasing confidence and tried to control the
situation, by saying they don’t need Jack. Piggy scarcely loses his composure and
Ralph and Jack frequently do, he remains mostly calm. He gives Ralph good advice
and helps to calm him after difficult situations. Also Piggy is very stubborn and
doesn’t back down easily, for example many times after Jack accuses him, he retorts
back and refuses to be ignored.
4. Jack’s group of boys use the paint as masks to hide their faces. By the use of the
dazzle painting, Jack’s change of character becomes obvious. From now on he is
wearing a mask to lay down Jacks Merridew’s responsibility for all the things which
happen. The painting is called “war-paint” by Ralph and shows the warrior-like status
of the choir group. Like soldiers, Jack’s supporters have to be obedient, respect their
leader’s law, and maintain discipline and order. There is no individuality anymore,
the boys are only contracted as hunters - “the boys with the stick”. Everybody has to
look and to act the same way.
5. At first the boys kill the pig for food and treat it accordingly. But the killing that
takes place after Jack’s separation is more than killing for the need of food. The boys
“overkill” the pig. Roger sticks his spear into the pig’s anus, and later Robert and
Maurice make fun of what Roger just did. Their actions show they are becoming less
civilized and more savage. When Jack killed the pig, he cut its throat and showed his
bloody hands to the horde of boys; before wiping them on Maurice’s face. Killing
the pig by slitting its throat makes it more brutal and personal. This particular killing
is brutal and savage. Compared to the other killings, this butchery was more out of
fun and entertainment. The way how the boys “play” with the corpse only goes to
show the downfall of society.
6. The pig’s head represents the darkness of mankind and its savagery. It is also the
evil that is exists inside all humans. When Simon talks to the pig’s head or the Lord of
the Flies, he is actually hallucinating, since he suffers from epilepsy. Simon says
"Maybe... it's only us", as a reference to the beast in the beginning. Later when he
talks to the pig’s head, it gives himself an answer: "You knew, didn't you? I'm part of
you?" It's also a clever pun. The flies buzzing around the pig's head makes it seem as
if it were moving. The head, then, becomes the title of the book, The Lord of the flies.
All in all, Simon’s discussion with the pig’s head is him asking himself about whether
the beast exists or not. It makes him realize there is actually no beast at all ,but the
darkness that hides in every person’s heart.
A View to a Death
1.
Simon is a loner and stays away from the group. He faints at the beginning of
the novel, and he goes to a secret place within the forest away from the other boys.
He also has psychic powers, as he is the first to realize the true nature of the beast
and where it really lies. After he discovers the beast is actually the dead pilot, he
suffers from a nose bleed. He suffers from seizures and faints often, which shows he
suffers from epileptic fits.
2.
After the murder of Simon, the last link to civilization is destroyed. After his
violent death, the weather suddenly turns for the worst, and a storm hits the island.
The change in the weather is a signal to the end of peace and tranquility. Before
Simon’s death the weather was still calm and bright, but just after his death a storm
hits. In conclusion, the storm and change in weather act to foreshadow the terrible
things that are to come.
3. “There was the throb and stamp of a single organism.” This quote shows that all
the boys thought and behaved in the same way. They saw Simon and believed he
was the beast. Suddenly the rivalry between Ralph and Jack didn’t matter. A
common thought and goal ran throughout each boy’s head, and that was to kill the
beast. This shows that the reign of civilization is coming to an end. The boys became
one single savage bloodthirsty beast, instead of individual human beings.
4. When the boys were attacking Simon they were described to things similar to
beasts: “The sticks fell and the mouth of the new circle crunched and screamed.”
The circle of boys was compared to that of a beast’s mouth that screamed whilst it
crunched Simon to death. “At once the crowd surged after it, poured down the rock,
leapt on to the beast, screamed, struck, bit, tore. There were no words, and no
movements but the tearing of teeth and claws.” Golding used many vocabularies
that are associated with animals to describe the boys, such as bit and tore. Also he
said, “There were no words, and no movements but the tearing of teeth and claws.”
This gives a strong feeling of a dangerous animal and beast.
5. Golding describes the parting of Simon’s body as mysterious and magical. He
made it seem as if Simon was emitting a soft glow, even though he is dead. Golding
mentions, “The water rose farther and dressed Simon's coarse hair with brightness.
The line of his cheek silvered and the turn of his shoulder became sculptured
marble.” The adjectives used to describe Simon’s body make his leaving seem
graceful and a stark contrast from the evil and sin surrounding the island.
The Shell and the Glasses
1.
In my opinion, I think Ralph is scared and afraid to admit that he had attended
the other boys in the murder of Simon. He allowed himself to act foolishly and go out
of control, and he is afraid to admit that. When Piggy touched Ralph’s shoulder, he
shuddered at the contact. This act of shuddering suggests that Ralph is no longer
human but a savage that fears humans. Ralph allows his mind to be occupied by the
murder, even though Piggy tries to persuade him that it wasn’t his fault.
2.
Robert admires Jack ability in being the chief. The situation before the line goes
like: Then Robert replied saying that the chief required us to challenge everybody,
but Roger then said “You couldn’t stop me coming if I wanted.” Robert then said
“Couldn’t I? Climb up and see.” Roger clambered up the ladder-like cliff. “Look at
this.” A log had been jammed under the topmost rock and another lever under that.
Robert leaned lightly on the lever and the rock groaned. A full effort would send the
rock thundering down to the neck of land. Roger admired. “He’s a proper chief, isn’t
he?” The timing in which Robert says the sentence shows that he admires Jack for
thinking of putting the lever on the rock.
3. The implication of further terrors means that that the current terror would not be
the worst nor the end. It would be dwarfed by the other “terrors”. Thus the thought
of not going through the worst gives the boys some kind of relief and hope that the
future terrors would not be as horrible.
4. “Ralph tried indignantly to remember. There was something good about a fire.
Something overwhelmingly good.” This quotation is significant as it shows how
savage Ralph has become. To Jack the fire was an idol, something to dance around
and to cook his meat. Yet fire has other purposes, such as provide warmth and
protection. These purposes were forgotten by Ralph, who only remembered the
“evils” of fire.
5. Jack returns to Ralph’s tribe and says that they didn’t come for the conch, but
something else. The boys didn’t take the conch because it was of no value to them
and that they didn’t need they order it brought. The significance that the glasses
were taken away is because Piggy’s glasses were needed to light fires and was a
necessity to Jack. His tribe needed the glasses to carry out rituals and start fires. Thus
Jack’s tribe is more practical in stealing the glasses, while they neglect the conch,
which brings order.
Castle Rock
1. Sam thinks that Piggy is too weak and that if Piggy goes with them Jack won’t take
them seriously. "He'll be painted," said Sam, timidly." You know how he'll be......he
won't think much of us.......if he gets waxy we've had it." He thinks that Piggy is a
threat to their safety if they go, since if Piggy gets on Jack’s nerves then Sam, Eric,
and Ralph may be in danger.
2. Sam and Eric both stick by Ralph and Piggy after Simon’s death. This shows their
individuality and represents them as one boy. Also both the boys are nicknamed
SamnEric, which takes away their individual names and merges them into one.
However for the first time in the story, Sam and Eric fight. The fight determines that
they are in fact two different entities, since it is different thinking that leads to
conflict. After the fight, Piggy points out that this has never happened before and
that it is a great deal of concern.
3. Piggy continuously reminds Ralph of the conch and its importance as a tool to
promote law and order. Every time Ralph tries to speak, Piggy uses the conch to get
his matters taken seriously or heard. He constantly is near the conch and holds it
dear. He is naive enough to take it with him to go and confront Jack about stealing
his glasses. Piggy constantly has to remind Ralph of the policy with the conch and its
power of speech.
4. Roger is the common sadist. He likes the idea of inflicting hurt on others, and
supports Jack in order to see others being hurt. He felt a surge of power as he flung
the rocks at Sam and Eric. This gives prove to the fact that Roger is in fact a sadist
and wishes to see others being hurt. In all ,the significance of Roger throwing the
stones goes to show that Roger is Jack’s right hand man and uses his power to get
others to torment Ralph’s group.
5. Roger pushes a giant boulder off the mountain and it hits Piggy, who is thrown off
the cliff and to his death below. The conch shell is also smashed in the violent
collision and is destroyed. The destruction of the conch and the death of Piggy signify
the end of all order, civilization, and society on the island. Also Piggy’s death
symbolizes the end of rational thinking, as it was his ability to think rationally that
allowed Ralph and the others to hold on to civilization. The destruction of both at
the same time makes rational thinking and civilization come to an abrupt stop.
Cry of the Hunters
1.
Jack’s group of boys uses the paint as masks to hide their faces. By using the
painting, Jack changes himself from the choir boy to the bloodthirsty savage. When
he is wearing the mask he doesn’t have to follow the responsibilities that Jack
Merridew has. The masks take away individuality and makes the boys become one.
The masks are a tool to unite the boys and to hide them from their horrid deeds.
2.
Sam and Eric mentioned to Ralph that Roger has sharpened his spear on both
ends. Ralph didn’t comprehend the meaning of their sentence but kept it in his mind.
The savages stuck the pig’s head that was being sacrificed to the beast on Roger’s
spear that was sharpened at both ends. Sam and Eric are terrified because they know
that Roger is planning to find Ralph and then kill him. After killing Ralph, Roger wants
to offer him as a sacrifice to the beast.
3.
“There was only one other rock up there that they might conceivably move; but
that was half as big as a cottage, big as a car, a tank.” By describing nature to
something human or animal it makes it more personal. It gives nature different
features, and provides the reader with a window of imagination.
4.
The officer says “I should have thought that a pack of British boys—you’re all
British, aren’t you?—would have been able to put up a better show that that…” It is
ironic since the officer just came from “civilization”, a cruiser fighting in a war. It is
contradictory as to how the officer seemingly comes to rescue the boys and bring
them back to civilization. The “grownup” world is as violent and bloodthirsty as the
boys on the island. The officer’s reaction when Ralph was crying is also ironic. The
officer became embarrassed and turned away from Ralph to look at the cruiser, in an
attempt to avoid Ralph. Yet the cruiser is a sign of war and thus savageness. In this
case the officer chooses look savagery in the face rather than to face human feelings.