Plot Points
What happens to the signal fire in Chapter 4, and how does it affect the group?
The signal fire goes out while the hunters are distracted; they miss a chance to be rescued.
What job is Piggy often left out of, and why?
Piggy is left out of hunting and physical labour; the others see him as weak and annoying.
What does the conch shell represent in the boys’ society?
Order, democracy, and the right to speak.
“Maybe there is a beast... maybe it’s only us.” – Who says this, and what does it suggest?
Simon; it suggests the boys might be afraid of their own inner savagery.
How does fear impact the boys’ behavior?
It makes them irrational and more likely to follow Jack or believe in the beast.
Why does Jack slap Piggy, and what does it show about their relationship?
Jack slaps Piggy after being criticized for letting the fire go out; it shows Jack’s aggression and disregard for Piggy’s voice.
How does Ralph's leadership begin to change in Chapter 5?
Ralph begins to doubt his ability to lead and feels the burden of maintaining order.
What does Jack’s face paint allow him to do?
helps him feel free from shame and rules, letting him act more savagely.
“Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood.” – What does this chant show about the boys?
They’re becoming more violent, losing their sense of right and wrong.
How is the theme of civilization vs. savagery shown in the fire and the hunt?
Ralph wants to keep the fire for rescue; Jack wants to hunt and have fun.
What does the “beast from the water” represent to the littluns (Chapter 5)
The “beast from the water” is a figment of the littluns' imagination, representing their growing fear and paranoia.
How does Jack try to undermine Ralph’s authority?
He challenges Ralph’s bravery and leadership in front of the group.
What does the “beast” symbolize to the boys at this point?
Their fear of the unknown and possibly something inside themselves.
“The world, that understandable and lawful world, was slipping away.” – What does this reflect?
Ralph’s realization that order is breaking down on the island.
What does the boys’ reaction to Simon’s ideas say about them?
They don’t understand him and often ignore or mock his deeper thinking.
What significant event causes a shift in power between Ralph and Jack in Chapter 6?
Jack calls Ralph a coward and challenges his leadership.
What makes Ralph feel like he's losing control over the boys?
The boys are more interested in hunting and fear than in following rules or keeping the fire going.
What is the “gift” Jack leaves for the beast?
A pig’s head on a stick.
What is Ralph’s reaction to the idea of a beast on the mountain?
He’s scared but insists they keep the fire going and act rationally.
How is leadership challenged during these chapters?
Jack openly defies Ralph, and the boys begin to split between their authority.
What discovery do Sam and Eric make in Chapter 6 that sends the group into panic?
Sam and Eric discover the dead parachutist, mistake it for the beast, and spark panic among the boys.
What decision does Jack make after the group doesn’t vote Ralph out?
Jack leaves the group and invites others to join him.
How does the boys' attitude toward the fire change?
becomes less of a priority as hunting and fear take over.
What’s Jack’s response to the group not voting Ralph out as chief?
He gets angry, says he’s leaving, and walks off crying.
What does the boys’ descent into chaos reveal about human nature so far?
That without structure, people may quickly give in to violence and fear.