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

The biguns define a “proper chief” as someone who provides a sense of security. Jack, whom Roger and Robert referred to as a “proper chief,” came up with a plan to protect themselves. 

This shows that one of the needs of people is security and safety. It appears that happiness is achieved through feeling comfortable and safe. Otherwise, if people remain afraid and anxious, they will have trouble leading happy lives. 

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

Jack ties up Wilfred to a tree and beats him up without reason. Roger thinks this is irrational and irresponsible of Jack, and of someone in authority in general. According to the book, he views it as an illumination. 

If someone is unnecessarily cruel and they seek power, giving them the authority may only worsen the situation. Throughout the book, Jack became more and more like a savage. Unfortunately, as he displayed more animal-like behavior, his control over the group increased. 

Ralph once believed his father would come rescue them, especially considering the fact that he was a commander in the navy. This suggests that Ralph likely had a positive relationship with his father. Although the boys were a little bit of a family of their own, many turned more and more like savages. This introduced conflict between Ralph and Jack. The twins seeing Ralph’s inner mentality and nature was important because it showed a desire to be rescued and reunited with family. However, they were not very hopeful. 

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?

 It is bound to fail because Jack has a larger group, and they were unwilling to compromise. Readers can learn the importance of peace from this, because abrupt states where people do not work together can end poorly. 

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

Roger pushes the rock off the cliff likely because it gave him a sense of power and superiority. Destroying and harming things brought him this odd sense of authority, which shows how much of a savage he is. In reality, people often forget what is truly important and become too entwined with their fantasies and desires. 

This shows a lack of empathy and understanding, and although having those things are not required, they are important to move forward in a positive way. Roger placed his focus on what made him feel good about himself, but in a way, he put others down. Roger started as a quiet individual, but he slowly showed his cruel and immoral nature. In a certain sense, this additionally backtracks on the theme that some people are not always what they seem. In general, anyone could have the appearance of kindness and seem calculated at first, but deep down, they do not display the characteristics. Nobody is perfect, but some individuals take joy in being cruel. 

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

The conch represented structure and maintenance of order. Because it was destroyed, this showed how broken the boys became. They started out innocently, but over time, they became more and more like animals. The breaking of the conch emphasizes the transition from goodness to savagery. Order begins to lose its meaning and importance, and in their own way, they scatter around like wild dogs, hungry for power. 

Surviving by itself became important to the extent that other matters were ignored. Individuals are sometimes caught up into their own lives that they forget about others. Although survival is important, sometimes people push others away to bring themselves up. However, as seen in this case, they were coerced to answer. Standing up, especially when there are limited options, is not always so simple. Fear can drive poor decisions and cloud judgment. 

4. What do Samneric mean when they tell Ralph that Jack has “sharpened a stick at both ends”?  What do you think the reason for Jack’s hatred is? 

It means that the sharpened ends are meant for Ralph’s head to be placed on just as the head of the pig was. Ralph was unable to add a meaning to the saying, and according to the book, he used all the bad words he could to possibly explain the meaning. 

Jack likely feels hatred for Ralph because he desires more and more power. He views Ralph as a threat to his desire. He wants to be completely in charge and turns into a violent authority figure and dictator. His motivation stems from evil and he even organizes torment of other boys. His selfish ways only progressed throughout the book. 

This is similar to Hitler’s dictatorship. He was an effective public speaker, and he told Germans things they wanted to hear. He used this tactic to become a powerful, but cruel leader. Jack was successful in leading because he was able to end with a larger tribe than Ralph, and he was more able to please his tribe. Jack could also be compared to Satan. Satan, who was once known as Lucifer, started out as a beautiful angel and was made a leader. Unfortunately, jealously took his heart and he fell into evil ways. Jack fell into a pit of evil, and as time went on, he fell deeper and deeper.

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 try to light a bush on fire where Ralph was hiding. This was a foolish choice because they risked burning the island again. They were unable to learn from their past mistakes and showed little care concerning the situation. This shows how much they have taken a turn for the worse. They would rather run like wild animals and be savage-like than to eat and coexist. 

Power driven from hatred can lead to unpredictable and horrible problems that could otherwise be prevented. Hatred is often associated with anger, and acting with anger and contempt is unlikely to improve situations. On the other hand, acting with reason allows for the chance to understand other points of view. This is more likely to end in a positive, peaceful manner. 

6. Where does Ralph decide to hide?  What does this hiding place symbolize? 

Ralph decided to hide in a thicket, and then he decided to hide in a mat where there was no sunlight. Both of these places could represent society sheltering him from the harm and danger the world brings. He is able to grow and be protected instead of becoming more like a savage and following Jack’s ways.