Symbols
This object on the mountain originally signals rescue and later becomes an important symbol of order
One major theme in these chapters is the struggle between civilization and savagery. Give one example from Chapter 4 that shows this conflict.
The fire goes out while the hunters are absent, showing hunting/savagery prioritized over rescue/civilization.
He calls an assembly in Chapter 5 to address the group’s problems and remind them of responsibilities.
Ralph
The beach / assembly area near the conch (the platform by the beach).
Where do the boys hold their meetings (the general location on the island) in these chapters?
it shifts from a sign of rescue and hope to a symbol of negligence or lost order; its neglect shows waning discipline
Fear plays an increasing role in the boys’ behavior. What rumor or event in Chapter 5 highlights how fear affects the group?
The “beastie” rumor and increasing fear in meetings show how fear spreads.
Jack becomes more aggressive in hunting. Describe one action in Chapter 4 that shows Jack’s changing priorities.
Jack and the hunters letting the signal fire go out while they hunt the pig.
The fire was on the mountain (or the signal fire on the mountain) and it went out because the hunters had left to hunt the pig and neglected it.
Where was the fire when it went out in Chapter 4, and why did it fail?
Piggy’s glasses start as a tool and become symbolic. Besides starting a fire, what do the glasses represent about civilization or knowledge?
The glasses represent intelligence, reason, and the ability to make fire (technology of civilization).
Leadership and authority are tested in Chapter 5 during an assembly. Name one rule or principle Ralph tries to enforce and why it matters for the group.
Ralph enforces the rule that the fire must be kept burning as a rescue signal; it matters because it keeps hope of civilization and rescue.
Piggy is often ignored but speaks logically. In Chapter 5, he offers practical advice during the meeting. Name one key practical point Piggy makes.
Piggy stresses the importance of following the rules, especially the fire and using the conch to speak; he reminds them to keep the fire going and to have order.
Describe the contrast between the beach (or assembly area) and the hunting area in terms of atmosphere or mood in these chapters.
Beach/assembly area: order, meetings, hope for rescue; hunting area/jungle: danger, chaos, bloodlust.
In Chapter 4, the boys paint their faces. Explain one symbolic meaning of the face paint.
Face paint symbolizes anonymity, release from social constraints, and a mask that enables savage behavior.
Discuss how the boys’ priorities shift in Chapter 4 and 5 (e.g., rescue vs. hunting). Provide one quotation or specific event (paraphrased is fine) that demonstrates the shift.
Example: The boys prioritize hunting and feasting (Chapter 4) over keeping the signal fire—e.g., Jack missing the chance to maintain the fire while hunting.
Simon shows a different kind of sensitivity than the other boys. Describe one small act or observation Simon makes in these chapters that highlights his nature.
Simon often helps with tasks quietly and observes nature; he suggests looking deeper into the beast idea or shows kindness to younger boys.
The weather and time-of-day often shape scenes. Describe how a specific time or weather condition intensifies tension in Chapter 5’s assembly.
The dusk/nighttime setting increases fear; in Chapter 5 the darkness and late hour make the assembly tense and fearful.
The “lord of the flies” phrase appears later, but in these chapters violence and the pig hunt foreshadow it. Explain how the pig’s head (even pre-Lord of the Flies scene) symbolizes the boys’ descent into savagery.
The pig and its head foreshadow savagery; killing the pig symbolizes the boys’ embrace of violence and loss of moral restraint.
Consider the idea of loss of innocence. Using events from both chapters, explain how innocence begins to erode for one named boy (choose Jack, Roger, or Ralph) and cite specific actions.
Example (Jack): He becomes obsessed with hunting, paints his face, and leads the hunters in violence—losing innocence. (Other valid choices: Roger’s cruelty, Ralph’s frustration.)
Roger is portrayed as quietly cruel. Cite one moment (action or described intent) in Chapters 4–5 that indicates Roger’s potential for future violence.
Roger throwing stones near Henry and not hitting him (testing limits) or his enjoyment implied in damaging things; indicates growing cruelty.
The physical layout of the island contributes to isolation and fear. Using details from Chapters 4–5, explain how at least two places on the island (name them) affect the boys’ actions or emotions.
The mountain (signal fire) — its elevation makes it a rescue point but also a place of responsibility; the jungle/hunting area — dense, hidden, fosters fear and allows savagery; the beach/assembly place — open and communal, representing civilization.