Symbolism
"Jack had to think for a moment before he could remember what rescue was."
What does this symbolize?
A disconnect from the real world
How does the following quote allude to the relationship of humans versus nature:
"The candle-buds opened their wide white flowers glimmering under the light that pricked down from the first stars. Their scent spilled out into the air and took possession of the island." (57)
The idea of "possession" is a human one, and the boys feel like the island is theirs, that they own it. The island as an entity takes back "possession" of itself when the boys are sleeping
What does Jack express about his feelings towards the beastie?
-He feels embarrassed when it seems like he might sound like he believes in monsters
-He makes it clear he doesn't
What do the huts symbolize? Why is their collapsing significant?
-Civilization
-Struggles/the fall of civilization
-Collaboration efforts
Ralph: “'If it rains like when we dropped in we’ll need shelters all right. And then another thing. We need shelters because of the-'
He paused for a moment and they both pushed their anger away. Then he went on with the safe, changed subject." (52)
What is the significance of Jack's decision not to talk about the beastie/snake-thing/monster? What does this say about his character?
-He cares to not scare the littluns
-The monster may be becoming more real to the boys as they talk about it more
-Etc.
Why is Ralph so frustrated with the other boys considering the sharing of chores?
-He feels like he's stuck doing the chores nobody else wants to do
-He feels like the most important chores are being neglected by the others
"Jack was bent double. He was down like a sprinter, his nose only a few inches from the humid earth. [...] Then dog-like, uncomfortably on all fours yet unheeding his discomfort, he stole forward five yards and stopped."
What does Jack's uncomfortable but animal-like behavior symbolize?
His changing behavior and regression from "civilization" turning him into a more primal or primitive creature
Ralph: "'Meetings. Don't we love meetings? Every day. Twice a day. We talk.' He got on one elbow. 'I bet if I blew the conch this minute, they'd come running. Then we'd be, you know, very solemn, and someone would say we ought to build a jet, or a submarine, or a TV set. When the meeting was over they'd work for five minutes, then wander off to go hunting.' Jack flushed."
What does Ralph's monologue demonstrate about his feelings towards the boys' work ethic? Why does this matter?
He's frustrated with them for not following through on things they agreed to. He likely feels like he doesn't have much power or control over the other boys even though he's chief
How do Ralph and Jack's feelings towards the chore of keeping the fire going reflect the ideas that are driving their behavior?
Ralph- wants to be rescued
Jack- wants to feed the boys
What does Simon's secret hideout symbolize? Why is this significant?
-Privacy
-Individualism
-His relationship with nature
-How Simon differs from the others
Ralph describing Simon:
"He was a small, skinny boy, his chin pointed, and his eyes so bright they had deceived Ralph into thinking him delightfully gay and wicked. The course mop of black hair was long and swung down, almost concealing a low, broad forehead. He wore the remains of shorts and his feet were bare like Jack's. Always darkish in colour, Simon was burned by the sun to a deep tan that glistened with sweat." (55-56)
Why might it be significant that Simon and Roger are physically described as black, but never are racialized (categorized according to race)? How does this relate to Piggy's reminder of their shared British identity?
The boys may all identify with being British rather than being of different races, which should unify them
In this chapter, the different attitudes to life on the island for Ralph, Jack, and Simon are clarified much more deeply. Choose one of these boys and share their perspective of life on the island.
What do they prioritize? Why?
X