Lord of the Flies Final Study Guide
Why does Ralph weep?
"For the darkness of man's heart, the loss of his innocence, and the fall of a true, wise friend named Piggy."
Why do Ralph and Jack argue about rules? Explain each boy's position.
All Jack wants is power and to have fun, so he wants to have little to no rules, especially ones that are in the group's best interest as opposed to his. Ralph, on the other hand, wants what is best for the group, and so tries to make rules like keeping the signal fire going and building the huts.
Why do you think the author describes the fire as a living person?
Any animal is wild, no matter how tame it may appear-although we can domesticate them, they are all wild at their hearts. The fire is the same way-it can be manipulated to a certain extent, but cannot ever really be tamed.
Why does Jack understand the little ones' fear of The Beast?
Because Jack himself feels as if something is hunting him when he's alone in the forest.
Why does Jack disregard Ralph's accusations of letting the fire go out?
Because he doesn't think the fires are important. His only objective is to hunt and have fun, not to worry about the bigger picture-getting off the island.
What about the boys' shabby appearances disheartens Ralph?
Because he now considers this shabbiness normal, showing the boys' gradual decline from civilization.
Why doesn't Jack kill the trapped piglet? How does he react when the piglet escapes?
Because he's still somewhat civilized, and fears taking a life. He later regrets his mercy.
Why does Piggy still question the beast's existence after Ralph confirms it?
Because the existence of the beast does not make scientific sense. Piggy thinks in a scientific way and so cannot accept the existence of a supernatural being.
Why does Jack tell Ralph that the tribe does what he wants? Why does the tribe obey Jack?
Because they do listen to him, and he wants to gloat. Jack's tribe listens to him because he offers them fun and protection from the beat, instead of the responsibility of an organized civilization.
Why do you think some of the boys sneak away to join Jack?
Because they wanted to hunt and have fun, rather than having responsibilities.
Why does Ralph stop dreaming about Dartmoor and the ponies?
Because those things symbolize wildness and freedom-things that no longer appeal to Ralph.
How does Jack hope to appease the beast?
By killing the sow and giving her head to the beast as an offering.
How does Jack end Ralph's assembly?
By saying that he will kill the beast.
How do Johnny and Henry show signs of having dominating personalities?
By trapping and controlling the small tidal creatures, throwing sand, and doing whatever they want-disobeying authority.
How does Jack act when hunting?
Dog-like and savage. Hunting allows his savage nature to emerge.
How does the conch become a symbol of authority?
Due to its ability to gather the boys via blowing in it and Ralph's subsequent designation of oratory power to it.
How is fear affecting the group?
Fear is spreading like a disease and causing them to think irrationally.
What concerns the little boy with the mulberry-colored birthmark on his face?
He claims to have to seen the beast.
What period of his life does Ralph dream about? Why does he dream about this period?
He dreams about his five-year-old life living in a cottage in the English village. He misses his family and the time in his life when everything was alright. He yearns for societal boundaries.
Why does Ralph suddenly feel that hunting is good?
He felt energized and excited by his hitting of the pig's snout. He also gained the group's respect, something that he hadn't had in a while.
When Jack's group attacks, with whom does Ralph fight?
He fights with Eric.
What happens to the parachutist?
He gets blown into the ocean by the wind after being released from Castle Rock by Simon.
What is the "sense of delirious abandonment" (p. 180) that Roger feels?
He is abandoning society for his own savagery and good time. He no longer cares about other people-in fact, he finds pleasure in hurting them.
Why won't Ralph blow the conch to reassemble the boys?
He is afraid that they won't come-and if they don't, the conch will have lost its power and he will probably lose power.
Why does Ralph wish for a message from the adults?
He is scared without adults and feels that they need an adult to lead them and to help them make the right decisions.
Who is Jack Merridew, and what does he look like?
He is the leader of the choir boys, wears a black cap, and has red hair. He is tall, thin, boney, and has freckles.
What are some qualities Ralph realizes he needs in order to be chief? How does he compare himself to Piggy?
He needs to think and be wise. Though he is not as smart as Piggy, he knows what is good for himself and the group. He knows that he needs to be strong and assert his power over the group.
How does Jack respond to Ralph's taunting that he does not have shelters?
He replies that they have their dance/chant, which will keep them warm.
What does Jack say that reveals that being rescued is not his top priority?
He says that he wants to kill a pig before they get off of the island.
Why did Maurice hurry away from Percival?
He still thought that that he will be punished, even with no adults present.
What does Piggy suggest be done every morning? Why?
He suggests that they allow the fire to die out at night and relight it every morning. At this point, there aren't enough people still in Ralph's tribe to maintain it throughout the day and night.
What does Jack take during the attack? What does he leave behind? Why?
He takes the glasses to start his fire, and he leaves behind the conch because he has no respect for it anymore.
What does Ralph lecture the boys about in his assembly to "put things straight" (p.79)
He tells the group to keep the signal fire lit and to go to the bathroom in the right place-not just anywhere they want.
How does Jack challenge Ralph?
Jack implies that Ralph doesn't want to climb the mountain at night because he is afraid. Then he declares that he will go up the mountain himself, because he's not scared.
What are Ralph's reasons for establishing rules? How does Jack react?
He wants to maintain some vestige of civilization upon the island, in addition to establishing his superiority. Jack is enamored with possibility of punishing wayward souls.
What do you think Simon means when he says, ' maybe [the beast is] only us" (p. 89)?
He was talking about the innate savagery within all of the boys, and within all humans.
How is Simon different from the other boys?
He's more sensitive, and in tune with other people's emotions. He's also a loner, and likes being in nature. He is the kindest of all of the boys.
What warning does the Lord of the Flies give Simon?
If Simon tries to meddle, the others will "do" him (i.e. kill him). The Lord of the Flies also warns him that he will "have some fun with him." If Simon had listened to the Lord of the Flies, he would not have died like he did.
Why does Simon believe the others should know about the dead parachutist as soon as possible?
In the dark of night, the others thought that the moving figure on the mountain is the beast, which caused panic among the group. Simon now knows that there isn't really any beast, and hopes that if he tells them the truth about the beast, the savagery that has become rampant with them will end.
Where do Jack and his hunters kill the mother sow?
In the forest glade that Simon originally found.
What is the significance of Roger throwing stones at Henry but purposely not hitting him?
It shows that he is still held back by society's constraints-just like Jack with the pig.
How does Jack's painted mask affect him?
Jack putting on his face paint allows his inner savage to emerge. It makes him anonymous when with the other boys with painted faces and free to perform his savage acts.
What does Ralph come to realize when he considers being an outlaw on the island?
Jack will never leave him alone due to the "indefinable connection between them."
Why do Ralph and Jack argue about building shelters?
Jack would rather hunt than build-he thinks it's more important, and it's more fun.
What causes all the littluns to cry?
Percival can't remember his name, and so he starts to cry that he's been away from his home for so long and because he misses his family. This makes everyone else cry for the same reasons.
Where does Percival say the beast lives? How does Maurice support Percival's theory?
Percival says that the beat may come from the sea. Maurice supports this idea with the fact that there are thousands of undiscovered species that live in the sea.
Why does Piggy believe that Jack will return his glasses? What does this indicate about Piggy?
Piggy believes that there is still a good, civilized side to Jack and that he could be someone who could be reasoned with. Piggy is still clinging on to the last strands of civilization.
How is Piggy a voice of reason?
Piggy scolds the other boys for not listening to Ralph, for acting childish, and not keeping the fire in control.
What does Piggy suggest as a solution to the fire problem, and how does it help the other boys?
Piggy suggests building the fire on the beach-this allows them to keep the fire going easily and gives them hope and security at night.
What happens to the Lord of the Flies?
Ralph breaks it and takes the stick it's on to use as a weapon.
Why do the boys elect Ralph as leader?
Ralph is a confident, well-built, and charismatic "bigun". He seems like a natural leader to the boys, especially the littluns. He is also the one who blew the conch and called all of the boys to gather at his position.
How do Ralph and Jack react when the naval officer asks, "Who's boss here?" (p.201)?
Ralph says that he's the leader, and Jack almost contests him but thinks better of it-especially as being the leader means taking responsibility for all that's happened on the island.
Who spots the ship on the horizon? Who asks if there is smoke coming from the signal fire?
Ralph spots the ship. Piggy asks if smoke is coming from the signal fire.
How does Ralph reassert his power as chief? What is Jack's reaction?
Ralph stood in the spot where the fire used to be. No one would ask him to move. Jack was powerless and angry.
Why do the boys shout out, "Treasure Island...Swallows and Amazons...Coral Island? (pp. 34-35)? What literary device is the author using by referencing these novels?
Ralph want the boys to have a good time on the island, which the boys associate with other characters. This is known as an allusion.
How do Ralph's, Jack's, and Piggy's priorities differ about what should be done first on the island?
Ralph wants to start a signal fire, Jack wants to hunt, and Piggy wants to gather names and build huts.
Why do Piggy and Simon want Ralph to remain chief?
Ralph wants what is best for the group and is kind to Piggy and Simon. Jack, on the other hand, wants only what is best for himself and bullies them (especially Piggy) into doing what he wants. He would be a cruel leader.
How do Ralph, Jack, and Piggy deal with fear?
Ralph: tries to deal with his fear logically Jack: manipulates it Piggy: is often afraid-tries to deal with his fear logically
Who climbs the mountain with Ralph and Jack?
Roger
Who told Ralph that he will get home?
Simon
Who was the only boy to help Ralph build shelter?
Simon
Why does Simon doubt the beast's existence?
Simon is the only one who understands the true nature of the beast. He realizes that the beast is not a physical entity, but something that lurks within man's spirit. The other boys are not mature enough to understand this.
Why do you think Jack tells his tribe that they cannot kill the beast?
So that he can remain in power-his control over them depends on their fear of the beast and him being able to "protect" them from it.
What does Roger learn from Robert, the sentry at the Castle Rock?
That Jack has a rock waiting to roll down on any enemy who approaches-and that that he is going to beat up Wilfred.
What does Eric mean when he says, "But they'll be painted! You know how it is" (p. 172)
That the boys who are painted have allowed themselves to become savage. They probably won't listen to the boys, and are willing to kill or injure to get what they want.
What agreement do Ralph, Piggy, Sam, and Eric reach about Simon's death? Why do they need this agreement?
That they left early from the feast so didn't witness/participate in Simon's murder. They need this agreement so that they don't have to admit their guilt.
Why does Ralph lose hope of rescue?
The beast's presence on the mountain prevents the boys from lighting the fire-which is the only way to get rescued.
What happens when Jack tries to overthrow Ralph as chief?
The boys are silent and unsupportive of Jack, and he storms off toward his own camp. But some of the boys quickly and quietly follow him after the meeting finishes and no one is looking.
Why do you think Piggy expected Jack to steal the conch? Why didn't Jack take it?
The conch was a symbol of civilization and power-at least when Ralph was chief. Piggy didn't yet understand that Jack and his followers had lost all respect for civilization and, therefore, the conch.
What do the boys see on top of the mountain?
The dead parachutist who they mistake for the beast.
What shape is the island, and what might it symbolize?
The island is shaped like a boat-something that the boys are searching for for the entire novel to save them.
What might Piggy's death and the shattering of the conch symbolize?
The loss of logic, intelligence, and reason, and the loss of any last piece of civilization and order.
Why does the naval officer think the boys are enjoying "fun and games" (p. 200)?
The naval officer thinks the boys are enjoying "fun and games" because the boy's bodies are streaked with colored clay, with sharp sticks in their hands. He can't imagine that proper British boys would ever have acted in such a savage way, so he assumes that the must have been playing a game.
What is the physical representation of "the Lord of the Flies"? What is its symbolic representation?
The physical representation is the sow's head on a stick that was given to the "beast" as an offering. The symbolic representation is the innate savagery that lives inside everyone.
Why does the tribe flush Ralph from the jungle? Why does Ralph think they are fools?
The tribe flushes Ralph from the jungle using a fire so that they can force him to confront them-a match that he is sure to lose. Ralph sees that burning down the jungle guarantees death, as they've burned down any source of food and shelter that they could've had.
What occurs over head while the boys sleep? What is the beast from the air?
There is a dogfight in the air. One of the planes is shot down, and a pilot ejects from one of the planes. However, he is dead, and he lands on the island being blown by the wind.
Where are the boys from, and why are they on the island?
They are English schoolboys who crash-landed on the island in an attempt to escape from the next World War.
What do the boys use Piggy's glasses for? What might the glasses symbolize?
They are used to start the fire, and symbolize intelligence and technology.
How do the boys become a "single organism," and what do they do as a result?
They become a frenzied mob during their dance and end up killing Simon.
How do you Sam and Eric describe the beast? What do they say about his movements?
They described it as furry, having eyes, teeth, claws, and wings. They also claimed that it chased them.
At Jack's feast, where do Ralph and Piggy find Jack? Describe his appearance.
They find him on a beach sitting on a log. They describe him as a savage king. He is painted and has food and drink surrounding him.
Why does Jack strike Piggy?
They get into an argument over the fire and Jack and his hunters being immature, and Jack asserts his physical dominance over Piggy by attacking him. He doesn't know how to control his emotions.
What does it mean that Jack and Ralph look at each other baffled in love and hate?
They have completely different priorities and don't understand each other. Because under different circumstances they might have been friends.
Where did the boys look for the beast? How did Jack react to this part of the island?
They look for the beast at what is later referred to as Castle Rock. Jack thought that this part of the island would make a good fort.
According to Sam and Eric, what are Jack and Roger's plans for Ralph?
They plan to kill him and put his head on a stick like the Lord of the Flies.
What do the hunters do to Robert after one of their hunts?
They stage a reenactment of the hunt of the pig, with Robert playing the pig. They are so swept up in their savage dance and chant that they nearly kill him.
What is society like for the littluns?
They try to get food and do their best to be helpful, but mostly they just end up playing around.
How do Ralph and Piggy feel about the absence of adults?
They, unlike the other boys, are very worried for the group-without adults, there's no one to lead them, no one to tell them what to do, and no one who really knows what they're doing.
Why does Ralph make the rule: "Where the conch is, that's a meeting" (p.42)
To establish his leadership and give power to the conch.
What does Jack volunteer the hunters to do?
To keep the signal fire alight.
