Lord of the Flies Quotes - Chapter 7

Chapter 7 Insights from Lord of the Flies

• The circular movement of the boys portrays mob mentality, illustrating how communal behavior can shift from play to real aggression, as exemplified by Robert’s shift from mock terror to actual pain.
• The chant, "Kill the pig! Cut his throat! Kill the pig! Bash him in!" signifies escalating savagery among the boys; repetition of this chant deepens their descent into barbarism.
• Ralph feels an overpowering desire to harm during the hunt, highlighting the influence of mob mentality and the primal instincts surfacing within the group.
• Jack's remark about Piggy's glasses reveals his opportunistic nature; he uses Piggy to achieve his own objectives, reflecting a lack of moral integrity.
• Jack's vicious words convey a deep-seated savagery and a hurtful attitude towards others, marking his growing dominance and aggression.
• The description of darkness flowing around the boys serves as a metaphor for their fear of the unknown, enhancing the atmosphere of uncertainty and dread.
• The reference to a figure resembling a great ape sleeping with its head between its knees symbolizes the 'beast,' representing the primal fear residing within each boy.
• Jack’s urgent need for meat showcases his savage instincts and obsession with hunting, driving the group's inherent brutality.
• Jack's provocation of Ralph by questioning his courage serves as a tactic to undermine Ralph's authority, highlighting their power struggle.
• The frenzy exhibited by Robert during the ritual demonstrates the intoxicating nature of communal violence and the loss of individual restraint.
• Aggressive chants like "Kill him! Kill him!" further exemplify the mob mentality, signaling the loss of civility and the embrace of brutality.
• Jack assuming command of the hunt marks a significant shift in power dynamics, emphasizing his increasing influence over the group and their descent into savagery.
• The statement, "That was a good game," reflects a disturbing normalization of violence, downplaying the seriousness of their actions in the aftermath of the ritual.
• Descriptive phrases such as "dangerous mountain," "uncompromising cliff," and "impossible jungle" emphasize the perilous and threatening environment of the island, mirroring the internal chaos among the boys.