Lord of the Flies: Initial Conflict Stages

Initial Stages of the Island

• The boys are stranded on an island after a plane crash. Initially, there's an attempt to establish order and leadership, with Ralph being elected chief.
• Differences in characters are immediately apparent. Ralph is focused on the group's survival and organization, while Jack, passionate about hunting, is more impulsive and driven by immediate gratification.
• Initially, the boys are excited about their new freedom and adventure, but the lack of adult supervision and the harsh realities of their situation soon become evident.

The Development of Conflict and Division

• The boys' initial attempts at civilization begin to crumble as challenges arise.
• The fear of the "beast" — a mysterious, potentially dangerous presence — becomes a significant source of anxiety and fear among the boys.
• This fear motivates a division in the group. One faction, led by Ralph and Piggy, strives to maintain order and search for rescue, while another, led by Jack, focuses on hunting, responding to fear with perceived aggression.

The Shift Towards Savagery

• Jack and his hunters' escalating focus on hunting disrupts the overall aim for survival or rescue.
• The boys' increasingly violent and uncontrolled behavior is evident, as they abandon rational thought.
• Piggy, representing reason in the face of chaos, is vital. His glasses are essential for starting fires, but his death highlights the devastating effect of unchecked savagery.

The Climax of the Conflict

• The conflict between Ralph and Jack intensifies until it erupts into open violence, threatening the boys' survival.
• Simon, a quiet and introspective character, unknowingly confronts and discovers the beast, ultimately finding it to be a merely a dead parachutist.
• Jack's relentless pursuit of power and the satisfaction of hunting reaches a peak, as his hunters display brutality and greed.

The Loss of Innocence and the Resolution

• Simon's discovery is tragically overshadowed by the savagery surrounding him.
• The loss of Piggy and the escalation of violence lead to a complete collapse of order.
• Ralph, facing the overwhelming threat of unchecked savage behavior, is eventually forced to flee.
• The impending arrival of the naval officer signifies a potential resolution—an intervention from adult authority.
• The novel leaves the reader with a profound reflection on the potential for evil within seemingly ordinary individuals when faced with a complete loss of structure.
• This ending emphasizes the possibility of savagery inherent within people.

Symbolism in the Novel

• The island itself symbolizes both a microcosm of the world and a space free from societal constraints.
• Ralph represents the attempt to maintain order and rationality.
• Jack symbolizes the capacity for savagery and the allure of primal urges.
• Piggy represents the importance of reason and intellect.
• The "beast" represents the ever-present threat of human nature, and the potential for primal aggression and fear.

Main Themes

• The conflict between civilization and savagery within human nature.
• The loss of innocence and the corrupting influence of power.
• The importance of reason, leadership, and order.
• The inevitability of moral decline in the absence of strong, guiding leadership.
• The psychological effects of fear, isolation, and desperation.

This quiz delves into the early stages of conflict in 'Lord of the Flies'. It explores how the boys' attempts at civilization are challenged by their primal instincts and the emergence of fear. Key themes include leadership, division, and survival on the island.