Lord of the Flies Flashcards: Ralph's Acceptance

Questions and Answers

What strange thing does Ralph notice as the boys are playing around the rolling rocks?

The word smoke was obscuring his idea as he saw the rock's base crack and roll into the sea and then a huge plume of spray was produced.

What has Ralph come to accept as normal?

Ralph has gotten used to the state of his personal hygiene; he is dirty all the time.

Why are Ralph's fingernails bitten?

He restarted his habit of chewing them.

What is Ralph insinuating when he says, 'be sucking my thumb next'?

His comment is a way for him to insinuate he will revert back to his old habits from earlier in his life. Signup and view all the answers

How do the 2 different sides of the island affect Ralph's hopes for rescue?

The vastness of the ocean makes him feel isolated and lose hope of being rescued. Signup and view all the answers

What prediction does Simon make?

Simon predicts that Ralph will get back safely from the other side of the island. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Ralph as he participates in his first hunt?

His personality changes from his normal nonviolent self to being overly excited about stabbing the pig. Signup and view all the answers

How do you think Robert feels during the ritual?

Robert feels frightened during the ritual and actually fears for his life. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Simon go off alone?

He needed someone to relay the message that they would be back after dark. Signup and view all the answers

What do Ralph, Roger, and Jack find on the top of the hill?

They find the parachutist at the top of the hill. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the exchange of power at the beginning of chapter 8.

Jack and Ralph get into an argument, and Jack states he will no longer follow Ralph. Signup and view all the answers

What does Simon suggest?

Simon suggests that the boys in Ralph's group climb the mountain and deal with the beast business. Signup and view all the answers

How does Piggy change?

Piggy becomes more confident and excited. Signup and view all the answers

Why do the boys plan on raiding Ralph's camp?

They need fire and also want to recruit more people to join Jack's group. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Simon goes back into the woods?

He witnesses Jack's lot hunt a pig and then cut off its head. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think Simon actually sees and talks to?

I think he is hallucinating because of the madness of everything that is happening on the island. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how Jack and the hunters change.

They begin to treat Jack like a god and stop thinking logically. Signup and view all the answers

List in order what happens to Simon.

<ul> <li>The others notice there is something different about him.- Simon volunteers to go out.- He witnesses the pig being hunted.- Simon sees the dead parachutist.- The boys mistake Simon for the beast and beat him to death.</li> </ul> Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think Ralph, Piggy, Sam, and Eric deny being at the dance?

They realize what happened was a huge mistake and they are in denial. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Jack deny that the beast is dead?

Jack needs to convince the others that the beast is still alive to maintain control. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Jack think that dressing the way that they were dressed would help them?

He wants to confront them in a civilized way. Signup and view all the answers

How does the contrast of paint and smoke symbolize the two forces?

Paint symbolizes liberation into savagery, while smoke symbolizes a proactive tool for rescue. Signup and view all the answers

How does Golding begin to portray Jack's group as heathen?

He calls them savages, not mentioning their names. Signup and view all the answers

Why were the boys so scared of the war paint?

It was a symbol of savagery and behind it, cruel acts could be freely committed. Signup and view all the answers

How did the boys end up on the jungle island?

The plane in which they were being transported to safety was shot down. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Ralph's physical features and also his reaction to being on the island. List at least 3 attributes.

Ralph is described as being pale with fair hair, taller and thinner than Piggy, with wide shoulders. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Piggy's physical features and also his reaction to being on the island. List at least 3 attributes.

Piggy is short and fat, has asthma, and yearns for acceptance from his peers. Signup and view all the answers

How does Ralph respond to Piggy's practical suggestion to have a meeting?

He first ignores it but later uses Piggy's idea after finding the conch shell. Signup and view all the answers

How does Ralph think they will be rescued?

Ralph thinks he will be rescued by his father in the Navy when he gets his leave. Signup and view all the answers

What had Piggy overheard the pilot saying?

Piggy overheard the pilot saying that an 'atom bomb' went off at the airport and killed everyone. Signup and view all the answers

How does Ralph attract the other boys on the island? What does he do?

Ralph attracted the other boys by blowing into the conch shell. Signup and view all the answers

How do the younger boys act when they get there?

The younger boys acted obediently and listened to Ralph with manners. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the way Jack and his band of choir boys looked as they came toward the assembled group. List 3 attributes.

Jack and the choir boys looked mysterious, walked orderly in two parallel lines, and wore strangely eccentric clothing. Signup and view all the answers

How does Jack treat the others?

Jack treats the others as superior and dominant, bullying them to obey his orders. Signup and view all the answers

What conflict soon arises? How is it solved?

The conflict over choosing a chief arises, which is solved by voting; Ralph wins but allows Jack to lead the hunters. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ralph do to make Jack feel better? What is compromised?

Ralph gives Jack the power to decide what the choirboys do, compromising his authority. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the expedition of Jack, Ralph, and Simon?

The purpose is to determine whether they are on an island, which impacts their chances of rescue. Signup and view all the answers

How does Simon describe the unusual buds on the bushes?

Green candle buds. Signup and view all the answers

Why hadn't Jack been able to kill the pig?

He couldn't get past the thought of taking a living thing's life; he hesitated and the pig escaped. Signup and view all the answers

What rule concerning the conch is made?

The rule is that the conch is given to whoever is speaking and they won't be interrupted. Signup and view all the answers

What does Piggy attempt to call the group's attention to?

Piggy tries to draw attention to the fact that nobody knows their location. Signup and view all the answers

How does the talk of the beastie affect the boys?

It creates fear, with some boys doubting Ralph and feeling on edge. Signup and view all the answers

At this time, Ralph says the boys appear to have 2 goals. What are they?

For the boys to have fun and get rescued. Signup and view all the answers

How does the group react to Ralph's suggestion that they build a fire? How does Piggy describe their actions?

The boys act without question and get down to business; Piggy describes their actions as childish. Signup and view all the answers

How does Piggy treat a small boy? What does this tell us about Piggy?

Piggy treats a small boy kindly, getting the group to listen to him. Signup and view all the answers

How do they manage to start the fire?

By using Piggy's specs as burning glasses to reflect the sunlight. Signup and view all the answers

What responsibility has Jack taken on for his choir?

To keep the fire going and watch for rescue ships. Signup and view all the answers

What goes wrong? Do you see any symbolism here? What is going on in the adult world at the time?

The boys accidentally set trees ablaze, symbolizing their struggle to connect with civilization; the adult world is going through WW2. Signup and view all the answers

Who is missing?

The little boy who warned about the beastie is now missing. Signup and view all the answers

What is Jack preoccupied with?

Jack is preoccupied with the obsession of needing to find and kill a pig. Signup and view all the answers

What complaints does Ralph have? What has he noticed about the people?

Ralph complains that only three people are working and that the littluns are easily distracted. Signup and view all the answers

How are the littluns dealing with things?

They are hopeless, not helping much, and frightened about the beastie. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the love-hate relationship between Jack and Ralph.

They rely on each other while often getting irritated due to the pressure of leadership. Signup and view all the answers

Where had Simon gone and what does he do there?

Simon went into the jungle alone to an open space filled with nature to think. Signup and view all the answers

What might Simon represent?

Simon might represent the good of humans and selflessness. Signup and view all the answers

What strange things happen at midday?

Bizarre images appear over the water and land appears where there is none. Signup and view all the answers

How did the littluns spend their day?

Playing and eating fruit, which causes them stomach aches. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways does Roger seem cruel?

Roger bullies the littluns and destroys their sandcastles, showing a lack of compassion. Signup and view all the answers

What is Henry doing while Roger watches him?

Henry is poking things with a stick that washed ashore. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when Roger felt the 'taboo of the old life'?

It indicates a psychological struggle as he recalls the consequences of cruelty in civilization. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the transformations that take place after Jack paints his face. List their purposes.

Jack becomes more confident and bloodthirsty, the mask camouflages him and liberates him from shame. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ralph discover that upsets him greatly?

Ralph sees a boat in the distance, but the hunters let the smoke signal burn out. Signup and view all the answers

What do the hunters chant?

'Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood.' Signup and view all the answers

How does Jack's attack on Piggy and the breaking of one of the lenses in his spectacles symbolize the degeneration of the group?

The broken glasses signify a shift in power and the loss of rationality as violence takes over. Signup and view all the answers

What is Ralph realizing is necessary in order to be a leader?

To be wise and ready to make decisions that benefit the whole group. Signup and view all the answers

What rules have been ignored? List at least 3.

The rules about getting water, fire maintenance, and sharing work. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when Ralph refers to the littluns as taken short?

It means they need to go to the bathroom when there are no facilities, illustrating their primitive behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What rules does Ralph make regarding fires?

Ralph states they ought to die before letting the fire out and must only make fires on the mountain. Signup and view all the answers

A littlun says he sees something moving in the jungle at night. Who/what was it?

He saw Simon wandering about in the trees. Signup and view all the answers

How does Jack explain the beast?

As some sort of creature coming out of the water. Signup and view all the answers

Why are rules important to Ralph?

Rules are essential for maintaining order among the boys. Signup and view all the answers

What does Simon mean when he says, 'What I mean is... maybe it's only us... We could be sort of..'?

Simon suggests that the beast represents the boys' own inner darkness. Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't Ralph blow the conch when the meeting dissolves into chaos?

He knows no one would listen; his authority was taken away. Signup and view all the answers

At the end of the chapter what does Ralph look for?

He looks for a sign or something that could reunite him with his father or adults. Signup and view all the answers

Ironically, what Ralph wished for came true. What happens? Why is the answer to his wish depressingly ironic?

Ralph wishes for an adult, and a dead pilot falls from a fighter jet. Signup and view all the answers

What do Sam and Eric claim they have seen on the mountaintop? How do they describe it?

They claim to have seen the beast, describing it as furry with wings, eyes, teeth, and claws. Signup and view all the answers

What does Jack say about the conch?

Jack says the group no longer needs the conch for order. Signup and view all the answers

How has the significance of the conch changed?

The conch has lost its power and influence as a tool for keeping order. Signup and view all the answers

When Simon thought of the beast, what picture came to mind?

He pictured 'a human at once heroic and sick.' Signup and view all the answers

As the boys are searching the island, who leads the group when they get to the ledge?

Ralph leads the boys once they get to the ledge. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Context of the Island

The boys are stranded on a jungle island after their plane, en route to safety, is shot down amid World War II conflict.

Ralph’s Characteristics and Leadership

Ralph is described as tall, fair-haired, and built like a boxer, indicating physical strength and leadership potential.
He shows organizational abilities by calling meetings and assigning tasks.
His belief in rescue stems from confidence in his father's naval role, though he learns the airport is bombed.

Piggy’s Attributes and Role

Piggy is short and overweight, hindered by asthma, his physical limitations influence group dynamics.
He strives for acceptance and contributes practical ideas, such as using the conch for order.
Piggy's spectacles symbolize intelligence and rational thought, crucial for the group's survival.

Group Dynamics and Conflicts

Ralph initially overlooks Piggy's suggestions but later utilizes them for group meetings.
The boys' apparent obedience shifts into chaos as competing leadership emerges, primarily between Ralph and Jack.
Voting determines Ralph as chief, with Jack leading the hunters, indicating a compromise amid growing tension.

Exploration and Discovery

Jack, Ralph, and Simon embark on an expedition to confirm they are on an island, vital for their understanding of rescue possibilities.
Discovery of the island features unique flora, described as "green candle buds."

Hunting and Fear

Jack's obsession with hunting represents a shift in priorities, overshadowing rescue efforts.
The boys' growing fear of the ‘beastie’ reflects their increasing descent into savagery and loss of innocence.
Roger exhibits cruelty towards the littluns, hinting at emerging violent tendencies among the boys.

Fire as Symbolism

Efforts to start a fire using Piggy's glasses emphasize the importance of rescue and civilization.
The fire represents a connection to order and society, but when left unattended, it symbolizes the slip into barbarism.

Decline of Order

Ralph notices a decline in adherence to rules, such as proper sanitation and fire safety protocols.
The conch, once a powerful symbol of order, loses significance as Jack increasingly disregards its authority.
The chaotic dynamics echo the breakdown of civilized behavior, with Jack's leadership promoting aggression.

Simon’s Insights and Predictions

Simon proposes a deep understanding of the boys' innate savagery, suggesting the true beast lies within them.
His nature symbolizes inherent goodness, juxtaposed against the boys’ dark turn towards violence and chaos.

Character Development

Ralph's transformation begins as he participates in hunting, showing signs of excitement towards violence.
The boys grapple with primal instincts, foreshadowing further deterioration of their civilized selves as fears and savagery rise.

Final Irony

Ralph's wish for adult intervention becomes tragically ironic when a dead pilot from a shot-down plane descends from the sky, highlighting the futility of their situation and the grim realities of their environment.### Ritual Fear
Robert experiences extreme fear during a ritual, signified by his tears and perception of danger to his life.

Simon's Isolation

Simon isolates himself to relay a message back to Ralph, ensuring Piggy isn’t left alone with the younger boys.

Discovery on the Hill

Ralph, Roger, and Jack discover a parachutist; they misinterpret it as a beast due to the shadow's distortion.
The narrative's suspense heightens if readers were unaware of the parachutist's identity, though this would eliminate the dramatic irony present.

Power Shift and Conflict

Ralph and Jack's argument leads to tension; Jack questions Ralph's leadership, resulting in a loss of power for Ralph.
Jack's departure signifies a pivotal moment, reducing Ralph's authority and compelling others to choose their leader.

Simon's Proposal

Simon suggests the group confront the 'beast' together; the idea is initially met with disagreement.

Piggy's Transformation

Piggy shows increased confidence and enthusiasm following Jack's departure, reflecting his growth in character.

Raiding Ralph's Camp

The boys plan to raid Ralph’s camp primarily for fire, but also to recruit members and assert their authority over the conch.

Simon's Experience in the Woods

Simon observes Jack's group hunting and becomes a victim of hallucination from the pig's severed head, which mocks him.

Perception of Hallucination

Simon’s hallucination may stem from his mental state amid chaos, interpreted as influenced by evil.

Jack and the Hunters' Evolution

Jack's influence has transformed his hunters into followers with blind obedience, paralleling a transition from logical thinkers to thrill-seekers.
Simon’s death exemplifies the culmination of Jack's power over the group.

Simon's Journey

Simon is perceived as different and isolated, ultimately witnessing brutal acts while trying to return to warn the others.
He is mistaken for the beast and is killed by the other boys in a frenzied state.

Denial of Responsibility

Ralph, Piggy, Sam, and Eric deny involvement in Simon's death as a defense mechanism against the reality of their actions.

Jack's Manipulation

Jack insists the beast is alive to maintain control and leverage the fear of the beast to unify and guide the boys under his rule.

Confronting Savagery

Jack aims to address his followers with civility, contrasting their savage behavior with their identities as schoolboys.

Symbolism of Paint and Smoke

Paint represents Jack's descent into savagery; smoke symbolizes Ralph's focus on rescue and civilization.
The contrast highlights the thematic battle between good and evil.

Depiction of Jack's Group

Jack’s group is labeled as "savages," stripping them of individual identities to emphasize their descent into barbarism.

Fear of War Paint

War paint symbolizes savagery for the boys, allowing them to commit violent acts without the restraint of their civilized upbringing.

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Description

Explore the significant observations and changes Ralph undergoes as he adapts to life on the island in 'Lord of the Flies'. This quiz delves into his perceptions of normalcy and the environment around him. Test your understanding of these pivotal moments in the novel.

Lord of the Flies Chapter Insights