English Lord of the Flies
What predicition does Simon make?
Simon predicts that Ralph will get back safely from the other side of the island.
What do the hunters chant?
"Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood."
List in order what happens to Simon. Try to picture it in your mind.
- The others notice there is something different about him. They call him batty because he believes that the littluns are right about there being a beast. They also notice that he is reversed in the fact that he keeps to himself. -Simon volunteers to go out. While he is out, he witnesses teh pig being hunted. While hallucinating, Simon hears the Lord of the Flies threatening him. -Simon sees the dead parachutist and tries to make his way back to the rest of the people at Jack's party to deliver the news that there is no beast. -The boys mistake Simon for the beast and beat him to death.
Chapter 1 http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34661-lord-of-the-flies-chapter-summaries/
A plane evacuating British boys has been shot down in the Pacific. The boys have been ejected safely from the plane and have landed on a remote island. With no adult supervision, they attempt to establish order and a plan for survival. They elect a chief (Ralph) and he selects Jack Merridew, a militant choir bully, to rule over the choir, who become hunters. We also meet Piggy in chapter 1. Piggy is fat, suffers from asthma, and has no social skills. He immediately becomes the target of the other boys who make fun of him. Piggy finds a conch shell and shows Ralph how to blow it. The sound of the shell calls the boys together for assemblies and to discuss important matters. At each assembly, the boy holding the conch is the only one allowed to speak. At the assembly, Jack, Simon, and Ralph decide to explore the island. They confirm their suspicions that they are on an island. Towards the end of chapter 1, the three explorers find a trapped pig. The pig gets away.
Chapter 6 http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34661-lord-of-the-flies-chapter-summaries/
A plane is shot down high above as the children sleep. A dead parachutist lands on the island, stuck in the rocks and trees. Samneric see the dead parachutist and mistake it for the beast. The boys hunt for the beast. They can't find it. Jack thinks he's found a good fort from which to throw rocks at people. After not finding the beast, Ralph notices the fire has gone out. None of the others, especially Jack, seem to care.
Quote: ...Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man's heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy. (209) http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34385-lord-of-the-flies-quotes/
Also ironically, although Ralph has been rescued from death by the appearance of the officer, he weeps not for joy, but to mourn what has happened on the island. Even upon escaping the island, the beast will still be a part of them and present even in the "civilized world". His tears cause the other boys to weep as well. Through this experience they have realized their own inner darkness, and life will never be the same again.
Quote: "I gave you food," said Jack, "and my hunters will protect you from the beast. Who will join my tribe?" (150) http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34385-lord-of-the-flies-quotes/
Analysis: After a successful hunt Jack finally makes his move to usurp Ralph's leadership. Jack uses the threat of the beast as a means to manipulate others into giving him power. Minutes later a storm comes upon them. Ralph thinks he can wrestle power back from Jack by reminding the hunters that they have no shelter. Jack sways the crowd by having them engage in a tribal dance. Even Ralph and Piggy join in.
Quote: "You're a beast and a swine and a bloody, bloody thief!" (177) http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34385-lord-of-the-flies-quotes/
Analysis: As Ralph confronts Jack in a fight for authority, he exclaims that Jack is a beast, confirming what Simon learned earlier, the beast is inside us. He also keeps accusing Jack of theft, although this accusation is meaningless in the absence of civilization.
Quote: At length Ralph got up and went to the conch. He took the shell caressingly with both hands and knelt, leaning against the trunk. (155) http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34385-lord-of-the-flies-quotes/
Analysis: At the opening of the chapter, most of the boys have joined Jack leaving only Ralph and Piggy on the beach with some little'uns, with Sam and Eric gathering wood. The conch was once a symbol of authority and civilization. It has now become meaningless. Ralph clings to it for comfort as he reflects on what has happened to Simon.
Quote: Jack was the first to make himself heard. He had not got the conch and thus spoke against the rules; but nobody minded. http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34385-lord-of-the-flies-quotes/
Analysis: The conch, symbolic of law and order, holds very little importance to the boys. Jack, the usurper of authority, is the obvious choice to break the rules.
Quote: "We saw your smoke. What have you been doing? Having a war or something?" (207) http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34385-lord-of-the-flies-quotes/
Analysis: In the final chapter, Jack sets the jungle on fire to smoke Ralph out of hiding. Just when Ralph is surrounded by savages on the beach, their hunt is interrupted by the arrival of a naval officer. Ironically, Jack's act of savagery is the cause of their finally being rescued. The naval officer, who is at war himself, thinks that the children are just playing a game, another example of irony.
Quote: By him stood Piggy still holding out the talisman, the fragile, shining beauty of the shell. The storm of sound beat at them, an incantation of hatred. High overhead, Roger, with a sense of delirious abandonment, leaned all his weight on the lever. (180) http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34385-lord-of-the-flies-quotes/
Analysis: In this climactic passage, Piggy makes one last attempt to restore order. The conch, once full of power, is now nothing but an object. Roger, the least understanding of civility, prepares to release a large rock upon the enemies of the tribe. Piggy stands directly in the rock's path and is killed.
Quote: The forest near them burst into uproar. Demoniac figures with faces of white and red and green rushed out howling...stark naked save for the paint and a belt was Jack (140). http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34385-lord-of-the-flies-quotes/
Analysis: Jack and the hunters have become the embodiment of evil. They attack Ralph and Piggy in an effort to usurp power.
Quote: They knew very well why he hadn't: because of the enormity of the knife descending and cutting into living flesh; because of the unbearable blood (31). http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34385-lord-of-the-flies-quotes/
Analysis: Jack fears killing the pig in chapter 1, a fear he overcomes as he sheds civilization and adopts the way of the savage.
Quote: He tried to convey the compulsion to track down and kill that was swallowing him up (51). http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34385-lord-of-the-flies-quotes/
Analysis: Jack's transformation from civilized bully to savage killer has begun. He's obsessed with hunting at the expense of all else, even rescue.
Quote: "That was murder." (156) http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34385-lord-of-the-flies-quotes/
Analysis: Piggy tries to rationalize the killing of Simon while Ralph makes the statement that they have committed murder. This judgement seems strangely out of place, however, in a place which has been stripped of laws and a moral code.
Quote: The chief led then, trotting steadily, exulting in his achievement. He was a chief now in truth; and he made stabbing motions with his spear. From his left hand dangled Piggy's broken glasses. (168) http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34385-lord-of-the-flies-quotes/
Analysis: Ralph's camp is attacked at night. After the tussle, they realize Jack had not come for the conch shell, which now is meaningless, but the glasses, which allow the ability to make fire. This last symbol of civilization is now stripped of its original purpose. Jack is now no longer referred to as "Jack", but "the chief".
Quote: I'm warning you. I'm going to get angry. D'you see? You're not wanted. Understand? We are going to have fun on this island! So don't try it on, my poor misguided boy, or else-- (143) http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34385-lord-of-the-flies-quotes/
Analysis: Simon is having a conversation with a pig's head on a stick. The importance of this quote, however, goes beyond that of a boy losing his mind. Simon represents everything that is good. The Lord of the Flies (the pig's head) represents all that is evil. The two cannot coexist.
Quote: The beast struggled forward, broke the ring and fell over the steep edge of the rock to the sand by the water. 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. (153) http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34385-lord-of-the-flies-quotes/
Analysis: Simon represents goodness. In this moment, evil has taken over the boys and they eliminate goodness from the island. Simon was the one with the information of where the true evil lay. His message will now never be delivered. This interaction between good and evil is the conclustion to Simon's conversation with the pig head in chapter 8.
Quote: "Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!" (152) http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34385-lord-of-the-flies-quotes/
Analysis: Simon rushes towards the group determined to tell them the beast is nothing but a dead body. However, the boys are incensed with the tribal dance and the thrill of reenacting the hunt and turn on Simon. This repeated chant echoes the chant from chapter four during the pig hunt.
Quote: Within the diamond haze of the beach something dark was fumbling along...Then the creature stepped from the mirage on to clear sand, and they saw that the darkness was not all shadow but mostly clothing (19). http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34385-lord-of-the-flies-quotes/
Analysis: The arrival of Jack Merridew and his militant choir is described as the arrival of a beast or creature, foreshadowing Jack's transformation from despotic choir leader to pig hunter to murderous dictator later in the novel.
Quote: The head is for the beast. It's a gift (137). http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34385-lord-of-the-flies-quotes/
Analysis: The boys are sacrificing pig heads to a beast. In reality, they are sacrificing pigs to satisfy their own lust for blood.
Quote: "What would a beast eat?" / "Pig." / "We eat pig." / "Piggy!" (83). http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34385-lord-of-the-flies-quotes/
Analysis: The boys are still fearful of a beastie roaming the island. The fact that the beast eats pig is significant and symbolic. The beast of whom they speak is the boys or the evil within the boys. It is the boys who kill Piggy later in the novel. In other words, the beast does eat pig, metaphorically speaking.
Quote: ...hair much too long, tangled here and there, knotted round a dead leaf or twig; clothes, worn away, stiff like his own with sweat, put on, not for decorum or comfort but out of custom; the skin of the body scurfy with brine-- (110) http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34385-lord-of-the-flies-quotes/
Analysis: The boys' appearance has become less and less civilized as the novel progresses. Their outward appearance is a reflection of their inward state.
Quote: Startled, Ralph realized that the boys were falling still and silent, feeling the beginnings of awe at the power set free below them. The knowledge and awe made him savage (44). http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34385-lord-of-the-flies-quotes/
Analysis: The fire that breaks loose on the mountain symbolizes the uncontrollable savagery that soon befalls the stranded boys. Just like the savage fire kills the boy with the birthmark, the boys' savagery kills others.
Quote: Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Bash her in (75). http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34385-lord-of-the-flies-quotes/
Analysis: The hunter's rhythmic chant after the pig hunt is creepy and shows just how bad things are getting.
Quote: He says he saw the beastie, the snake thing, and will it come back tonight...he says in the morning it turned them into things like ropes in the trees and hung in the branches (36). http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34385-lord-of-the-flies-quotes/
Analysis: There are many references to beasts in the novel. The concept is introduced in chapter 2 by a littlun. No matter how much Ralph attempts to assuage their fears about the Beastie, the group of boys still fear it. Simon discovers later that they are the Beastie.
Quote: But a sign came down from the world of grownups, though at the time there was no child awake to read it. There was a sudden bright explosion and corkscrew trail across the sky; then darkness again and stars (95). http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34385-lord-of-the-flies-quotes/
Analysis: This comes immediately after Piggy expresses his hope for a sign from the adult world to straighten things up. This is the sign: a plane is shot down and a parachutist, dead, falls from the sky, is dragged up the mountain, gets stuck in a tree, and becomes the beast. In short, the adults, who are at war, are no less savage than the boys.
Quote: The mask was a thing of its own, behind which Jack had liberated from shame and self-consciousness (64). http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34385-lord-of-the-flies-quotes/
Analysis: What small semblance of civility Jack had has been obliterated by his hunting mask.
What is Henry doing while Roger watches him?
At the waters edge, Henry was poking things with stick that washed upshore. Also, he made, "runnels that the tide filled and trid to crowd them with creatures."
How does Jack's attack on Piggy and the breaking of one of the lenses in his spectacles symbolize the degeneration of the group?
Because Piggy is an intelligent and rational thinker, therefore, Piggy is an asset to the group. But when the glasses are broken, it shows that the group members are acting more violent towards eachother and there is a shift in power. Jack and the hunters are breaking the rules and not even Ralph can stop them, Finally, it shows that they are not longer tolerant of eachother. Piggy and his glasses held the group together and the tie was severed.
How does Golding begin to portray Jack's group as heathen?
He calls them savages, not mentioning their names
At the end of the chapter what does Ralph look for?
He could communicate with his father or other grown ups because they know what to do. He wishes for, "a sign... or something."
Why hadn't Jack been able to kill the pig?
He couldn't get past the thought of taking a living thing's life. He hesitated and the pig escaped.
How does Ralph respond to Piggy's practical suggestion to have a meeting?
He first ignores it and daydreams. But once they found the conch shell, Ralph decided to use it to call any others together for the meeting, using Piggy's original idea.
What happens when Simon goes back into the woods?
He hides behind the leaves and witnesses Jack's lot hunt a pig and then cut off it's head as a gift to the beast. Once they leave, he hallucinates that the head has come to life and is mocking him.
Why doesn't Ralph blow the conch when the meeting dissolves into chaos?
He knows that no one would listen; his authority was taken away. He said, " If I blow the conch and they don't come back, then we've had it. We shan't keep the fire going. We'll be like animals. We'll never be rescued."
When Simon thought of the beast, what picture came to mind?
He pictured, "a human at once heroic and sick."
Why are Ralph's fingernails bitten? What is Ralph insinuating when he says, "be sucking my thumb next?"
He restarted his habit of chewing them. His comment is a way for him to insinuate he will revert back to his old habits from earlier in his life.
A littlun says he sees something moving in the jungle at night. Who/what was it?
He saw Simon wandering about in the trees coming out from the secret jungle glade.
Why does Jack think that dressing the way that they were dressed would help them when dealing with Jack?
He wants to confront them in a civilized way and remind them that they are not savages, but proper school boys.
What do you think he actually sees and talks to?
I think he actually is just seeing the normal pig's head but is hallucinating because of the madness of everything that is happening on the island. At the same time, I feel that the hallucination was influenced by Satan. In many ways, the pig's head is full of evil spiritedness.
Why do you think Ralph, Piggy, Sam and Eric deny being at the dance?
I think they deny being at the dance because they realize what happened was a huge mistake and they are in denial. They do not want to admit that they were a part of the dance because that would mean that they are murderers.
What is Ralph realizing is necessary in order to be a leader?
In order to be a leader, you must be wise. You have to be ready when an occasion slips by to make decisions that will benefit the whole group. The attribute of wisdom was valuable and he saw that it got results. He saw this in Piggy and knew it was how he had to lead.
How did the littluns spend their day?
Playing and eating fruit which gives them stomach aches and bad diarrhea
How has the significance of the conch changed?
It has lost power and influence as a tool for keeping order. In the beginning Jack made a greater attempt to follow the rules of the conch but now he doesn't even care. He ignores that people are even talking.
What does it mean when Roger felt the "taboo of the old life"? Also, what does it mean when Jack approached Roger "a darker shadow crept beneath... [Roger's] skin."? What effect is Jack having on Roger?
It means that when Roger was doing mean things to the littluns, there was a psychological effect on him; it caused him to remember the repercussions that cruelty would have involved in his old society. At this point, Roger still feels limited by authoritative figures like adults, policemen, school rules, and laws even though he could technically do whatever he wanted to. Also, when Roger recalls being around Jack, he says a dark shadow crept beneath his skin. I think that means that Jack brings around a sense of evilness and that influences the way that Roger treats other people.
Why were the boys so scared of the war paint?
It was a symbol of savagery and behind it, many cruel acts could be freely committed.
Explain the exchange of power at the beginning of chapter 8.
Jack and Ralph get into an argument. Ralph insults Jack and his hunters while Jack says that Ralph is not a good leader. As a result, Jack asks the boys if they should replace Ralph and no one responds. With hurt feelings Jack storms into the forest and says he is no longer going to follow Ralph. This takes away Ralph's power because Jack is an essential part of his group and he just lost him. Also, the other kids have to decide who they want to be their leader. In this way, Ralph goes from having absolute power to limited power.
Chapter 8 http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34661-lord-of-the-flies-chapter-summaries/
Jack calls a meeting, insults Ralph, and asks for Ralph to no longer be chief. Nobody else agrees. Jack, embarrassed, leaves the tribe and goes into the forest. The assembly continues. Simon suggests they go up the mountain. Piggy suggests they build the fire on the beach since the beast is on the mountain. The boys gather wood. The littluns sing and dance. Roger, Bill, Maurice, and other biguns escape into the woods, following Jack. Simon has also disappeared into his secret spot. The hunters track down a pig and kill it. They chop off its head and offer it to the beast as a sacrifice. Flies swarm. The hunters race back to the beach to steal fire. Simon arrives at the pig's head after the hunters have left. He imagines the pig's head is speaking to him. The pig's head tells Simon he can't escape. Jack's hunters raid Ralph's camp for fire and invite the others.
Chapter 3 http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34661-lord-of-the-flies-chapter-summaries/
Jack is obsessed with hunting pigs although he has yet to catch one. Ralph and Simon work on the huts. Everyone else plays. Jack has become savage in his quest for blood. Ralph and Jack argue. Simon wanders off, helps the littluns get fruit, and continues to an isolated location.
What is Jack preoccupied with?
Jack is preoccupied with the obsession of needing to find a pig and kill it. The first time, and every other time he has either been mentally or physically unable.
Why does Jack deny that the beast is dead?
Jack needs to convince the others that the beast is still alive because oddly enough, the fear of the beast unites them in wanting to be under Jack's direction for safety reasons. Also, it gives him an excuse to go hunting. They are all wrapped around his finger and he has lots of power.
What does Jack say about the conch?
Jack says that the group no longer needs the conch because they know how to act when other people are talking and that silence is really the best anyways.
How does Jack treat the others?
Jack treats the others like he is more superior and dominant while they have to obey his orders. He achieves organization by bullying the other kids and gets everyone to join in against his victim.
Describe how Jack and the hunters change. List several qualities.
One thing that has changed about Jack and his hunters is the way they respond to him. In the beginning, they obeyed his orders and Ralph's orders, but as power shifted into Jack's hands the hunters treat him like a god. This is demonstrated by the situation in which Simon was killed. All Jack had to do was say, "Do the dance!" and the other hunters followed his orders with blind faith; without question. Another way they have changed is they aren't thinking logically. For instance, under the direction of Ralph they were forced to focus on other important things than hunting. But under Jack as a ruler, they only focus on the things that give them a great thrill. In this way, they have reversed behaviorally.
What does Piggy attempt to call the group's attention to?
Piggy attempts to draw the group's attention to the fact that nobody knows where they are because they never got to their final destination since the plane was shot down.
How does Piggy change?
Piggy becomes more confident and excited. This is evident in the quote, "Piggy was so full of delight and expanding liberty in Jack's departure, so full of pride in his contribution to the good of society, that he helped fetch the wood." (120)
Chapter 11 http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34661-lord-of-the-flies-chapter-summaries/
Piggy declares his intention to confront Jack and demand his glasses back. The four boys go to castle rock, conch in hand. Ralph blows the conch at the fort entrance. Ralph and Jack spar. Ralph demands Piggy's glasses. Jack's savages tie up Samneric. Piggy tries to talk sense into the savages. Roger wedges the giant rock loose. It smashes the conch and knocks Piggy off the cliff. Jack and the others throw spears at Ralph, who runs away.
Descibe Piggy's physical features and also his reaction to being on the island. List at least 3 attributes.
Piggy is first described as short and fat. This creates an obstacle when it comes to athleticism. Piggy's weight most likely gave him his asthma which hinders his ability to be active. Also, it can be assumed that he is either younger or less educated due to his grammar. Lastly, Piggy yearns to be accepted by his peers. For example, when Ralph was teasing him, "Piggy grinned reluctantly, pleased dispite himself at even this much recognition," (11).
What had Piggy overheard the pilot saying?
Piggy overheard the pilot saying that an "atom bomb" went off at the airport and killed everyone.
Who is missing?
Piggy realizes the little boy who warned about the beastie is now missing and he had been playing over by the fire consumed area.
How does Piggy treat a small boy? What does this tell us about Piggy?
Piggy treats a small boy kindly and respectfully by getting the group to listen to what he had to say. This action tells us that Piggy will look out for other people and that they can count on him.
How does Ralph attract the other boys on the island? What does he do?
Ralph attracted the other boys on the island by blowing into the conch that him and Piggy found which produced a loud sound that could be heard for miles.
What complaints does Ralph have? What has he noticed about the people?
Ralph complains to Jack that there are only three people who are actually working;himself, Jack, and Simon. He says that after they have meetings the littluns work for 5 minutes and get bored or hungry so they take a break and play, all of which he did not have a chance to do because he was working on constructing the huts. Then, Ralph complains about his job because, "everyone gets to do something they like but him."
Why does Simon go off alone?
Ralph did not think it was a good idea to leave Piggy alone with the littluns and he needed someone to relay the message that they would be back after dark.
Chapter 12 http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34661-lord-of-the-flies-chapter-summaries/
Ralph flees and returns at night to speak with Samneric who are the new guards. They warn Ralph to go away. Ralph learns the tribe will hunt him the next day like a pig. Roger is sharpening a stick at both ends. Ralph hides in a thicket. One of the twins gives away Ralph's location. They eventually fill the thicket with smoke. Ralph charges out and runs for his life. The hunters pursue. Ralph notices the island has caught fire. The hunters chase Ralph down to the beach where he finds a naval officer there to rescue them.
What has Ralph come to accept as normal?
Ralph has gotten used to the state of his personal hygiene; he is dirty all the time. His hair has gotten long and filthy, hasn't been able to bathe with soap, brush his teeth, and the other children's faces made them appear to have face planted in mud or been brought down on a rainy day.
Describe Ralph's physical features and also his reaction to being on the island. List at least 3 attributes.
Ralph is described as being pale with fair hair in the beginning. He is taller in relationship to Piggy, and thinner as well. He has wide shoulders and is built like a boxer. You can tell that he is better educated by his grammar. Finally, Ralph is a natural born leader which is evident when he creates order among the boys and makes sure everyone has a job.
As the boys are searching the island, who leads the group when they get to the ledge?
Ralph leads the boys once they get to the ledge, over the rocks and sort of a half cave.
What does Ralph do to make Jack feel better? What is compromised?
Ralph makes Jack feel better by giving him the power to decide what the choirboys get to do and lead them in it. In this way, Ralph compromises by giving away a power that he received to Jack.
What rules does Ralph make regarding fires?
Ralph makes the rule that they, "ought to die before letting the fire out." Also, as a safety precaution, no where can have fire but on the top of the mountain so they have to cook up there.
How does Ralph think they will be rescued?
Ralph thinks that he will be rescued by his father who is in the Navy when he gets his leave. He thought his dad would find out from the airport, but Piggy says it has been bombed.
Chapter 5 http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34661-lord-of-the-flies-chapter-summaries/
Ralph tries to set things in order. He reestablishes rules regarding the fire and where to go to the bathroom. The subject of the beast is brought up. Jack argues the island is too small for a beast. One of the boys claims the beast comes from the sea. The boys argue. Simon suggests that they are the beast. They all make fun of him. The arguing continues. Jack storms away from the meeting with his hunters, who make horrific sounds in the darkness. Piggy begs Ralph to call them back with the conch. He longs for grown ups to make things right.
Ironically, what Ralph wished for came true. What happens? Why is the answer to his wish depressingly ironic?
Ralph wished for an adult to come and save them, and a fighter jet gets shot down so a dead pilot falls out of the sky and crashes into the forest. This is depressingly ironic because what he wished for came true, but the whole purpose was for the adult to bring them back to civilization which a dead person cannot do.
Chapter 10 http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34661-lord-of-the-flies-chapter-summaries/
Ralph, Piggy and Samneric are the only ones left in the original tribe. Ralph and Piggy express their horror over witnessing/participating in Simon's murder. Jack and his crew have taken up residence at the fort. Roger approaches and is told of one of the boys (Wilfred) being tied up and whipped. Jack and his tribe have been transformed into savages. They plot to steal fire. They raid Ralph and Piggy's camp and steal Piggy's glasses.
How do you think Robert feels during this ritual?
Robert feels frightened during the ritual and actually fears for his life. By the description of him crying, you can tell that he feel they took things too far.
Chapter 4 http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34661-lord-of-the-flies-chapter-summaries/
Roger and Maurice bully the littluns on the beach. They are still, however, held back by rules they learned in civilization. Jack paints his face for hunting. His mask liberates him from the rules of civilization. He leads the boys on a hunting expedition. As Jack and the hunters are out, a ship passes by. Ralph realizes the hunters have let the fire go out. He races to the top, but is unable to light it in time. Jack and the hunters return with a pig. Ralph and Jack argue. Jack punches Piggy in the gut. One of Piggy's lenses from his glasses breaks. The boys cook the pig and have a feast. Ralph announces a meeting.
In what ways does Roger seem cruel?
Roger seems cruel because of the way he treats the littluns. In the beginning of the chapter, he and Maurice came out of the forest and walked straight through the littlun's sand castles that they mad with such care. This sent sand into their eyes, making them cry. Then, later, he had fun throwing stones at Henry who was playing peacefully by the water.
Why are rules important to Ralph?
Rules are important to Ralph because he knows that the are the only thing that sticking to an agreed set of rules is the only thing that will allow the group to maintain order. This is evident when the boys are meeting and Jack ignored the rules saying, "Who cares?". Ralph replied simply saying, "Because rules are the only thing we've got."
What does Simon mean when he says, " What I mean is.... maybe it's only us... We could be sort of.."? What do you think mankind's essential illness is? Why does he ask ," What is the dirtiest thing there is?"
Simon means that maybe the beast is not a scary unknown creature, but the boys themselves because evil humanity does exist. I think that mankind's essential illness is the evil spiritedness itself; it consumes people and causes them to act in a certain way. He asks what the dirtiest thing there is because he is unable to convey (inarticulate) what mankind's essential illness is.
What might Simon represent?
Simon might represent the good of humans. He is kind to the littluns, like when he helped them all get fruit, and works hard for the good of the whole group to be advanced. He even spent all day working on the shelters with no break and then selflessly devoted his time to help the younger boys.
Chapter 9 http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34661-lord-of-the-flies-chapter-summaries/
Simon passes out and wakes up. He explores, discovers the truth about the beast, and heads immediately to the beach to tell the others. Meanwhile, all the boys have left the original camp to join Jack's hunters. Even Ralph and Piggy go. There's a dispute. It rains. Jack and his hunters begin their chant. Simon appears from the forest. They kill him. The dead parachutist is driven by the wind, over the boys, and out to sea. After the storm ceases, the boys gather around dead Simon as his body is washed out to sea.
What does Simon suggest?
Simon suggests that the boys in Ralph's group climb the mountain and deal with the beast business once and for all. The others are not thrilled with this idea at first.
Where had Simon gone and what does he do there?
Simon went into the jungle alone. He went deep into the forest where there is a thick jungle glade ( an open space filled with nature from flowers to butterflies). While he is there, he lays down and thinks, taking in the tranquility of his surroundings.
How does Jack explain the beast?
Some sort of creature coming out of the water.
What goes wrong? Do you see any symbolism here? What is going on in the adult world at the time?
The boys accidently set trees ablaze. The fire symbolizes their attempts to connect with civilization and be rescued. The "adult world" is currently going through WW2.
How does the group react to Ralph's suggestion that they build a fire? How does Piggy describe their actions?
The boys react by acting without question. They got onto their feet at once and got down to business. Piggy describes their actions as childish because they didn't have time to think for themselves and put all of their faith in Ralph.
What conflict soon arises? How is it solved?
The conflict that arises is that the boys need to choose a chief to lead them. Both Jack and Ralph want to lead so the conflict is solved by voting. Ralph wins the votes so he becomes leader but he allows Jack to lead the hunters.
Chapter 7 http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34661-lord-of-the-flies-chapter-summaries/
The hunt for the beast continues. The boys come across a pig run and Ralph sticks a boar in the nose with a spear. The boar escapes. The boys act out a pig hunt with Robert playing the part of the pig. Even Ralph enjoys the spectacle. The quest for the beast continues until evening. Jack, Ralph, and Roger agree to scale the mountain. The three boys see the dead parachutist who they mistake for the beast and run away as fast as they can.
How does the contrast of paint and smoke symbolize the two forces?
The paint was used by Jack whereas smoke was a key thing in Ralph's lot. The paint was used to symbolize liberation into savagery while the fire was a proactive tool for rescue. One device was used for good and another was a catalyst for evil.
What rule concerning the conch is made?
The rule of the conch is that it is given to whoever is speaking and they won't be interrupted.
What rules have been ignored? List at least 3.
The rules of getting water from the stream put into a coconut for storage, where the lavatory was placed, and keeping the fire going have all been ignored. And, no one does their fair share of work.
What does it mean when Ralph refers to the littluns as taken short? What does that show about their behavior?
The term taken short means having to go to the bathroom when there are no facilities around. This means that the littluns were having diarrhea everywhere from their fruit consumption. This shows that they are desperately hungry to eat fruit even when they get sick and that they are reversing to more primitive behaviors.
Chapter 2 http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/34661-lord-of-the-flies-chapter-summaries/
The three boys return from their exploration and call an assembly. One of the littleuns mentions a snake thing, a beastie, which sends fear throughout the group. They debate its existence and determine the littluns were having nightmares. Ralph decides they need to make a fire on the mountain as a rescue signal. They use Piggy's glasses to light the fire. The fire rages out of control. One of the littleuns dies in the conflagration (a fancy word for large fire). Piggy and Jack argue.
What strange things happen at midday?
The water rises up and the reflection of the sun causes bizarre images to appear over the water and land appears where there is no land. Everyone dismisses the images as mirages.
What strange thing does Ralph notice as the boys are playing around the rolling rocks?
The word smoke was obscurring his idea as he saw the rock's base crack and roll into the sea and then a huge plume of spray was produced.
How do the younger boys act when they get there?
The younger boys acted obediently when they found Ralph and Piggy . They listened to what Ralph had to say with manners.
What does Ralph discover that upsets him greatly?
There was a boat, visibly off in the distance but the hunters let the smoke signal burn out while they went hunting. If it had been going, there is a possibility that the boys would have been saved.
How are the littluns dealing with things?
They are hopeless and not able to help much with the tasks that need to be completed. Instead, they go off bathing, eating, and playing. Also, they are frightened about the beastie situation and are up screaming at night because of bad dreams. In other words, the children do not feel safe.
Explain the love-hate relationship between Jack and Ralph.
They are together through the best and worst. They have a lot in common because of the pressure that is put on them to lead the other boys. But at the same time, the pressure can cause them to get irritated with eachother like when Ralph was talking about how no one ever works. They know that they need eachother to be the best "civilization" they can be which makes them try even harder to love each other. In many respects, this relationship is similar to sibiling relationship which shows that if they work well, their futures can be positive.
What do Sam and Eric claim they have seen on the mountain top? How do they describe it?
They claim they have seen the beast on the mountaintop. Some of the phrases they include when rehashing what they believed to have seen. " It was furry. There was something moving behind it's head-wings... There were eyes..teeth...claws."(100). They also described it's behavior as sly and able to sit up.
What do Ralph, Roger, and Jack find on the top of the hill? Do they realize what it is? Do you think the story would be better if the reader didn't know what it was?
They find the parachutist at the top of the hill. They do not realize this because the shadow distorts the image, so they think it is really a beast. The story would be more suspensful if we did not know that it was a parachutist, but the story wouldn't have the dramatic irony of the readers knowing something that the characters don't know.
Describe the way Jack and his band of choir boys looked as they came toward the assembled group. List 3 attributes.
They looked like a mysterious creature while advancing towards the rest of the group. They were walking very orderly in two parallel lines and dressed in," strangely eccentric clothing" (19). The choirboys carried garmets in their hands and each had a square black cap with a badge and a cloak except the leader's was golden.
Why do the boys plan on raiding Ralph's camp?
They need fire. While they are getting fire, they also wanted to recruit more people to join Jack's lot and take control of the conch which means they wanted authority.
How does the talk of the beastie affect the boys?
This is a situation of unknown and they look to Ralph for reassurance. Some kids do not believe Ralph that the beastie is not real and he feels his power is being questioned. Everyone is on edge.
Describe the transformations that take place after Jack paints his face. This mask serves a few purposes. List them.
When Jack paints his face, his whole attitude towards hunting changes. He is no longer discouraged, but instead laughed excitedly with the confidence that this time he would catch the pig. Also, it fueled his blood thirsty fire. The mask camouflaged Jack so the pigs would not sense that they were being hunted. Also, "the mask was a thing on its own, behind which Jack hid, liberated from shame and self- consciousness" (64). This quote means that it allowed the other boys to think he was more confident than he was in reality and he could do things he wouldn't normally.
How do the 2 different sides of the island affect his hopes for rescue?
When Ralph ventures over to the other side of the island, the vastness of the ocean makes him feel isolated and lose hope of being rescued. Also, one side of the island has an unlikely chance of boaters passing by because of the rough sea conditions. This makes the chance of being rescued cut downby 50%.
Notice the complete reversal of mood on page 102. What happens to Ralph as he partipates in his first hunt?
While Ralph is participating in his first hunt, his personality changes from his normal nonviolent self to being overly excited about stabbing the pig. His excitement is evident in the fact that he keeps repeating over and over again that he stabbed the pig.
Mask
a means of hiding self from self
Island
a microcosm of the world
Glasses
ability to see clearly; rational thought; intelligence
Conch
authority; order
How do they manage to start the fire?
by using Piggy's specs as burning glasses to reflect the sunlight.
Darkness
fear; ignorance; superstition; assumption
Flies
followers of Beelzebub; the devil
At this time, Ralph says the boys appear to have 2 goals. What are they?
for the boys to have fun and get rescued
How does Simon describe the unusual buds on the bushes?
green candle buds
Fire
hope; celebration; community
Scar
like a birthmark; defect
Parachutist
man's ultimate end; man's inhumanity to man
Mountian
perspective; power; truth
Castle rock
punishment; violence; constraint; death; Jack
Beach
safety; openness; games and communication; Ralph
Lord of the Flies
the Devil; decay; destruction
The beast
the evil in the boys; humanity; beast-like quality within us
How did the boys end up on the jungle island?
the plane in which they were being transported to safety was shot down.
Forrest
the unknown; hiding
What is the purpose of the expedition of Jack, Ralph, and Simon?
to determine whether or not they were on an island. This discovery would gauge the liklihood of being rescued and allow the boys to form a course of action.
What responsibility has Jack taken on for his choir?
to keep the fire going and keep a look out for the rescue ship.