Symbolism
What does the use of fire symbolize to Ralph? What about the other boys?
Ralph- the use of fire symbolizes the primitive options for and constraints of potentially being rescued from the island
Other boys- the use of fire symbolizes a domination over the land and nature
Do the boys initially like the idea of having rules? Why? (33)
Yes, they immediately get excited and bring up the potential consequences for anyone who "breaks 'em"
Piggy states that the boys are acting "like a crowd of kids." (38)
Is this arguable? Why?
Yes, the boys are acting with little planning or forethought. They are not prioritizing the things most important for survival and rescue
What does the conch symbolize?
-Order
-Power
-Control
-Democracy
Ralph asks the boys to raise their hand when they wish to speak. What is required for this rule to work? (33)
-Respect for the rules
-The boys need to accept, follow, and value the rule
-The conch
"'He wants to know what you're going to do about the snake-thing.'
Ralph laughed, and the other boys laughed with him. The small boy twisted further into himself."
What does this interaction say about hierarchy and democracy on the island?
-Hierarchy of age
-Not all voices are valued the same or considered equal
-Bullying is used to perpetuate these hierarchies in status and democratic voice
"The choir, noticeably less of a group, had discarded their cloaks."
What might this symbolize?
-Changes in the boys' level of "civilization"
-Changing power dynamics
-Regression
How would you create and enforce rules if you were a character in the book? Why? Would this change in different circumstances (in real life, for example)?
X
Piggy: "I agree with Ralph. We've got to have rules and obey them. After all. we're not savages. We're English, and the English are best at everything. So we've got to do the right things."
Why does Piggy's identification with the boys and their identity of the "civilized English" matter?
-It juxtaposes the way the boys have been behaving and the positive stereotype of English people
-Etc.
The "littlun" with the birthmark is nowhere to be found after the fire. What might his disappearance (likely his death) symbolize?
-A loss of innocence
-Foreshadowing of more violence, death, or destruction to come
-The inability of the boys to protect each other
Ralph: "We ought to have more rules. Where the conch is, that's a meeting. The same up here as down there." (42)
Why is it important to note that Jack is trying to use loopholes to avoid following the rules?
-He may keep trying to avoid following the rules
-Etc.
"'If I say anything,' cried Piggy, with bitter realism, 'you say shut up; but if Jack or Maurice or Simon-'"
What does this outburst say about how Piggy is dealing with the way the boys have been treating him? Does Piggy usually react like this?
Not usually, but it shows that he's beginning to lose control over his frustration at being bullied and silenced