Chapter 7
What specific memory of home does Ralph fixate on while eating?
The clean, orderly life—especially things like proper grooming, baths, and cut hair
What is the outcome of Jack’s vote against Ralph?
No one supports him, so he leaves in anger
After his “fit,” what motivates Simon to climb the mountain?
To confirm the truth about the beast
What does Simon mean when he says, “You’ll get back to where you came from”?
Ralph will be rescued—Simon has a calm, almost prophetic understanding
Which character best represents moral insight in these chapters?
Simon
What does Ralph’s reaction to his successful spear throw reveal about his changing character?
He feels excitement and pride—showing he’s beginning to enjoy violence
Why does Simon suggest going to confront the beast alone?
He intuitively senses the truth and isn’t driven by fear like the others
Why do Ralph and Piggy go to Jack’s feast despite their disagreement?
Hunger, social pressure, and fear of isolation
In Chapter 7, what does Ralph’s discomfort with dirt symbolize?
His lingering connection to civilization and order
What theme is reinforced by the boys abandoning the signal fire?
Loss of civilization / rejection of rescue
Why is the reenactment of the hunt (with Robert) significant?
It shows the boys’ increasing savagery and loss of control—they nearly seriously hurt him
What does Piggy prioritize after Jack leaves, and why is this important?
The signal fire—he still values rescue and civilization
How does Golding describe Jack’s appearance, and what does it suggest?
Like a savage/tribal leader—he has fully embraced a new identity
What does the phrase “the mask was a thing on its own” suggest in relation to Jack’s actions?
He loses personal responsibility and moral restraint
How does Ralph’s leadership weaken specifically in these chapters?
He cannot control the group or compete with Jack’s appeal
Why is Piggy left behind, and what does this decision reveal? What do they lack without him?
Because of his asthma/weakness—shows growing disregard for intellect and vulnerability
Why does Jack leave the pig’s head as an offering?
To appease the imagined beast—shows deepening superstition and savagery
What role does the storm play in Simon’s death?
It creates chaos, fear, and confusion—intensifying the boys’ frenzy
How does the boys’ chant during the dance reflect their psychological state?
They are caught in groupthink and losing individuality
What does the “beast” evolve into by Chapter 9?
From an external fear to a symbol of internal human evil
What is ironic about the boys’ decision to climb the mountain despite fear of the beast?
They fear the beast but still act recklessly—showing bravado and denial rather than rational thinking
What does the Lord of the Flies “say” to Simon, and what does it reveal?
That the beast is part of them—reveals the theme of internal evil
Why is Simon unable to communicate the truth before he is killed?
The boys are too consumed by fear and mob mentality to listen
Why is Simon’s interaction with the Lord of the Flies considered a turning point?
It reveals the central truth of the novel—that evil is internal
How do these chapters show the shift from fear of the unknown to acceptance of savagery?
The boys stop questioning the beast and instead act violently and ritualistically