Key quote: "We can't have everybody talking at once. We'll have to have 'Hands up' like at school"
Ralph, Chapter 2
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Key quote: "We can't have everybody talking at once. We'll have to have 'Hands up' like at school"
Ralph, Chapter 2
Analysis
Ralph attempts to establish order in the group through meetings and rules. These symbols represent the boys' struggle to create a community with shared values amidst the chaos and individualistic impulses.
Key quote: "Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood"
The hunters, Chapter 4
Analysis
The chant signifies the boys' descent into savagery, marked by primal actions and monosyllabic, violent language. Their behaviour contrasts sharply with societal norms, reflecting the theme of savagery.
Key quote: "The mask was a thing on its own, behind which Jack hid, liberated from shame and self-consciousness"
Narrator, Chapter 4
Analysis
Jack's use of face paint symbolises his abandonment of societal rules. Golding suggests that without constraints, individuals can devolve into savagery, reinforcing the theme of civilisation versus savagery.
Key quote: "The rock struck Piggy a glancing blow from chin to knee; the conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist"
Narrator, Chapter 11
Analysis
Piggy's death and the destruction of the conch symbolise the collapse of reason and mark the victory of autocracy over democracy, reflecting the theme of civilisation versus savagery.
Key quote: "The creature was a party of boys"
Narrator, Chapter 1
Analysis
The description of Jack's choir as a "creature" foreshadows the boys' descent into evil. Golding suggests that human evil stems from within rather than an external force, reinforcing the theme of good versus evil.
Key quote: "Roger stooped, picked up a stone, aimed, and threw it at Henry —threw it to miss"
Narrator, Chapter 4
Analysis
Roger's restrained violence toward Henry demonstrates his capacity for evil, constrained only by societal norms. Golding implies that without rules, individuals like Roger would commit horrific acts.
Key quote: "Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man's heart"
Narrator, Chapter 12
Analysis
Ralph's tears reflect his realisation of humanity's innate capacity for evil. Golding suggests that even in the face of authority, evil persists, reinforcing the theme of good versus evil.
Key quote: "Simon found for them the fruit they could not reach"
Narrator, Chapter 3
Analysis
Simon's act of kindness parallels the Biblical tale of Jesus feeding the multitude. Golding explores the conflict between absolute human goodness and the innate evil within individuals.
Key quote: "He's queer, he's funny"
Ralph, Chapter 3
Analysis
Ralph's derogatory remark about Simon isolates him despite his altruism, reflecting Golding's views on human nature. It suggests a rejection of community in favour of individualism, a theme explored in religion.
Key quote: "We've got to have rules and obey them. After all, we're not savages"
Jack, Chapter 2
Analysis
Jack's attitude towards rules foreshadows his authoritarianism and lust for power. Golding contrasts democracy with authoritarianism, highlighting the allure of power over cooperation.