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

Ralph: Ralph is elected leader of the boys and takes charge of them. He is really mature and thinks rationally. He is also really sweet-hearted.
Piggy: Piggy is a chubby kid who is really whiny, smart, and has asthma. He also thinks rationally as compared to Jack.
Jack: Jack is a bully who is mean and always wants power or control. He is also really violent.

What do the boys attitudes and actions reveal about human nature?
It demonstrates that there is a narrow line between civilization and savagery in human behavior. Some people are wilder rather than civilized, while others are extremely calm and civilized. Humanity is a mix of the two.
What is the significance (the meaning and importance) of the boys‟ encounter with the wild piglet?
The encounter with the piglet is, without a doubt, a pivotal moment in the story. The boys are confronted with the reality of their basic natures for the first time. Jack's ferocious display of slamming the knife into the tree also foreshadows his later acts of violence in the novel.

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What do you think is the significance of the “snake-thing” or “beastie”?

The snake creature or beastie is a product of their own imaginations. They transfer their fears and insecurities onto a "monster" outside of themselves. This allows them to put their insecurities into some sort of framework. Simon is the only one who realizes that the monster on the land is actually within the guys.
What hypocritical irony is there in the boys‟ treatment of Piggy in contrast with their treatment of Ralph and Jack?  What does this fact suggest about human nature?
The boys' best hope of being rescued/surviving was Piggy. He was well-organized and intelligent. Because Jack is assertive and Ralph is mature, Jack and Ralph earn instant respect. This suggests that humans have very limited vision and might be self-destructive at times. Furthermore, instead of shaming Piggy, the boys would have benefited greatly from Piggy's expertise, but owing to their narrow vision, they chose Jack and Ralph.
What do the events of these first two chapters reveal about the major themes of the novel?
The first two chapters relate to the boys' gradually developing darkness. The boys are descending into barbarism without the adult world, and its laws and penalties. They avoid taking responsibility, they start an out-of-control fire, and they break some rules outlined in Chapter 1.

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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 starts to develop dictatorial qualities. He quickly loses patience with Ralph's position as chief. His primary goal is to satisfy his basic desire to hunt and kill animals. Jack has a passion for violence. He has a passion for frightening others and imposing his will on other living things. He also leaves Ralph's tribe and creates his own.
What is making it difficult for Ralph and Jack to communicate and get along?  Where do you think their differences will lead?
The two have a verbal debate in which each character is holding on to their own point of view. Furthermore, they symbolize beliefs that are completely contradictory. While Ralph is focused on constructing shelters for the group, Jack is focused on becoming a successful hunter and establishing himself as a lone warrior among them. Ralph is concerned with the group, but Jack is preoccupied with his personal glory, which is based on military ideas once again. Through hunting and killing pigs, Jack strives to master and conquer nature, a desire that foreshadows the development of his violent tendencies throughout the novel and further establishes him as a figure for totalitarian, rather than democratic, political structure. I think their differences will lead to hatred between the two and will spiral into chaos.
What does this chapter reveal about Simon's personality, and what importance do you think this will have later in the novel? Simon is revealed to be an outsider of the group in this chapter, but it seems like Simon does not have a problem with being labeled as an outsider. I think Simon will be followed by the other guys eventually since he has a different personality.

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Describe the behavior of the boys at the beginning of the chapter.  What thematic significance does this scene have?
The boys have a peaceful existence, sleeping in the mornings, napping in the afternoons, and resting at night when the evening cools. The little ones are frequently terrified at night; Jack is more desirous of killing a pig, and he appears to be separating himself from everyone else as he gets more ferocious. Finally, this isolation and his decline into barbarian conduct connects to the issue that humans often become savage when civilizing forces are unavailable.
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?

Roger straddles the divide between the ancient and the new worlds. He has a strong desire to inflict pain on others and watch them suffer. His encounters with the "Littluns" demonstrate this. Roger hurls rocks at Henry, a little child. Because the laws of the old world unconsciously restrain Roger's arm, he aims to miss. Adult recollections and scolding are buried somewhere in his mind. These memories, on the other hand, are quickly disappearing, causing Roger to become the real masochist that he is. The inference is that human society's impacts are difficult to eradicate from the human mind; they are absorbed even in the absence of regulations, and conscience retains its hold.
How do the hunters behave in response to the success of the hunt, and what is the significance of this behavior?
Jack and the hunters emerge from the woods splattered in paint and whistling a strange battle cry. The search has finally been successful, as they are carrying a dead pig on a pole, which Ralph notices. The guys have finally verified Jack's hunting addiction. They're rapidly devolving into savagery.

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What change has come over Ralph as a result of the signal fire incident?  How have his values changed?
Ralph begins to believe that his status as leader is in jeopardy. Being saved is no longer a top concern because the opportunity was lost due to Jack. Ralph's beliefs are now attracting the attention of the children, and he is emerging as the leader.
What does Simon say about the beast, and what do you think he means?  How does everyone else react to what he says?
At first Simon responds saying that he doesn't know whether the beast truly exist or is just a myth. But moments just a moment later he says 'But...', then the rest of the children started arguing with each other until Ralph shouted, "Hear him out!'" Once everyone was silenced, Simon got a chance to continue speaking about the beast, and he finished off what he said by saying, "What I mean is.... maybe it's only us."
Why are the rules so important to Ralph?  What are the consequences of breaking them?
The rules, I believe, are so important to Ralph because they are what keep them unified and working together. They came together as a working society because of the rules that were created. Things would get out of hand if there were no regulations, therefore Ralph is attempting to be responsible by establishing rules that should be followed.

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

They let their imaginations run away with them. Despite the fact that they only saw the silhouette of the deceased pilot in the parachute, they describe him as "it is furry, it has eyes, teeth, claws, wings and it chased them." This explanation solidifies the beast's terror in the boys as a tangible representation of their worries.
How does Ralph overcome Jack's challenge during the discussion about what to do about the beast?
Ralph defeats Jack's leadership challenge by enforcing the regulations, notably those concerning fire. "This is more than a hunter's job...because you can't track the beast. And don't you want to be rescued? Don't you all want to be rescued? I said before, the fire is the main thing. Now the fire must be out."(102)
Why do you think Ralph doesn't really expect to encounter the beast?
Ralph doesn't really expect to encounter the beast, because he still does not believe that the beast actually exists, and instead believes its mythical and fake.

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What does Simon say to Ralph that makes them both smile?  Think carefully about Simon's choice of words: do you think it foreshadows something that might happen later in the novel?
The words that Simon said to Ralph that made them both smile was: "I just think you'll get back alright." These comments boost Ralph's spirits, as though they offer him hope of rescue. He had lost hope and believed that he would never be rescued until he heard what Simon had said. Simon stated, 'you will' rather than 'I will,' implying that he does not believe in rescuing but attempts to make Ralph happy in some manner. In the context of the narrative, Simon's choice of words is essential because he foreshadows that some of the other children may not make it off the island, implying that someone would never return home. He believes Ralph will survive because of his strength, but he also feels the other boys will perish because they are too weak.
Why do you think Simon is so eager to volunteer to go across the island to tell Piggy and the littluns what they're doing?

Simon was probably eager to volunteer to go inform Piggy about the littluns in the ark since he needed to escape. It's evident that he knew the boys were the only beasts, and it's also clear that he's been to the forest before and has a hidden hideaway. He'd rather confront the wilderness alone than spend more time with the boys or the creatures. Due to their lack of involvement in violent activities, he most likely did not consider Piggy or the littluns to be dangerous.
Why do you think Golding (the author) plotted the story so that the boys would go up the mountain in the dark?

Golding purposefully arranged the plot so that the boys would climb the mountain at night in the dark, heightening their terror and establishing a better mood and setting for the story.

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How does Piggy show “intellectual daring”?  Why is this so significant to the boys?
When Piggy advises that the boys' fire be placed closer to the meeting spot rather than on the mountain, he demonstrates "intellectual daring". This is significant since he was the first to conceive of such an idea, demonstrating that the boys rely heavily on Piggy's intelligence to stay alive.
Why do you think the biguns wait until the other boys are occupied to leave instead of supporting Jack's challenge during the meeting?

I believe the other boys were embarrassed to want to go hunting with Jack, so they had to slip out when Ralph and the others were engaged. I believe the choir respects Ralph's leadership, but they may feel compelled to join the hunter's group or simply wish to be more daring. The boys may have also meant to make Jack feel ashamed since no one originally joined him, or they may have wanted to give Ralph a false sense of accomplishment.
What unusual thing happens to Ralph after Jack leaves and after he realizes most of the biguns have left?  What is the significance of his reaction?
Ralph starts talking to himself as soon as Jack and the others depart. His reaction is really significant because we see him for the first time as lacking in confidence and unsure. He starts to feel defeated. Ralph says," He'll come back. When the sun goes down he’ll come."

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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?
I believe that demonstrates Jack's desire to seize control of the entire group of boys and win over the boys who aren't already with him, such as Ralph and Piggy. This is also intended to demonstrate to the boys that he is a caring leader who will share with others who haven't joined him. This could also persuade Ralph and Piggy to join Jack's cause.
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?
The song and dancing make "Jack's side" appear lively and exhilarating at first. While Ralph is focused on building a shelter and establishing regulations, Jack is more interested in having fun and hunting. Some of the other boys are drawn to Jack and his way of life on the island by the chanting and dancing. It also makes the boys feel like they're part of Jack's club.
What is the “beast” that the boys kill?  How is this event ironic and especially tragic?  How is it symbolically significant?
Simon, who understood the truth about the beast and represented the answer to their madness, is the "beast" that the boys murdered. This is a symbolic incident because the guys have grown too fearful, savage, and thirsty for blood, and as a result, they have destroyed their sole hope.

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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 implies to the reader that, unlike Samneric, Ralph and Piggy DID attend the dance, but that they are now denying it. They are lying not just to Samneric, but also to themselves. The two boys lie to themselves out of dread of being found out in the murder of their comrade, the fear of getting caught, and the fear of repeating the night before. Ralph and Piggy are lying to themselves to prevent from breaking. Children and adults commonly lie to others about being involved in wrongdoings, but Ralph and Piggy are lying to themselves to keep from breaking.
How do the biguns seem to define a “proper chief”?  What does this criterion suggest about human psychology?
The tribe's biguns refer to Jack as a "legitimate chief" because he devises ways to keep their fort safe. The boys also mention that Jack is going them hunting, which further establishes Jack's status as a real leader. The boys are leaning toward a person who looks to be capable and resourceful in securing the castle rock. This implies that when a person is afraid or unsure, they turn to and seek assistance from a figure that appears robust and capable of handling any situation. We can tell that the other boys find this soothing and 'manly' by Jack taking the tribe hunting.
What does Jack do that causes Roger to have doubts about his leadership?
When Robert informs Roger that Jack had Wilfred bound for hours and is ready to be beaten, Roger has questions about Jack's leadership. Robert is baffled as to why Wilfred would be punished, and Roger is irritated that Jack's actions against Wilfred were not explained.

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In what way are the twins “seeing Ralph for the first time” before they all set off for Castle Rock?
As the twins prepare to leave for Castle Rock, Ralph, who had been discussing why they needed smoking before losing his thread of thought, thinks this. Despite Ralph assuring the other biguns that he had not forgotten why they needed the smoke, we can detect that even Ralph is descending and becoming less of a civilised person as Piggy jumps in and reminds him that the smoke is for being rescued, and despite Ralph assuring the other biguns that he had not forgotten why they needed the smoke, we can detect that even Ralph is descending and becoming less of a civilised person. The twins have the impression that they are viewing him in a new light, as if he has changed radically.

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

Roger, I believe, pushed the boulder down the cliff in a fit of irrational violence. Even if he has sociopathic traits, he hasn't displayed any special hatred towards Piggy, and I believe Roger went a step farther in his brutality. For the sake of entertainment, violence is used. His excitement with the 'defence method' against Ralph and the lads was obvious from the minute he questioned what the rock was for. I believe he was anxious to put it to use on the inside. This makes him the most savage of all the lads in my opinion. For a sense of amazement and excitement, he murdered Piggy.
How is the destruction of the conch symbolically significant?
The destruction of the conch is significant because it symbolizes the island's final chance for civilization. The conch is crushed, just as the island's order is, signaling that only Jack's primitive clan remains. The conch also symbolized power, particularly Ralph's, and the fact that it was broken means that Ralph's control over the boys, as well as their chances of being rescued, were minimal.

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Why does Ralph hit the pig's head?

Ralph comes upon the pig's head, which is now nothing but bones, after hiding out near Jack's tribe. It appears to be smiling at him and reading his thoughts, he believes. He smashes the pig's head, yet it is unharmed. He continues to pound the pig, repeatedly, until the pig's head is smashed on the ground. He then takes a stick and transforms it into a spear. Ralph, I believe, struck his head not just out of paranoia, but also out of relief. He needed to vent his frustrations on his head, so he became agitated and grabbed a weapon. This indicates that Ralph's inner beast has awakened.
Explain the significance of this quotation: “Percival Wemys Madison sought in his head for an incantation that had faded clean away.”

This is noteworthy because it indicates Percival's utter forgetfulness of his address and phone number, which he had memorized at home. Percival recalls this knowledge for the first time in front of the entire group of boys during one of the early assemblies, before Jack forms his own tribe, and Percival is expressing how the littluns feel about the 'beastie.' This remark depicts the boys' transformation from being at home in Britain, to losing that initial sliver of civilization, to being a completely different and less civilized individual. It's almost as if Percival has forgotten who he is, with only his name to retain. The fact that it was called a "incantation" implies that it was tough.
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?
I believe it's ironic that the smoke caused by the fire used to try to murder Ralph saves the boys. The fire that had been set to kill Ralph had instead spared him, which was exactly what he had wished for. I believe Golding decided to write about British lads in order to provide a stark contrast between before and after behavior. It also demonstrates that anyone, regardless of their upbringing, may become a savage. The naval officer had high expectations for the youngsters, but I believe he would have empathized with them if he had been in their shoes.