Lord of the Flies Quotes

Questions and Answers

What does Ralph lying in a covert indicate?

Ralph has become the prey while everyone else is the predators.

What are tendrils?

A slender threadlike appendage of a climbing plant that stretches out and twines around any suitable support.

What does it mean that the hunters were terrified of the darkness under the leaves?

Even though the boys are savage, they continue to be afraid of the darkness within themselves.

How does Ralph perceive Bill in his thoughts?

Ralph sees Bill as a savage, reflecting on how the boys have changed from civilization to savagery. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ralph worming out of the ferns signify?

It shows a comparison of Ralph to a low-life dirty animal. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ralph struggle to convince himself about the other boys?

He struggles to believe that the other boys aren't truly savages. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ralph feel when he kneels among the shadows?

He feels his isolation bitterly. Signup and view all the answers

What does the quote about the twins not being painted imply?

In the darkness, they can hide from their actions and their savagery. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'the deaths of Piggy and Simon lay on the island like a vapor' suggest?

It represents the boys' guilt about Piggy and Simon's deaths as a physical feature of the island. Signup and view all the answers

What do 'no fire, no smoke, no rescue' imply?

The boys' slim chance of survival. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ralph see when he looks at the skull?

He sees the skull grinning, representing savagery. Signup and view all the answers

What does the comparison of the skull to the conch symbolize?

It shows the boys' moral shift from civilization to savagery. Signup and view all the answers

What does the skull represent when it regards Ralph?

The skull taunts Ralph. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ralph feel as an outcast?

He is fearful as he feels he is now the outsider for not turning savage. Signup and view all the answers

What does referring to the boys as 'those stripped and inimical creatures' imply?

It shows that they are barely even human anymore. Signup and view all the answers

What does Samneric say about Roger?

Roger is described as a terror. Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about Roger sharpening a stick at both ends?

It means Roger is going to cut off Ralph's head and sacrifice it to the beast. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ralph miss when he thinks of Piggy?

He misses having Piggy to talk sense and the order of the conch. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ralph feel about the forest as he walks?

He feels as though the forest itself were against him. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ralph weep for?

He weeps for the end of innocence and the darkness of man's heart. Signup and view all the answers

What is the irony in the naval officer's question, 'What have you been doing? Having a war or something?'?

It highlights the savagery and violence among the boys. Signup and view all the answers

How are the boys referred to in the context of their behavior?

They are referred to as a tribe. Signup and view all the answers

What is ironic about Jack and his tribe calling Ralph dangerous?

They are the ones planning to kill Ralph while accusing him of being violent. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ralph say when he reflects on having more time?

If only one had time... Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ralph's Vulnerability and Transformation

Ralph is depicted as prey, highlighting his transformation from a leader to a target among the savage boys.
His dirtied appearance, resembling the tendrils of climbing plants, symbolizes a fall from civility into a primal state.

Fear and Darkness

Despite their savage actions, the boys still fear the darkness, representing their internal struggle with their own savagery.
Ralph realizes that the once innocent boys are now savages, unable to reconcile their past with their current state.

Guilt and Isolation

The deaths of Piggy and Simon haunt the boys, manifesting as a physical burden on the island.
Ralph experiences intense isolation and acknowledges the universal fear of the unknown present in all the boys, regardless of their savagery.

Symbolism of Light and Darkness

Darkness allows the twins to escape accountability for their actions, but in daylight, their shame and reality may resurface.
The comparison of the skull to the conch signifies the collapse of order and morality among the boys.

The Nature of Savagery

Visual imagery of the skull and Ralph's breakdown serve to underscore the inherent savagery and loss of innocence experienced by the characters.
The tribe's dance embodies their complete descent into chaotic tribalism, emphasizing the contrast between civilization and savagery.

Irony and Reflection

The naval officer's questioning highlights the absurdity and irony of the boys' violent descent, raising questions about the nature of civilized behavior.
Ralph's lament for the end of innocence reflects on the harsh realities of human nature and the consequences of their actions on the island.

Final Elements of Conflict

Roger's violent intentions towards Ralph illustrate an ultimate betrayal of humanity, showcasing the pervasive theme of inherent evil within the characters.
The chaotic conditions of the island foster Ralph's terror, contributing to his sense of being hunted and outcast.

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Description

Explore key quotes from Chapter 12 of 'Lord of the Flies' with this flashcard quiz. Each card highlights significant phrases and their meanings, focusing on the transformation of characters and themes. Perfect for studying the text and understanding its deeper implications.

Lord of the Flies Quotes - Chapter 12