As Golding describes a typical day on the island he writes, “At midday the illusions merged into the sky and there the sun gazed down like an angry eye” (60). What literary device is this an example of?
There are two literary devices found throughout this quote. Personification is when a non-human thing, object, or idea is given human attributes. The sun is given the human attribute of “gazing.” The sun is an inanimate object that cannot look, see, or view anything. A simile is a comparison using the words “like” or “as.” Golding compares the way the sun shines and radiates heat, to that of an “angry eye.” Golding’s use of both personification and similes builds imagery and establishes the mood and tone of the scene. By comparing the sun to an “angry eye,” Golding conveys how the menacing rays are viewed negatively by the boys. The heat from the sun was so extreme that boys began to see mirages on the surface of the island and remained in the shade most of the day.
He goes on to write, “When the sun sunk, darkness dropped on the island like an extinguisher and soon the shelters were full of restlessness, under the remote stars”(61). What literary device is this an example of? What do you think Golding meant by this quote?
This is an example of a simile and Golding is trying to portray the harsh nights at the islands and the fear of the beast.
On page 61 how does Golding describe why the Litluns still obey the conch? How do these reasons connect with the politics of today?
The Litluns “obeyed the summons of the conch, partly because Ralph blew it, and he was big enough to be a link with the adult world of authority; and partly because they enjoyed the entertainment of the assemblies” (page 61). This connects to the politics of today because many are amused by it but rarely advocate for what they believe in. Golding employs the littluns as symbols for the weak members of society that a successful democracy strives to protect.
On page 62 how were the kids playing in the sand described? How does Roger’s actions towards the kids connect to the larger allegory?
When Roger and Maurice kick down the sandcastles, it signals the disintegration of ordered life on the island, and it foreshadows the end of Ralph’s democratic plans. By destroying the sandcastles, Roger and Maurice not only express an abusive power over the younger boys but indicate their increasing disrespect for civilized order. Still, Golding suggests, they have not yet devolved into complete savagery.
How does Maurice react to the situation?
Maurice, remembering his mother’s discipline, feels guilty about kicking sand into Percival’s eye, and Roger refrains from throwing a stone at Henry.
What do you think the symbol of the mask represents? In what aspects of life do people wear masks in order to accomplish something?
His painted face, reminiscent of some less developed societies, supposedly makes him indistinguishable from the animals of the forest. It represents his “savagery” and desire to kill.
What does Ralph spot on the horizon?
Ralph and Piggy spot a ship on the horizon.
Why is the signal fire out?
The signal fire going out symbolically represents the decline of civilization on the island. Jack and the hunters left the fire to hunt for the pig.
What violence does Jack commit toward Piggy?
When Piggy shrilly complains about the hunters’ immaturity, Jack slaps him hard, breaking one of the lenses of his glasses.
How did the hunters kill the pig?
When Jack and his hunters return to camp, they chant “Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood” (page, 72). Jack attempts to elaborate on the hunt and mentions that all of the hunters encircled the pig. While Jack acknowledges that each of his hunters played an important role in killing the pig, Jack mentions that he was the person who slit the pig’s throat.
Who gives Piggy meat despite Jack’s objection?
Simon shares his roasted pig with Piggy.
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