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1.  Describe the major characters: Ralph, Piggy, and Jack.

Ralph is a twelve-year-old child with fair hair (described as "the boy with the fair hair" at the beginning of Chapter 1) with an athletic build. Ralph looks for the order and tradition that he has experienced before being on the island. Piggy is fat, asthmatic, rambles often, and he wears glasses. He asks important questions and thinks of quick solutions (ex: using the shell to call the other boys).  Jack has red hair, freckles, and blue eyes. He wants to be in charge of the group and is quite upset when he does get to be the Chief.

4. What is the significance (the meaning and importance) of the boys' encounter with the wild piglet?

The hesitance that Jack and the boys have when he is about to kill the pig shows that they still have the innocence and rationality that has been instilled in them prior to the plane crash. The weight of killing another living thing by hand in the wild, is barbaric, something that the boys had never even thought about having to do. But Jack's promise to kill the pig next time shows that barbaric and instinctual violence that animals in the wild have, is coming to the surface. This gives a little glimpse into the future, showing that the boys may embrace the animalistic instincts that have previously been buried.

5. What do you think the “sound of the shell” and the conch itself might symbolize?

The "sound of the shell" and the conch represent the power over the boys. Which is why Ralph possesses it. The sound that the conch emits is what all the boys respond to and the reason they gather around Jack. Ralph's possession of the conch, subconsciously causes the boys to look at him as the leader despite him not having any obvious leadership qualities, which is why the majority of the boys vote for him to be Chief.

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3. What do you think Piggy‟s glasses might represent?  Consider their normal function, the use they are

put to in this chapter, Piggy‟s intelligence, and Piggy‟s helplessness without them.

Piggy's glasses represent his innovative and intelligent ways. They represent his ability to 'see' solutions to the many issues that continue to arise. Piggy's helplessness without them shows that without his intelligence he provides no benefit to the group and there would be no one to provide the boys with an analytical approach. The use of his glasses as a way to light the fire represents Piggy's ability to solve the boy's problems.

5. What is ironic about the consequences of the boys' decision to light a fire?  In light of these consequences, what do you think it and the “drum-roll” represent?

The fire was supposed to be a signal of life to rescuers, but instead, it took a young boy's life. The drum-roll represents the further loss of life and danger up head for the boys.

6. What do the events of these first two chapters reveal about the major themes of the novel?

They reveal the man vs self theme, as the boys decide to embrace their natural animalistic instincts or to maintain the innocence, rational tendencies, and order that they have been taught is the right way to go about things. It also reveals the man vs society theme, as we can see the way Piggy's physique and lack of athleticness make him an automatic target for the boys, regardless of his benefit of intelligence to the group. Further, the theme of herd mentality or just doing something because someone else is doing it is revealed. The boys follow each other, without really thinking about what is going to increase their chances of survival and rescue, hence Piggy's frustration.

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1. Discuss the change in Jack's personality that is described at the beginning of the chapter.  What is Jack's highest priority, and what does this tell us about him?

Jack becomes primal-like, using animalistic instincts. ("The dog-like, uncomfortable on all fours..." "For a minute became less a hunter than a furtive thing, ape-like among the tangle of trees.") His main priority becomes hunting.

3. What is making it difficult for Ralph and Jack to communicate and get along?  Where do you think their differences will lead?

Ralph and Jack are both very opinionated, and they both believe that they are one who's right. Their headstrong and stubborn tendencies stop them from being able to come to a compromise, that will benefit them both. If they do not begin to compromise, their differences will cause one of them to separate from the group.

5. What does this chapter reveal about Simon‟s personality, and what importance do you think this will have later in the novel?  (How do you think the other boys will react to Simon?)

Simon is unlike the other boys, but he's not worried and flustered by not belonging with the rest of the group. He connects with nature, which is shown by his bare feet, and wandering in the jungle. He doesn't follow rules, but he isn't like Jack where he acts in a primal way. Simon not going along with Ralph's need for order and civilization or with Jack's vicious hunting and primal tendencies will cause him to be even more of an outlier and will frustrate both Jack and Ralph, causing a huge conflict.

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1. Describe the behavior of the boys at the beginning of the chapter.  What thematic significance does this scene have?

The chapter describes the ways the boys have adjusted to their situation, and how they have fallen into a routine. ("Nevertheless, the northern European tradition of work, play, and food right through the day, made it possible for them to adjust themselves wholly to this new rhythm.") The boys had become accustomed to living in the wild and their domesticated tendencies are fading away. This is thematically significant because it shows the progression of the man vs self theme. As the boys become less civilized and stray from what they have been taught and are learning to embrace their inborn instincts, losing their innocence that has been protected their whole life.

2. Why does Maurice walk away when Percival starts crying, and why doesn‟t Roger throw the stones directly at Henry?  What does their behavior suggest about human nature?

The rules of society linger in the back of Maurice's mind, and he still remembers that it is wrong to hurt others, and furthermore he still empathizes with others' pain. Roger doesn't throw the rocks at Henry because he knows that it would hurt him and that hurting others intentionally is wrong. It shows that regardless of the ability to break the rules, we do what we are conditioned to do and humans are empathetic by nature and we understand the pain others feel.

5. How does Ralph “assert his chieftainship” after the argument with the hunters?  Why do you think this gesture is so effective?

He gives the hunters the order to relight the fire and says nothing else. His stern orders have a sense of finality to them; he does not give anyone room to argue because of his silence. This gesture is so effective because unlike Jack, he didn't use violence, he instead took the civilzed route, making the short coming of the hunters settle on their shoulders heavily. Which makes them recognise their failure and makes them feel guilty, rather than angry and resentful, which a violent or harsh punishment would have made them.

7.Discuss the thematic significance of the title of the chapter.

It shows that the boys are succuming to savagery and straying further from order and civility. The barbaric tendencies of people in the wild are becoming their new norm; painted faces for hunting and long hair are a Tarzan-like reality.

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1. What change has come over Ralph as a result of the signal fire incident?  How have his values changed?

Ralph's focus is about reinforcing his dominance as chief. He's focused on being able to hold the power and use it well, by creating order on the island. He recognizes his lack of intelligence compared to Piggy and the need for him to be wise as a chief. He values being respected by everyone and is less focused on being saved, but more on restoring order and hierchy that he believes is used to make society function.

2. What points does Ralph make at the meeting?  What general point does he make that he wants people to discuss?  Why are these points so significant?

He makes points about the fire, where to use the bathroom, food, and water. He also says the beast is not real and that it's a figment of the imagiation. When the beast is brought up many people want to join in the conversation. The beast is creating a deep fear in the littluns, but if the fear festers more and spreads through the group it will get out of control. Ralph making theses points is one of last ways he can solidify his role as an authoritive figure.

3. Why are the rules so important to Ralph?  What are the consequences of breaking them?

The rules are the only thing that Ralph has to make life on the island even resemble a civilized society. If the rules aren't set and followed, chaos and savagery will take over and break down the already shaky system of order Ralph has organized. Ralph will lose his power, and Jack who uses violence and primal instintics to dictate, (shown when he is violent with Piggy in Chap. 4) will lead the rest of the boys away into a barbaric and uncivilized way of life.

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2. What does Sam and Eric‟s description of the beast tell us about human psychology?

Humans often to think immediately of the worst scenario, especially in situation where there's already fear of the topic in the mind, like fear of a 'beast' Sam and Eric already have.

3. How does Ralph overcome Jack‟s challenge during the discussion about what to do about the beast?

Ralph gets everyone to side with him by reminding them of the goal of being rescued and why have the fire lit is pertinent to that. Jack, with no support, has to step back. ("Yes, they wanted to be rescued, there was no doubt about that; and with a violent swing to Ralph's side, the crisis passed.")

5. Why do you think Ralph doesn‟t really expect to encounter the beast?

Ralph doesn't really believe in the 'beast', and after the intial shock of the situation and he had calmed down, he realized that he didn't even expect to encounter the beast ("He noticed that the sweat in his palm was cool now; realized with surprise that he did not really expect to meet any beast"), but just wanted to be sure that there was no 'beast' on the island.

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1. What embarrassing thing does Ralph say to himself near the beginning of the chapter that he‟s afraid someone might have overheard?  What does he mean by it?  What change in Ralph does the act of talking to himself demonstrate?

Ralph notices that he has been biting his nails unconsiously, and says "Be sucking my thumb next--" He's afraid that someone might've heard because it could've made him seem childlike and weak; thumb sucking is habit and source of consolation for babies and children. Raplh conversing with himself shows that he now feels unwelcome and insolated from the group.

3. What disturbing thing do the group of hunters and Ralph do immediately after their encounter with the pig?  How is Ralph‟s behavior surprising?  What does this behavior foreshadow?

They reinact their encounter with the pig, with Robert acting as the pig. They take the pretending to far, and become far too immersed in the game, seriously hurting Robert. Even Ralph, who never understood Jacks love and almost need to engage in hunting and his barbaric tendencies, gets caught up. It's surprising as he has never indulged in this behavior, and it hints that Ralph isn't exempt from the primative and animalistc behavior that he looks down upon.

6. Why do you think Golding (the author) plotted the story so that the boys would go up the mountain in the dark?

Plotting the story that way allows for the reader to see the clear power struggle with between Ralph and Jack. Jack insists that they go up the mountain even though it is dark in order to prove that he reigns supreme over Ralph. Ralph challenges him by going with him, against his better judgement, so he can prove his dominance as a leader, once again.

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2. How does Piggy show “intellectual daring”?  Why is this so significant to the boys?

Piggy shows intellectual daring when he suggests that the fire could be moved to the beach. This is significant to the boys, because, in Jack's absense, it emphasises Piggy's smart ideas and solutions, now that Jack isn't there to put him down or shut him up. It makes it obvious that he potentional to be a leader.

3. Why do you think the biguns wait until the other boys are occupied to leave instead of supporting Jack's challenge during the meeting?

They biguns don't want to make their rebellion to Ralph obvious and they are ashamed of their decision. Their betrayal isn't just to Ralph, its betryal and abandon to tradtion and order as well. Supporting Jack means that they have left all civility behind, and that they are embracing their inner primal being, rather than the familiar rationality that has been instilled in them.

8. What happens to Simon after the hunters leave his clearing?  What is the “lord of the flies”?  What does it represent?  How does it talk to Simon—what does its speech really indicate?

Simon hallucinates, and the boar head comes to life and speaks to him. The boar is the "Lord of the Flies". He tells Simon that he is the beast, though he is something that can't be hunted, as he in everyone, even Simon. The "Lord of the Flies" represents the primal part of the boys that the boys are slowly succumbing to. He talks with a degrading and condesending tone to Simon, mocking him and picking at his insecurities. He also confirms Simon's suspiction that the boys were deep down violent savages. It indicates that humans have savage instincts buried deep within, and it shows why the boys have succubed to vulgar and violent behvior, despite never being exposed to it in their lives.

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1. What are the purpose and effect of Jack‟s generosity with the meat he and the hunters obtained?  What do you think his decision to give meat to even Ralph and Piggy is meant to show?

Jack's generosity shows the boys that he is fair and kind. He uses Ralph and the remaining boys not under his powers' hunger as ploy to give in to him. It shows that he is a diplomatic leader who can cater to his followers needs.

2. Why does Jack command the boys to dance and chant, and why is this an effective leadership tactic?  What psychological effect does dancing and chanting have on the boys? Think back to the effect that

putting on makeup had on them in Chapter 4.

Jack commands the boys to dance and chant as it shows the boys the fun of hunting. This solidfies his leadership as it shows the excitement and exhilaration Jack's way of leading brings, compared to strict and laborus way of order Ralph preffered to bring. By giving the boys this experience, the boys find Ralphs way boring and tiresome, but Jack's way of life better as it is stimulating. Because of the dancing and chanting, the boys become dazed and are high off of excitement. The adrenaline from the dancing and chanting, makes them act impulsively and agressively, without hesitation.

3.  What is the “beast” that the boys kill?  How is this event ironic and especially tragic (not only for the “beast,” but for everyone on the island)?  How is it symbolically significant?

The boys adrenalized state, make them think that Simon, was the beast. They kill him, without a second look. Simon was the only person in the group who knew that there was no 'beast' and that they had been disillusioned. This event symbolises the overtake of primal instincts and savagery in the boys; all morality, rationality, or humanity was abandoned. Simon represented that. His death demonstrates that all innocence and morality in the boys has died.

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2.  What does the narrator mean to suggest when he says, “Memory of the dance that none of them had attended shook all four boys convulsively”?

The narrator means that the boys are disturbed by the events that resulted in Simon's death and they are trying to separate themselves from the horrors of the tragedy. Simon's murder truly shows the boys the savagery they have resorted to and the horrific capabilities they have, which scares them. They are trying to convince themselves, that despite the memories of the dance and Simon's death, they are not responsible and that it was an accident. They don't want to believe that they have the capability to murder another individual on purpose.

3.  How do the biguns seem to define a “proper chief”? What does this criterion suggest about human psychology?

The biguns define Jack as a 'proper chief' because he created a way to protect Castle Rock from unwanted visitors and organized people to guard the entrance. The boys admire his creativity and ability to protect them. This suggests that humans seek out people or things that provide for them and protect them.

4.  What does Jack do that causes Roger to have doubts about his leadership?

Jack ties up Winfred and plans to beat him, for no apparent reason. For Roger, Jack's actions highlight Jack's irresponsible leadership practices.

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1.  In what way are the twins “seeing Ralph for the first time” before they all set off for Castle Rock?

They are finally seeing Ralph outside of his identity as a chief. They see that he is not a strong, authoritative, all-knowing chief, but rather a young boy struggling to continue to do what's right and be rescued, so he can return to his peaceful life.

2.  Why is the boys‟ attempt to get back Piggy‟s specs and get the other boys to maintain a signal fire bound to fail?

The small group of four boys is bound to fail as they are up against Jack and his small army of boys, who outnumber them. Further, Piggy is effectively useless against Jack without his glasses, coupled with his asthma. Jack prefers to use violence rather than diplomacy, and Jack's boys are clearly not afraid to kill at this point-- if the boys begin to fight, Jack and the other boys with dominating them quickly.

3.  Why do you think Roger pushes the rock off the cliff?

I think Roger let the savagery take over him and he impulsively pushed the rock off the cliff. He wanted to satisfy his barbaric and animalistic cravings with a thrill, which is why he is reckless and pushes the rock off, even though he knows it will seriously harm Piggy.

4.  How is the destruction of the conch symbolically significant?

Much like Simon's death, it symbolizes the transfer of power from law and order to savagery. The Conch represents power, order, and governance over and within the boys. The shattering of the Conch symbolizes the end order and rules and the full unleashing of the boys' wild and animalistic inner selves. All semblance of society is gone and the beast within all the boys has taken over.

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1.  Why does Ralph think that the boy he sees is “not Bill”?

The boy that he sees is a true savage and a far cry from the young boy that Bill used to be.

2.  Why does Ralph hit the pig‟s head?

Ralph hits the pig's head because it looks like it is grinning and makes Ralph feel as if it is mocking and teasing him. Ralph uses his assault on the Pig's head as a way to relieve him of the weight of fear and anger from being hunted by Jack.

5. What foolish method do the boys use to ensure that they find Ralph? What does this decision suggest about the power of hatred and violence versus the power of reason?

The boys set the thicket on fire to get Ralph to come out. By doing this, they would've been able to get Ralph out, but they would've also destroyed their food sources and could've killed themselves in the process. This decision shows that the power of hatred and violence is what governs the boys. They no longer even think about consequences of their violent and rash decisions and more interested in the thrill of the chase. The boys don't even have a reason to kill Ralph, yet they are willing to destroy what keeps them alive and themselves, just to hunt Ralph and enjoy the thrill of violence. This crazed decision making is shown in Roger pushing the rock off the cliff resulting in Piggy's death.

8.  What is ironic about how the boys are saved? What is ironic about the fact that the boys, who have become savages, are British, and why do you think Golding chose to write about a group of British boys? Consider what the naval officer says: “I should have thought that a pack of British boys would have been able to put up a better show than that.”

Ironically, the boys are saved because of the smoke from a fire, even though there had been so much resistance from the group about keeping the fire going. The thicket was only lit on fire in hopes to get Ralph out of hiding, so in the end Ralph ending being the saving grace of the group, despite their efforts to get rid of him.
The fact that the boys have become savages is highly unexpected, as the British are often thought of to be "posh" and "well-mannered", and the group of British boys had become barbaric and uncivilized, a far cry from they way they are expected to act. Golding wrote about a group British boys to put emphasis on the fact that even the most polished and civilized people all have an inner animalistic being that can be exposed, given the right environment.