Lord of the Flies

Discuss the thematic significance of the title of the chapter.

"Painted Faces and Long Hair." This chapter shows the reader that the boys are slowly turning into savages.

. What change has come over Ralph as a result of the signal fire incident? How have his values changed?

After the fire signal incident, Ralph slowly began to lose his position as leader. Piggy & Simon convince him not to give up. Ralph is losing his innocence

How does Ralph overcome Jack's challenge during the discussion about what to do about the beast?

He says that if the beast is not up there (103) that they will go and just light the fire- there's a two- fold purpose here

What is the purpose of Jack's generosity with the meat he obtained and what does this show? What do you think his decision to give meat to even Ralph and Piggy is meant to show?

He wants to show that he can be a leader because he can provide for them It shows that he is in charge.

What is ironic about how the boys are saved? What is ironic about the fact that the boys, who have become savages, are British, and why do you think Golding chose to write about a group of British boys? Consider what the naval officer says: "I should have thought that a pack of British boys would have been able to put up a better show than that."

It is ironic that the smoke to save them was created by a fire to kill another. It is also ironic that these savage boys were once British, because the British take pride in their civility I think Golding chose to write about boys from this background to show that despite how anyone is brought up, they can descend into savagery when their society is stripped from them. The naval officer is bewildered as to how the boys became primitive so quickly, as their society is strictly civilized.

what foolish method to the boys use to ensure that they find ralph what does this decision suggest about the power of hatred and violence vs the power of reason

They try to burn the bush where Ralph was hiding. This was a stupid decision because they were at risk of burning the island down again. This shows that savagery has taken over and suggests that the boys would rather kill than eat

Why do the hunters decide to "paint" themselves with clay and charcoal? What effect does doing this have on their behavior, and why? Does this "makeup" have any symbolic meaning?

They used paint to camoflauge themselves while hunting. The face paint also acted as a mask and they could do anything without feeling guilty. The paint gave them courage.

What is the significance (the meaning and importance) of the boys' encounter with the wild piglet?

This encounter shows how innocent the boys are because they don't want to kill the pig. They aren't ready to get meat for the boys. Jacks hesitation and then vowing to kill the pig shows that he might turn into a savage later.

What does Sam and Eric's description of the beast tell us about human psychology?

•First off, they are being irresponsible - let fire go out- shows us their personality •Imaginations can run wild- fear can lead to destructive consequences in mankind •When we are not sure of things, our mind can play tricks on us

What unusual thing happens to ralph after jack leaves ?

he begins giving up hope at being rescued he is telling himself that they will all come back I think Ralph feels a little betrayed as many of the boys left This is significant because even if Ralph thinks that Jack's ways aren't useful, he feels lost and scared without him.

Why do you think Roger pushes the rock off the cliff?

he does this because of his growing savagery and thirst for blood, he kills piggy

What points does Ralph make at the meeting? What general point does he make that he wants to discuss

reminds everyone of their agreement to maintain fresh water supplies, observe sanitation measures, build shelters, and keep the signal fire going. He addresses the growing fear of the beastie

What disturbing thing do the group of hunters and Ralph do immediately after their encounter with the pig? How is Ralph's behavior surprising? What does this behavior foreshadow?

the boys create a circle around Robert and poked and jabbed him with spears causing him to cry out in real pain. Afterwards the boys all comment that it was a good game and joked they could use a littleun to kill next time! Ralph is very involved and was fighting to get near Robert and jab him so we are beginning to see Ralph become more primitive and savage. If this happens, they would not have much chance for rescue.

What do you think the "sound of the shell" and the conch itself might symbolize?

the conch symbolizes power and gathers the boys as one group

What does Simon say about the beast, and what do you think he means? How does everyone else react to what he says?

"What i mean is.... maybe it's only us." This is the point where the beast is exposed; they are their own beast that they've created.

What is the "beast from air" How is it appropriate that the boys mistake it for a beast-what connection does it have with the novel's themes, and what does it symbolize?

A dead pilot has landed on the island, and his parachute harness is flapping in the wind at the top of the mountain. Sam and eEric, on fire duty, exaggeratedly report the new beast to the rest of the boys. They say they have seen the beastie when really it's a human, this symbolizises the fact that humans are the real beasts. This point is also brought up later in the book. It is suggested that fear is not real unless you are frightened by humans. Human psychology, especially in children tends to imagine the worst/ scariest scenario possible.

Describe the behavior of the boys at the beginning of the chapter. What thematic significance does this scene have?

At the beginning of chapter 4, the author talks about how the boys who were once scared of the island have made it home. They are turning a negative situation into a positie one. Some of the boys are becoming wild. This represents the innocence to crazy.

What does this chapter reveal about Simon's personality, and what importance do you think this will have later in the novel? (How do you think the other boys will react to Simon?)

Chapter three shows that Simon is different, but he embraces it. He lieaves the group unannounced, showing that he is not ruled by society but by an inner force. He is indirectly compared to Jesus Christ

Why Do You Think Golding (the Author) Plotted The Story So That The Boys Would Go Up The Mountain In The Dark?

Everything is different in the dark. Darkness can be confusing and overwhelming and Golding is building up towards this as the boys search for the beast in the dark

What embarrassing thing does Ralph say to himself near the beginning of the chapter that he's afraid someone might have overheard? What does he mean by it? What change in Ralph does the act of talking to himself demonstrate?

He recalls things about himself, such as biting his nails, he accidentally says out load "I'll be sucking my thumb next". He doesn't want them to think of him as weak and scared. This probably would have got him teased. He doesn't want to lose the little respect he has from Jack He is worried and doesn't want anyone to know

How does Ralph "assert his chieftainship" after the argument with the hunters? Why do you think this gesture is so effective?

He gives the hunters the task of keeping the fire going. This gesture was important becasue it showed that Ralph was not afraid to step up and give orders.

what foolish decision does jack make during the hunt

He kills the mother pig. They have meat now, but the piglets will die without the mother and the boys will not have any more meat.

Discuss the change in Jack's personality that is described at the beginning of the chapter. What is Jack's highest priority, and what does this tell us about him?

Jack acts like a dictator. He hates that Ralph is chief. His main priority is hunting and killing animals. He doesn't like violence, so he intimidates others instead.

What do you think will result from the open conflict between Jack and Ralph and from Jack's success at getting meat? What is the significance of the boys' reaction to being able to eat meat, and how does this compare to their reaction about having missed a chance to be rescued?

Jack and Ralph are going to be pushed farther apart after this fight. Ralph really wants to be rescued, and he has been giving the littluns hope, and he wants to deliver. Ralph is mad because they needed the fire to be rescued and they were very close to catching a boat, but it didn't see the fire.

What does Jack's behavior in this chapter suggest about him (e.g. his attitude toward killing pigs and hunting the beast, his excitement about the rules and the consequences of violating them, his treatment of Piggy etc.)? In what way(s) might the behavior of the boys during the meeting foreshadow later events?

Jack is aggresive and intimidating. He is obsessed with killing the pig. He constantly wants approval from the other boys. He torments piggy a lot. His behavior foreshadows him turning into a barbarian later in the novel.

How do the hunters behave in response to the success of the hunt, and what is the significance of this behavior?

Jack is very happy with himself after he leads the hunt. The hunters all feel strong and accomplished. However, Jack's leaving the fire causes him trouble later on.

Why does Jack command the boys to dance and chant, and why is this an effective leadership tactic? What psychological effect does dancing and chanting have on the boys? Think back to the effect that putting on makeup had on them in Ch4

Jack orders the boys to dance and chant as they lose touch of their morals and become caught up in a frenzy. The excitement and adrenaline from the dance impacts greatly on the boy's psychological state and makes them do something awful and savage.

Why do you think Jack and the littluns (and others, probably) have fears about a "beastie," but Ralph, Simon, and Piggy don't? What theme does this suggest?

Jack represents the naval officers and the fighting going on. The theme that this goes off of is the inner evil of all. Ralph, Simon, and Piggy are mostly pure, so they don't fear the beastie. The littluns haven't discovered the unknown yet and Jack is battling something inside his own head

Why does Maurice walk away when Percival starts crying, and why doesn't Roger throw the stones directly at Henry? What does their behavior suggest about human nature?

Maurice walks away becasue he kicked sand into the littluns eye and felt bad. Roger didn't directly hit him because the rules of society still sat in the back of his mind and he knew it was wrong to throw rocks.

What does Piggy mean by his claim that "life is scientific"

Piggy is by far the most intelligent boy on the island and tries his best to rationalize the existence of the beast by thinking "scientifically." He comes to the conclusion that there could not possibly be a beast with claws living on the island. Piggy also realizes that fear is only a feeling. He then attempts to persuade the boys that their fear is irrational unless they become afraid of each other.

How does Piggy show "intellectual daring"? Why is this so significant to the boys?

Piggy thinks outside of the box and suggests building a fire on the beach after going up the mountain was no longer an option. He uses his glasses to get the fire going.

How do Ralph and Piggy view Simon‟s death? How does each of them react to it? Why does Ralph laugh as he says, "I got the conch," and why does Piggy react so strongly to his laughter? What explanations do they have for their behavior, and what excuses do they come up with? What do these reactions show about them and about human nature?

Piggy tries convince himself that Simon's death was an accident and Ralph thinks that it was murder. They both are quite flustered when they talk about Simon's death. Piggy insists that they didn't have anything to do with it and that they really should forget about it. Ralph laughs when he says that he has the conch because he thinks that the conch isn't very useful anymore and that it is a lame excuse to remain being a leader. Piggy reacts so strongly to his laughter because he values the conch highly and feels as though the conch is a very powerful form of authority.

What hypocritical irony is there in the boys' treatment of Piggy in contrast with their treatment of Ralph and Jack? What does this fact suggest about human nature?

Piggy was the boys' best chance of getting rescued and/or urviving. He was organized and smart (he wanted to make a sundial). Jack and Ralph gain immediate respect because Jack is aggressive and Ralph is adult-like.

What do you think Piggy's glasses might represent? Consider their normal function, the use they are put to in this chapter, Piggy's intelligence, and Piggy's helplessness without them.

Piggy's glasses represent the view of science and intelligence in society. He has the innovative idea to use them to light the fire. When Jack's hunters steal the glasses used to light the fire, Ralph's tribe is helpless.

What does Ralph say that angers Jack? How does Jack express his anger? How does Jack respond to his failure to get support from the group, and what does this response suggest about the boys' future?

Ralph angers Jack by telling Piggy that even Jack would hide if the beast attacked them. Jack attempts his most serious mutiny yet, trying to convince the other boys to impeach Ralph. When the boys refuse to openly vote against Ralph, Jack announces his defection and runs off into the forest.

Describe the major characters: Ralph, Piggy, and Jack.

Ralph: Athletic, charismatic, respective of order, 12 yrs old, fair hair Piggy: fat, wears glasses, athsma, whiny, closely related to the adult world Jack: Leader of the hunters, red hair, barbaric, savagery, serious

Explain the significance of this quotation: "Percival Wemys Madison sought in his head for an incantation that had faded clean away."

Shows the decline in all of the boys' behaviour and minds. They have been exposed to Jack's savagery and it has began toying with their heads. Percival, who had once recited his name, address AND phone number to the boys, now had trouble remembering the smallest details about himself. This clearly shows how the boys have lost themselves to the 'beastie'.

Why do you think Samneric decide to join Jack's tribe? Why do they tell Jack where Ralph is hidden?

Sam and Eric joined Jacks tribe becuase they had no other choice. If they refused Roger or Jack would have killed them and maybe even tortured them. They tell Jack where Ralph is hidden becuase they were scared and were getting hurt.

what happens to simon after the hunters leave the clearing What is the lord of the flies? What does it represent? How does it talk to Simon --what does its speech really indicate?

Simon emerges and stares at the pig's head. The lord of the flies is the pig's head. It represents evil The flies that have gathered swarm around the head, attracted to the blood. Simon beings speaking aloud and imagining that the head is talking back to him. Golding refers to the head as the Lord of the Flies.

What does Simon say about the beast and what do you think he means? How does everyone react to what he says?

Simon says "maybe there is a beast and it is us". It means that humans can do "beastly" and savage things to other humans. They laugh at him

What does Simon say to Ralph that makes them both smile? Think carefully about Simon's choice of words — do you think it foreshadows something that might happen later in the novel?

Simon says "you'll get back alright," which makes them both smile. It is significant becuase he said only Ralph will get back alright and not any of the others. It foreshadows more deaths among the boys.

What suggestion does Simon make, and why do you thing he makes it? What does he mean when he says, "What else is there to do?" What are the consequences of the group's decision not to follow Simon's suggestion?

Simon suggests that the remaining boys "ought to climb the mountain. [...] What else is there to do?" (128) Simon wants them to face their fears, to approach the beast on the mountain in daylight in order to understand its true identity and get on with the business of facing the beast within themselves. They have not conquered the beast.

What instances of foreshadowing occur in this chapter? What predictions did you make about what sorts of things might happen later in the novel?

The author foreshadows some dark and ill events happening later in the novel. I predicted that something bad will happen later and Piggy will be ridiculed

What feelings, beliefs, and speculations do Jack‟s biguns have about what happened the night before at the feast? Can you explain why they did what they did? Why are they "half-relieved, halfdaunted by the implication of further terrors"? Consider the significance of the quotes below, especially the second one. What unspoken words complete the first sentence? "But didn't we, didn't we—" "No!" "How could we—kill—it?" "Each savage flinched away from his individual memory." "I expect the beast disguised itself."

The biguns are a bit shaken by the feast from the night before. They were sucked up in to the excitement and were not able to make the right decision compared to a civilised decision. Jack was not very fond of Simon so he might have led the dance during the killing. The boys are relieved that maybe the beast had hidden himself in Simon's body and is now dead. But are also afraid that the beast could be hiding in other parts of the Island. The unspoken words in the first sentence are: kill Simon. I think the second quote's meaning is about how you can kill the beast, because they found out Simon was killed and also how they could have killed another human, because in their old world murder was a terrible act

why do the biguns wait until the other boys are occupied to leave instead of supporting jacks challenge at the meeting?

The biguns wait because they don't want to show betrayal to ralph; they are ashamed that they want to follow ralph

How are the all of the boys except Ralph and Simon (and Jack) behaving? What is Golding telling us about human nature? What important qualities do Ralph, Simon, and Piggy have that the other boys seem to lack?

The boys appearances and word choice has changed. They forget about the way they used to live and have adapted to island life. They have developed nicknames for the twins and a dresscode. This shows that they are beginning to establish a culture of their own

What do the boys' attitudes and actions (e.g. Ralph's joy at being free of "grownups," the vote for leader, Ralph's telling the other boys about Piggy's nickname) reveal about human nature?

The boys' reaction to the no grownups is that they are excited, which shows that they are made to oppose authoritative figures; Each boys constantly wants to be accepted and be part of the group, this shows that humans never want to be left out

How is the destruction of the conch symbolically significant?

The destruction of the conch, and the death of Piggy symbolize the destruction of what shred of civilization was left on the island

What is ironic about consequences of the boys' decision to light a fire? In light of these consequences, what do you think it and the "drum-roll" represent?

The fire is supposed to be a signal fire but it soon gets out of control and takes a boy's life. The drum roll is the path of destruction they are now heading down.

How do most of the boys react to their discovery of the "castle"? What foreshadowing takes place at the end of the chapter?

The foreshadowing that takes place at the end of the chapter is that the boys are eager to push rocks off of the and Jack blatantly points out that they could kill somebody with a falling rock. Jack's love of killing pigs could be turning into something more serious like wanting to murder. It also shows how Jack is becoming more savage and thirsty for blood. Ralph is getting increasingly uncomfortable with these feelings for a kill that Jack has.

What signs of stress and fear can we see in Ralph, Piggy, and Samneric's behavior in this chapter?

The memory of the night before, when they boys had helped kill Simon. They are obviously stressed as they had killed one of their friends, but do not have the guts to own up to it. We can also see fear when Jack and the hunters attack the shelters. They were beating each other up but Ralph, Sam and Eric couldn't see a thing.

Why are the rules important to Ralph? What are the consequences for breaking them?

The rules help to indicate what is right and what is wrong and keep them from fighting. The consequence of not following the rules is conflict and fights.

What do you think is the significance of the "snake-thing" or "beastie"? Consider the little boy's description of the creature, the discussion of nightmares, Ralph's feeling that he is "facing something ungraspable" when confronted with this problem, and his need to repeat loudly that "there isn't a beast."

The snake thing represents the fear of all of the boys turning dark. The beast is always hiding in the dark and can strike whenever. This relates closely to the boys losing their innocence. One hunt and slaughter can turn a boy into a barbarian.

What is making it difficult for Ralph and Jack to communicate and get along? Where do you think their differences will lead?

They both have opposite ideas and priorities. The only problem is, they both believe that they're right. Ralph wants to build shelter and Jack wants to hunt

What do Jack and the biguns decide to do about the beast? What does this say about human nature?

They decide to hunt the beast. Their decision to hunt and kill the beast also demonstrates their primitive instincts. Golding is suggesting that humans are inherently risk takers who act upon their primitive instincts.

What is the beast the boys kill? How is the event ironic and especially tragic? How is it symbolically significant?

They kill Simon Simon was the only good one and the only one who knew that the beast was not a real animal It symbolizes a sacrifice, like the sacrifice of Jesus

What do the events of these first two chapters reveal about the major themes of the novel?

They reveal themes like: man vs nature, loss of innocence, and man (Piggy) vs. society