Theme
This object represents order and the right to speak during assemblies.
What is the conch? (In Ch. 1, Ralph finds it and uses it to call the first meeting, establishing a democratic process).
He is elected chief because of his physical presence and the possession of the conch.
Who is Ralph? (Text: "There was a stillness about Ralph... and most obscurely, yet most powerfully, there was the conch.")
This is the primary reason the boys want to keep a fire burning on the mountain.
What is to be rescued? (Ralph insists that without smoke, passing ships won't see them).
Golding uses this character’s spectacles to represent this specific theme.
What is science, logic, or intellectualism? (Piggy’s glasses are used to start the fire in Ch. 2, showing that intellect is required for technological progress).
This character is the most intellectually capable but is physically vulnerable due to asthma and poor eyesight.
Who is Piggy?
This is the first thing Ralph and Piggy find in the lagoon.
What is the conch shell?
This emerging theme is highlighted when Jack is unable to kill the piglet at the end of Chapter 1.
What is the "enormity" of taking a life / the lingering influence of civilization? (Text: "They knew very well why he hadn’t: because of the enormity of the knife descending and cutting into living flesh.")
He is the "Chapter Chorister and head boy" who can sing a C sharp.
Who is Jack Merridew?
This character is the first to mention the "beastie" or "snake-thing."
Who is the boy with the mulberry-colored birthmark? (He goes missing after the fire in Ch. 2).
This action in Chapter 2, intended to be a rescue signal, results in the first major tragedy on the island.
What is the out-of-control forest fire? (It represents the destructive power of human nature when unchecked by responsibility).
This shy, helpful boy retreats to a secret "cabin" of leaves in the jungle to meditate.
Who is Simon? (In Ch. 3, he helps the "littluns" reach fruit they couldn't get, then hides in his sanctuary).
According to Ralph in Chapter 3, these are the two most important priorities for the group.
What are the fire and the shelters?
This character's shift from a choir leader to a hunter represents the descent into this.
What is savagery? (In Ch. 3, Jack is described as "dog-like" and "uncomfortably on all fours" while hunting).
This group of boys remains a "unified" entity initially, wearing black cloaks and silver crosses.
Who is the Choir?
At the end of Chapter 3, this is the main source of tension between Ralph and Jack.
What is the conflict between building shelters (civilization/future) and hunting (immediate desire/savagery)? (Text: "The baffled look now came into [Jack's] eyes. 'I thought you might have wanted—' 'I wanted meat!'")