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?
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What does Ralph worming out of the ferns signify?
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What does Ralph struggle to convince himself about the other boys?
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What does Ralph feel when he kneels among the shadows?
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What does the quote about the twins not being painted imply?
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What does the phrase 'the deaths of Piggy and Simon lay on the island like a vapor' suggest?
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What do 'no fire, no smoke, no rescue' imply?
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What does Ralph see when he looks at the skull?
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What does the comparison of the skull to the conch symbolize?
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What does the skull represent when it regards Ralph?
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What does Ralph feel as an outcast?
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What does referring to the boys as 'those stripped and inimical creatures' imply?
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What does Samneric say about Roger?
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What is significant about Roger sharpening a stick at both ends?
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What does Ralph miss when he thinks of Piggy?
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What does Ralph feel about the forest as he walks?
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What does Ralph weep for?
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What is the irony in the naval officer's question, 'What have you been doing? Having a war or something?'?
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How are the boys referred to in the context of their behavior?
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What is ironic about Jack and his tribe calling Ralph dangerous?
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What does Ralph say when he reflects on having more time?
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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.