What were the differences between the meeting on page 30 of chapter 2 and the initial meeting in chapter 1? Why is this significant?
According to the novel, “There were differences between this meeting and the one held in the morning. Most of the children feeling too late at the smart of sunburn, had put their clothes on. The choir, noticeably less of a group, had discarded their cloaks” (page 30). However, there are more noticeable differences as well. This meeting was more organized as the platform was crowded before Ralph was finished blowing the conch, signalling how everyone knew that a meeting was about to occur (unlike the first time). This meeting consisted of setting rules. The main rule being that in order to speak, one will have to hold the conch. Another rule being that everyone should have fun. This meeting was more organized.
How does the conch seem to represent structure and order on page 31?
The conch is a symbol of structure and order because it entitles everyone to have an opinion. Everyone has the right to speak and the conch represents democracy.
How does Jack suggest that rules they create are enforced? Why do you think he does this?
Jack supports the rules at first; when the boys first suggest having rules, such as the conch giving its holder the sole privilege to speak, Jack responds enthusiastically, saying they’ll have “lots and lots of rules”, and gleefully promising punishment to anyone who breaks them. The creation of more rules provides more opportunities for people to break them, and therefore to be punished.
On page 33 what is the kids plan to live on the island?
The kids plan to build a large signal fire so any passing boats can see and rescue them.
On page 34 and 35 they discuss the beastie. How is it’s discussion represent the fear of the children?
The imaginary beast that frightens all the boys stands for the primal instinct of savagery that exists within all human beings. The beast represents their internal fear of the unknown.
Who is the most keen on being rescued? What is the plan to accomplish this?
Ralph is most keen on being rescued. He states that his father will come to rescue them
Who pessimistically introduces the idea that they may never get rescued?
Piggy, being the intellectual one, introduces the idea that they might never get rescued. On page 33, he states that “nobody knows where [they] are. Perhaps they don’t know where we was going to; and perhaps not. But they don’t know where we are ‘cos we never got there.”
What could Piggy’s glasses represent? How were they taken from Piggy? What could Golding’s be implying about the larger allegory?
Piggy’s glasses represent wisdom, intelligence, and knowledge. His glasses were taken away from him without his consent. Piggy represents the rational side and the intellectual one who is often ignored.
Piggy tries to introduce some logic about the size of the fire stating, “You say you wanted a small fire and you built a pile like a hayrick. If I say anything, ‘cried Piggy, with bitter realism’ you say shut up; but if Jack or Maurice or Simon” (43). What could this quote be saying about how people engage with ideas?
Piggy is trying to explain that his ideas are ignored, however, if someone else gives the same idea as his, then they will listen to it.
On page 44, what feeling makes Ralph feel savage?
According to page 44, “the knowledge and the awe made him feel savage.” Ralph is intrigued by the fire and how it ignited so quickly.
Piggy repeatedly says, “you got your small fire alright” (44). How is this an example of irony?
This statement symbolizes irony because the fire wasn’t small, in fact, it was large enough to burn a bunch of trees.
Piggy struggles to use the power of the conch to speak and get the other children’s attention throughout the chapter. What could Golding be stating about the flaws of democracy with these examples?
Golding is stating that even in a democratic world, it is hard to have an equal platform to voice their opinions. In Piggy’s case, other children do not listen to him due to his appearance, power, and lack of strength.
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