Symbolism
What does Simon mean when he says "the beastie" might be inside all of them?
What is the castle rock?
Castle Rock is a cave located some distance from Ralph's base at the beach. It is surrounded by rocks and difficult to access. It is where the boys thought the beast might be.
Why does Jack command the boys to dance and chant while at the feast in Chapter 9?
Jack commands the boys to dance and chant in part to win their allegiance and in part to demonstrate his authority. Jack invited the others to the feast because he wanted them to join his tribe. When they see that Jack and his tribe are not so different from themselves, more boys will be willing to join it. By ordering them to dance, Jack makes it easier for them to join the tribe—they are taking part in what seems like one of the tribe's rituals. The next time he tells them to do something, it will be easier for them to accept it because they have already joined in tribal activities. In addition, the act of commanding and receiving obedience reinforces Jack's leadership. He is the one who can compel that others act as he wishes. They are his followers.
What character do you feel the most sympathy for?
Opinion
What is an image of savagery in the book? Discuss one symbol from the book and what role it plays in the story.
Face Paint
The children physically and mentally turn into savages. The face paint makes them look like ones and act like it.
Is Ralph a good leader? Would Jack be a better leader? Why or why not?
Opinion
Why is it significant that Jack blows the conch and asks for a vote in Chapter 8?
The conch shell has come to symbolize civilization, order, and democracy. What could be more symbolic of democracy than voting? This is what civilized people do. While Jack obeyed the rules and abided by the conch at the beginning of the book, he never truly took to it. By the point of this incident in Chapter 8, Jack is ready to give up completely on the society that Ralph has formed. By seizing the conch and blowing it, he seizes the authority that the conch represents. His request for a vote is an attempt to have the masses—the other boys—endorse and accept his usurpation of power. He is trying to legitimize his power. When that attempt fails, he puts the conch down, symbolizing his final rejections of civilization and democracy. As he runs off, Jack says, "I'm not going to play any longer. Not with you." He is now free of the rules that their society has set up.
How does Ralph treat the littluns vs Jack?
Ralph tried to comfort them and reassure them everything is okay. Ralph gives them a sense of security they long for. He understands that they are too young to understand a lot of what is going on. Jack, on the other hand, sees them as burdens and frightens and intimidates them.
The pigs head. It respects evil, the evil within us all. Simon represents Christ. Through the book he shows many Christ-like characteristics. When they meet and have this interaction, it is clear the message of this interstruggle all man has, good vs evil.
What is the main conflict in the book?
The stranded boys on a tropical island must contend with their fears and each other in an attempt to form a "civilized" society.
Why does Jack go up the mountain in Chapter 7?
Jack goes up the mountain both out of a desire to best Ralph and out of supreme confidence in his own abilities. As they reach the mountain, Jack and Ralph are sparring with each other. It's as if they are playing a game of chicken. Ralph is ready to blink but Jack eggs him on. Ralph took the lead back at Castle Rock, but Jack will not let that happen again. He wants the other boys to see him as a leader. One way to achieve that is by showing up Ralph. Beside having the motivation of showing up Ralph, Jack is convinced of his own powers. He is a hunter and he can kill anything that gets in his way. Nothing will stop him.
Who is the real "thinker" of the group? Their opinion is not biased by ulterior motives?
Piggy. He ha a clear perspective of their situation without anything fogging up his vision. Unlike Ralph and Jack who have things to lose/gain from making decisions, Piggy's main focus is the well being of the group and doing what's best for the majority. Piggy is the only most attached to civilization.
What is the significance of the boys stripping off their clothes upon landing on the island?
Clothes are part of the adult world and civilization. By removing their clothes, the boys are moving away from the adult world and are free to act as they please. For many of them, that means a turn toward a savage side. Piggy is the most reluctant to remove his clothes and only takes off his windbreaker. Piggy's clothes never come off completely and remain in decent shape throughout the novel.
Who is responsible for Simon's death?
You could say no one, and yet everyone who witnessed it. Golding's narration made it confusing for even the reader who it was that was joining the group. Everyone thought it was the beast. As they were engulfed in this savage dance they did not realize it was, in fact, Simon they were attacking, not the beast. But one could also say anyone present is to blame and should take the blame for it. After all they did not try to stop it. We see Piggy and Ralph discuss what had happened and need to reassure themselves it was an accident. They are feeling resonsible just for being present.
How does Jack's belief that the conch is no longer needed after the beast appears related to human terror?
The conch symbolizes civilization and order and is used to establish who can speak. Jack's belief that the conch no longer matters after the beast appears has a basis in history. When at war, countries, including democracies, often suspend rights that could be exercised in ways that the government thinks could harm the war effort. During the war, everyone is focused on winning the war and leaders are given greater powers to act in a way they feel is best for the country. This suspension of rights can be temporary, with rights restored once the war has been won. Jack, similarly, rejects the conch as no longer relevant. He believes there should be an end to discussion and an end to the opportunity for everyone, even littluns, to have a say. He takes the authoritarian view that, in a crisis, decisions should come from the top and not be open to all.
In what ways is Ralph an effective or ineffective leader?
Ralph seems like an effective leader at first when he knows to designate jobs, build shelter and fire. But he lacks the authority to enforce the implementation of these ideas. He grew up with a Navy father so we know his life was controlled and proper. But he was an only child and never learned how to take charge and demand attention.
What does the parachutist represent? Who did the boys think it was?
The beast. He is an actual beast, he was involved in the war of killing other humans.
What does Jack suggest they do to keep the beast happy?
Give it a piece of each kill they make.
What does Simon foreshadow in his talk with Ralph in Chapter 7 of Lord of the Flies?
Ralph is looking out at the ocean and becomes struck by idea that the island is completely desolate and they will never escape. He is losing hope. Simon senses these feelings of dejection and comforts Ralph. He says, "You'll get back to where you came from." Simon repeats a version of this multiple times and, through his words, speaks the reality of Ralph's return into action. It is noticeable that each time Simon says the words, he says you and not we. Thus, Simon not only foreshadows Ralph's rescue but also his own death. Unlike Ralph, he will not be returning home.
How does Jack's appearance and behavior in Chapter 1 of Lord of the Flies foreshadow the evil he will cause?
Jack and all the choir are dressed in black choir robes at first. He disciplines the choir and acts sharply toward them, barking out orders about how they are to behave. When Simon faints, he shows no compassion or concern. Jack does not greet the others upon first meeting them.