Lord of the Flies Chapter 5 Summary

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Questions and Answers

Who does Ralph realize is the true thinker?

Piggy

What happened to Ralph's conch?

Turned almost white from being in the sun and air

What does Ralph tell the boys?

That the assemblies must be real

What does Ralph find smoke more important than?

Pig Signup and view all the answers

Where will the food be cooked only and why?

Signal fire, so that there's no wild fire and there will always be smoke Signup and view all the answers

Who does Jack say started making people afraid?

The littluns started it, about a beast Signup and view all the answers

Piggy says there is no need for fear unless ______

they get frightened of people Signup and view all the answers

Who's the littlun that keeps talking about a beast?

Phil Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Phil?

Had a dream of fighting with twist things in the trees, woke up outside shelter, alone in the dark, and saw something 'big and horrid' Signup and view all the answers

Does Ralph believe Phil? If not, what does he say?

No, Ralph thinks Phil sleep walked Signup and view all the answers

Who had gone out to the forest at night and why?

Simon, to go to a place he likes Signup and view all the answers

Which other littlun steps out and who does he remind Ralph of?

Percival, he reminds Ralph of the littlun with the birthmark who died in the fire Signup and view all the answers

Why does Percival start crying and what does he mention?

Because Ralph asked for his name; he didn't respond at first, but when he did, he also mentioned his address and phone number. He probably cried because of flashbacks of parents teaching him how to recite important info. Signup and view all the answers

Who distracts the littluns from crying and what does he do?

Maurice, he falls off a log and acts silly, rubbing his bottom Signup and view all the answers

Where does Percival say the beast comes from and what is the crowd's reaction?

The sea; everyone becomes quiet Signup and view all the answers

What does Ralph think of the crowd arguing?

The breaking up of sanity Signup and view all the answers

Who does Simon say is the beast?

Maybe the beast is them - the boys, themselves Signup and view all the answers

Who do some say the beast is?

A ghost Signup and view all the answers

Do most believe in ghosts?

True Signup and view all the answers

Does Jack care about the rules?

False Signup and view all the answers

What does Ralph calm himself, Piggy, and Simon with?

'Three blind mice' Signup and view all the answers

What will Ralph quit being?

The leader Signup and view all the answers

Who had begun crying again and where has he been?

Percival; he had been in the meeting place the entire time Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Characters and Themes

Ralph recognizes Piggy as the most logical thinker among the boys.
The conch shell, a symbol of order, has significantly faded to a near white color due to exposure to sunlight and air.

Leadership and Order

Ralph emphasizes the necessity of serious assemblies to maintain order and structure among the boys.
He prioritizes the signal fire, viewing it as more critical than hunting for pig meat.

Fear and Superstition

Jack asserts that the fear of the beast originated with the littluns, igniting widespread anxiety.
Piggy suggests that fear only exists if they become afraid of each other rather than mythical creatures.

Events and Reactions

Phil, a littlun, vocalizes his fears about a beast, claiming to have seen something terrifying after a nightmare.
Ralph dismisses Phil's experience, attributing it to sleepwalking rather than a real threat.
Simon ventures into the forest at night for personal solace, highlighting his introspective nature.

Emotional Responses

Percival, after being prompted by Ralph, breaks down in tears, reflecting on his lost sense of security and familial connections.
Maurice attempts to lighten the mood among the littluns by behaving playfully, diverting attention from Percival's distress.

The Beast and Its Implications

Percival links the beast to the sea, which silences the crowd, indicating the power of their collective fears.
Simon proposes that the beast may actually represent the darkness within the boys themselves, a more profound existential threat.

Superstitions and Beliefs

Some boys speculate the beast could be a ghost, which resonates with their fears, revealing a belief in supernatural elements.
The majority express belief in ghosts, showcasing the group’s growing paranoia and detachment from reality.

Authority and Control

Jack increasingly disregards the rules established by Ralph, signaling a shift towards chaos and primal instincts among the group.
Ralph seeks comfort through the nursery rhyme “Three Blind Mice,” symbolizing his struggle to maintain sanity amidst the rising tension.

Leadership Crisis

Ralph contemplates stepping down from his leadership role, reflecting the difficulties of maintaining authority in a deteriorating situation.
Percival's crying recurs, emphasizing the vulnerability of the boys and how isolation affects their emotional states.

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Description

This quiz contains flashcards that summarize key points from Chapter 5 of 'Lord of the Flies.' It highlights critical moments and character insights that are essential for understanding the themes and dynamics of the story. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their comprehension of this pivotal chapter.