The result of the plane crash on the island is described as a scar on page 1. If Golding is writing the story as an allegory of the nature of mankind what could the scar represent?
On a basic level, the scar is the path that the boys’ wrecked plane has cut across the island. Literally, it is the plane’s crash site. However, figuratively, the scar represents something critical. It symbolizes the damage caused by humans. In chapter 1, Piggy questions whether they’ll be saved by asking Ralph, “didn’t you hear what the pilot said, about the atom bomb?” He continued to state that “they’re all dead.” (Chapter 1, page 9) From this, we can assume that the boys are fleeing a world that has been ravaged by war; clearly, humans have done a great deal of damage to the natural world. This serves as evidence that humans create immense damage to nature.
Ralph is initially described as a ‘fair boy’ on page 1 and 2. Why do you think this is?
Golding used characters’ physical descriptions to mirror their personality traits. Ralph is often referred to as the boy with the “fair hair,” a term that emphasizes Ralph’s desire to be “fair” and reasonable, and through this characterization, Golding establishes Ralph as a boy who desperately craves order and structure. As the elected leader of the boys on the island, it is important for Ralph to maintain order and make sure rules are established and followed. Ralph’s attractive appearance also is a major reason for his role as chief on the island. Also, Golding is trying to demonstrate the idea of how appearances play a major role in how we perceive people.
How is Piggy described in this chapter. What do you think he could represent in the larger allegory?
Piggy represents the forces of rationalism, science, and intellect—which often get ignored in this world. Piggy was first described as “shorter than the fair boy and fat” (page 1).
What is a conch? How is it described on page 11?
A conch is a shell, a type of marine mollusk. On page 11, it is described as “pretty and a worthy plaything.”
As the boys gather around Ralph on the island Golding writes, “The children gave him the same simple obedience that they had given to the men with megaphones” (14). How does this quote add to the symbolism of Ralph and the conch?
This quote displays the power and authority given to Ralph due to the conch. Since Ralph called out all the boys to the island, many saw leadership qualities in him. The quote illustrates that the attention given to “men with megaphones” was similar to the attention given to Ralph due to his conch.
How is Jack described on pg 16 and 17? What do you think he could represent in the larger allegory?
Jack was described as “tall, thin, and bony: and his hair was red beneath the black cap. His face was crumpled and freckled, and ugly without silliness. Out of this face, stared two light blue eyes, frustrated now, and turning, or ready to turn, to anger.” This description of Jack makes it apparent that he is aggressive, assertive, and somewhat “evil.” Jack represents the savagery or evil in man. His tribalism represent an autocratic government.
On page 18 the boys argue about who should be leader. How does this conflict highlight two forms of government?
Ralph asks everyone to vote for who will be elected chief. However, Jack claims he should be chief without asking anyone about their opinion. Ralph represents democracy whereas Jack represents dictatorship/ autocracy.
The boys decide that they will vote and Golding describes it as, “this toy of voting was almost as pleasing as the conch” (18). How does this description illustrate Golding’s view of democracy?
The conch is a powerful symbol of democratic power and is supposed to ensure equal opportunity for all the boys to put a point of view. Golding links democracy to a state of calm and peacefulness.When Golding stated that “the toy of voting was almost as pleasing as the conch,” he is displaying how the voting was taken lightly. Not much effort was put into decided who will be elected, instead the power of the conch allowed for easy approval from the others.
What characteristics were ascribed to Ralph in connection with his election as leader? What is Golding saying about how we choose our leaders?
Ralph is elected leader by the boys on the island simply because he looks like a leader to them; Piggy has all the attributes of a leader but is never considered one because of his appearance. Golding is trying to demonstrate how looks often play an important role.
What is significant in the connection of Simon and the ‘Candle buds‘? How does Jack respond to the ‘Candle buds‘?
Jack, Ralph, and Simon’s reactions to the candle buds allow the reader to gain some insight on each one of their behaviors and characteristics. Simon speaks first and uses figurative language to call what he sees “candle buds”; he clearly appreciates the beauty and fragility of the buds. Jack is the next to respond to the bushes. He slashes at them with his knife and dismisses them because they cannot provide them any food. Ralph also dismisses them, saying that they may look like candles but they cannot be lit. Clearly he lacks the imagination to see the buds figuratively, as Simon did. The boys’ reactions to these bushes is symbolic of how they respond to the events which will happen during the novel.
Why are the kids unable to kill the pig at the end of the chapter? What does that reveal about theme at this point in the story?
The Lord of the Flies revolves around theme of civilization and savagery. Although Jack is aggressive, he is still “civilized” and knows that it is morally and ethically incorrect to kill. Also, he was unable to kill “because of the enormity of the knife descending and cutting into living flesh; because of the unbearable blood.” (page 29)
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