Lord of the Flies – Lit Circle Study Guide (2013)Schlappy’s English 11B

Instructions: As you read Lord of the Flies, you are responsible for being able to answer and discuss the significance of the following questions. These questions will help you probe the key concepts and ideas of the novel, as well as ensure a basic understanding of the plot. This study guide will prepare you for assignments related to the novel as well as the unit test.

After reading each chapter, you will meet with your “lit circle” in class to discuss the questions. Each group member is responsible for coming to class prepared with answers to all of these questions. Some of you will want to write down your answers, other will be able to formulate answers in your head. The ultimate goal, however, is to ensure everyone in your group understands the

novel.

Blog. There will also be a blogging component to this, where every week we will go into the computer lab and you will post regarding your personal connections to the story, as well as comment on others’ posts. While you will do this individually, the conversations with your Lit Circle Group should help you better understand the novel and might lead you to making more connections than you would by yourself. Feel free to refer to your Lit Circle discussions in these posts. Please note that while I will give you class time, you WILL need to spend some of your own time on this.

Assessment: At the end of each lit circle, you will evaluate the contributions each of your group members made, as well as the contributions you made yourself. These self/peer evaluations will be completely anonymous and will be the basis for your participation mark in this unit. Students who miss a lit circle will be given a zero for that day. However, if you bring a note excusing your absence and provide written answers for the chapter you missed, you will be given credit for that day’s lit circle.

Chapter 1: The Sound of the Shell Due:_________________________________

1. How did the boys get to the island? What happened to England? What clues are given to what has happened and how the boys arrived on the island? Quote the words and explain.

2. What is the scar?3. What do the boys have that is the symbol of authority in the society they form?4. Why did the boys choose Ralph as a leader? Who would you have chosen and explain why? 5. After Ralph is chosen, he does two things which illustrate that he is a good leader. What are they?6. What does the reader learn about Jack when he slashed the green candle buds? Each of the boys’

reaction to the candle buds is typical of their personalities. Explain.7. Give an example of foreshadowing.8. What is the point of view of the narrator? Justify your answer.9. Why do they not kill the pig? Write / find the words which indicate the boys’ reluctance. This view will be in stark

contrast to events later on. At present, they are an indication of what?

Chapter 2: Fire on the Mountain Due:_________________________________

1. What are three strategies Piggy and Ralph use to gain organization?2. In Chapter 2, the conch begins to take on more meaning and significance. There are two important

statements about the conch’s purpose. What are they?3. Notice Piggy’s method of directing Ralph, and helping him be “chief”. He makes a suggestion, and

attributes the idea to Ralph. In this way, he ensures that his good ideas will be accepted, thereby acknowledging his own ineffectiveness with the group. Give two examples of this technique in Chapter 2.

4. Why does Jack hesitate when he lifts his knife to kill the piglet, and what does he promise will happen next time he meets a pig?

5. Why are the little boys scared (especially the boy with the mulberry coloured birth mark)?

6. Whom does Ralph believe will rescue them? How does Ralph plan to attract attention to the Island?7. How do the boys make a fire?8. What could have happened to the “littlun” with the mulberry coloured birth mark? What two important roles does

he play in this chapter that shows his significance to the story?9. Why does Jack want “rules”? How is this view characteristic of him so far?10. Who leads the boys up the mountain to build the fire? In what way is his leadership different from Ralph’s?11. The use of Piggy’s glasses to start the fire offers a symbolic purpose. What can the glasses be seen as a symbol of?

How does this fit what we know of Piggy so far?12. What role does Simon play in this chapter? Notice his statement on p. 46.13. The word “savage” is mentioned at least three times in this chapter. Jack states, “we’re not savages”, then

triumphantly claims that “the English are best at everything”. Later, Ralph’s awe of the fire created and Piggy’s justifiable sarcasm makes him respond “savagely”. What is being suggested here?

14. Golding uses many figures of speech in his writing. In this chapter, find an example of: personification, metaphor and simile.

15. In this chapter, the boys’ first attempts at a reasonable civilization end in chaos. What has happened and why?16. Give three reasons why Piggy is angry at the end of the chapter.

Chapter 1-2 Vocab: Below are the sentences in which the vocabulary words appear in the text. Read the sentences. Use any clues you can find in the sentence combined with your prior knowledge, and match the definitions to the vocab word below.

1. Ralph had been deceived before by the specious appearance of depth in a beach pool and he approached this one preparing to be disappointed.

2. The most unusual feature of the rock was a pink cliff surmounted by a skewed block.3. There was another island: a rock, almost detached, standing like a fort, facing them across the green with one bold,

pink bastion.4. There came a pause, a hiatus, the pig continued to scream and the creepers to jerk, and the blade continued to flash

at the end of a bony arm.5. He gesticulated widely.6. Then, with the martyred expression of a parent who has to keep up with the senseless ebullience of the children...7. A pall stretched for miles away from the island.

1. specious ________ A. a break

2. skewed ________ B. a well-fortified position

3. bastion ________ C. a gloomy effect

4. hiatus ________ D. plausible, but actually false

5. gesticulated ________ E. zestful enthusiasm

6. ebullience ________ F. turned to once side

7. pall ________ G. made hand motions

Chapter 3: Huts on the Beach Due:_________________________________

1. What jobs are Simon, Ralph, and Jack doing?2. How has Jack's personality developed during his stay on the island?3. This is the first indication of conflict between Ralph and Jack. In what way can the shelter-building

be seen as a symbol of their differences? What do the huts mean to Ralph and what to they mean to Jack?

4. Ralph says of Simon, "He's queer. He's funny." What does Ralph mean by this?5. What are some ways Golding uses descriptive language and imagery to manipulate the way we see

Simon and Jack? Give examples from the chapter.6. What makes Simon a good/kind character? Simon’s helpfulness is illustrated twice in the chapter. What does he do

that is helpful and cooperative?7. Simon find a quiet spot to retreat to. What object becomes a symbol for Simon? In what way is it an effective one?

Chapter 4: Painted Faces and Long Hair Due:______________________________

1. This is an important chapter: two critical events occur almost instantaneously. What are they? Why are they important?

2. Describe how the littluns spend their time on the island.3. First Maurice, then Roger antagonize and tease the littluns. Contrast their behaviour and their

attitude. In what way is Roger’s behaviour more ominous? What is the “space around Henry” which Roger does not penetrate? Explain the following: “Here, invisible but strong, was the taboo of the old life… Roger’s arm was conditioned by a civilization that knew nothing of him and was in ruins.” When he begins to throw stones, why does he just throw them near him instead of directly at him?

4. Describe in 2 sentences each, Percival, Henry, Johnny.5. How does the mask transform Jack?6. How do you think Jack felt about killing the pig? Support your answer with reference to the text.7. Why does Ralph get so angry? It takes almost two pages for Ralph’s fury to finally penetrate the hunter’s excitement.

What is Jack’s response? Use phrases from the text to indicate how he is feeling and how he deals with his feelings.8. During these events, Simon shows compassion at two different times, to Ralph and to Piggy. What does he do and

say? Use phrases from the text to indicate his actions.9. Jack’s reaction to his humiliation is a typically human one: he finds a scapegoat. Who is the scapegoat and what does

Jack do?10. Piggy’s specs now become a symbol of the boys’ civilization at present: half smashed by violence, only half effective.

What are some other examples from this chapter regarding their state of civilization?11. An example of foreshadowing in this chapter is Maurice’s playacting of the slaughter. What is the chant used?

Chapter 3-4 Vocab

1. The tree trunks and the creepers that festooned them lost themselves in a green dusk thirty feet above him . . .2. Jack lifted his head and stared at the inscrutable masses of creeper that lay across the trail.3. The opaque, mad look came into his eyes again.4. But Jack was pointing to the high declivities that led down from the mountain to the flatter part of the island.5. With impalpable organs of sense they examined this new field.6. Beside the pool his sinewy body held up a mask that drew their eyes and appalled them.7. There had grown up tacitly among the biguns the opinion that Piggy was an outsider, not only by accent, which did

not matter, but by fat...

1. festooned ________ A. without being spoken

2. inscrutable ________ B. downward slopes

3. opaque _______ C. decorated

4. declivities ________ D. lean and muscular

5. impalpable ________ E. light can’t get through it

6. sinewy ________ F. impenetrable

7. tacitly ________ G. intangible; not perceived by touch

Chapters 5 & 6

Chapters 5 and 6 are “companion chapters”; linked both by their titles and by the fear they represent. In this, the centre of the novel, the fragile democracy built by the boys is coming apart. Two ironic coincidences occur, which deepen the rift between Ralph, who represents “civilization”, and Jack, who is keen to return to the “hunter’s ways”. The first coincidence is that the ship goes by at the moment that the hunters achieve success – with the help of the negligent fire-keepers. Thus the moment the fire is most needed is when it isn’t there. The second coincidence is the appearance of the dead parachutist just after the assembly has dissolved into chaos over fear of the “beast out of the water”.

The two chapters focus on the conflict between Ralph and Jack, with Piggy scapegoated in the middle. Fear has now taken over common sense; a society rooted in fear has a different set of values than one based on security and trust.

1. Look up the two words: “civilized” and “savage” in a comprehensive (i.e. BIG) dictionary. Give the full meaning of the words, and use as many synonyms as you can find to develop these two ideas. You can create a chart like the one below:

Civilized Savage / UncivilizedDictionary meaning:

Synonyms:

What are the different values which a civilized society has and which a savage society has? Describe at least three (3) values for each society and explain why these would be considered valuable.

Chapter 5: Beast from Water Due:_______________________________

1. Ralph is finally beginning to face the realities of their existence. At the beginning of Chapter 5, Ralph walks off alone to think things through, searching for some understanding of what is happening. He is discovering “grade 1 level thinking”. Write the phrases and ideas from the text, which states his new perspective on “thinking”, his understanding of the process, his speculations about life, his discoveries about them himself. Use these phrases to develop a paragraph about “thinking”.

2. Compare Ralph's treatment of the littluns with Jack's. Notice how cleverly Jack incites the children’s fear. Analyze his methods, and show how he brings the group under his control and wrests power away from Ralph.

3. What does Ralph admire about Piggy?4. Describe the mood at the beginning of the chapter.5. What is Simon saying when he thinks the "beast" may be inside the boys themselves? (p. 96)6. Discuss what Piggy says, “If you’re scared of someone you hate him, but you can’t stop thinking about him”.7. Both Piggy and Simon understand that fear is internal, underlined by the above two (2) statements. Do you agree or

disagree? Find an example in your own experience to support one side or the other.8. On p. 99, there is an ominous shift in perspective: “the world, that understandable and lawful world, was slipping

away”. Explain what the author means, and what has caused this shift.

9. The confrontation between Ralph and Jack this time is much more severe and dangerous. Jack denies the importance of the rules, and incites the boys to hysterical play. Contrast the personalities of the boys, in chart form. For example:

Ralph JackEasy-going (not previously a leader) Dominating (used to being “head”)

10. Ralph understands his tenuous position when he decides not to blow the conch to get the boys to return to the assembly. Why does he not blow the conch? What does he think might happen? What is Simon’s advice to Ralph at this point?

11. Explain the irony of the boy’s longing for “the majesty of adult life”?

Chapter 6: Beast from the Air Due:_______________________________

1. What is the “beast from air” that Sam ‘n Eric saw? Why is it significant that Sam n’ Eric found the “beast”? Where do they fit into the structure of the group so far? What do they represent?

2. Why didn’t Ralph blow the conch before the meeting? (p.108) 3. Ralph got the sign he wanted, but it is horribly ironic. Describe the “sign”, and how it got to where

it settles. Use words from the text to describe this figure, and indicate why it is ironic.4. Why are Ralph and Jack cooperating with each other in spite of their hard feelings?5. The conflict between Ralph and Jack erupts again, over the question of Piggy coming on the hunt

for the beast. Speculate on why Jack might hate Piggy so much.6. Discuss the meaning of the sentence, “However, Simon thought of the beast, there rose before his

inward sight the picture of a human at once heroic and sick.” (p.112)

Chapter 5-6 Vocab

1. He found himself understanding the wearisomeness of this life, where every patch was an improvisation and a considerable part of one's waking life was spent watching one's feet.

2. Then, at the apex, the grass was thick again because no one sat there.3. The derisive laughter that rose had fear in it and condemnation.4. At first he was a silent effigy of sorrow; but then the lamentation rose out of him, loud and sustained as the conch.5. A shadow fronted him tempestuously.6. . . . . lying in the long grass, he was living through circumstances in which the incantation of his address was powerless

to help him.7. Simon, walking in front of Ralph, felt a flicker of incredulity-a beast with claws that scratch.8. The taut blue horizon encircled them, broken only by the mountain-top.

1. improvisation ________ A. scornful

2. apex ________ B. tight

3. derisive ________ C. the highest point

4. effigy ________ D. disbelief

5. tempestuously ________ E. a likeness or image

6. incantation ________ F. to invent without preparation

7. incredulity ________ G. like a storm, turbulently

8. taut ________ H. a verbal charm or spell

Chapter 7: Shadows and Tall Trees Due:_____________________________

1. How does Ralph react when a boar comes charging down the path? What does this tell us about him?2. To what does Ralph's demonstration of his hunting prowess lead?3. What caused the boys to act this way? 4. Who does Jack suggest that they use next time to play the game, and what does this reveal about

him?5. What did the boys see on the mountaintop?6. Why is the action of the story increasingly taking place in the near darkness or in the deep night when

only the moon and stars give a little light?7. Why does Ralph think Simon is “batty”? What does he do that it considered odd? Simon’s assurance that Ralph will

“get back all right” is an example of his nature. Describe his character, his personality, and what kind of person he might symbolize.

8. There are many parallels to primitive societies in this chapter and the next: the use of ritual, the chanting, the mock-battles to prepare the warriors, the gift given to the gods as appeasement. Look up the word “ritual”, write out the definition, and explain how the boys’ hunting is ritualistic.

9. Why is it important to the theme of the novel that Ralph be involved in this hunt? What does his presence tell us about him, and about hunting? How does this event help develop the themes in the novel?

10. The last couple of chapters increase the violence evident in the boys. Provide some concrete examples of how they are becoming less “civilized”. Give examples of the “breaking down” of social taboos.

11. Ralph is becoming a “grade 1 thinker”: not only is he able to plan things through, but he is also beginning to understand other people’s motivation and desires. There are at least two examples in this chapter about Ralph’s increasing ability to think, as well as a few ominous examples of when his thinking is obscured. Find these examples and discuss Ralph’s thinking process.

12. When the three boys venture onward to seek the beast, there are numerous battles of power and courage as they struggle with their fears. Show an example of one of these struggles, and discuss the outcome.

13. What, exactly, is happening to “the beast”? Describe the process carefully.

Chapter 8: Gift for the Darkness Due:_________________________________

1. This is Ralph’s low point. He’s seen the beast, and it sits by the fire, “not wanting us to be rescued”. He feels beaten. Jack, however, feels more necessary than ever. Talk, rescue, seem meaningless. “We’re hunters”, he claims, and that is enough. The confrontation between Ralph and Jack, foreshadowed many times, comes to a head. Try to list all of the times Ralph and Jack have come to a head in the novel so far, and show the results of each of these conflicts, including this latest one. How is this latest one different from the rest?

2. Although he is not able to get the boys to vote Ralph out of office as chief, Jack manages to overthrow Ralph's authority anyway. How?

3. Why did Jack say that the beast is a hunter? 4. Once more, Piggy shows the power of his thinking, as opposed to the other boys. He is able to consider alternate

possibilities, rather than be stuck in the tradition of other people’s thoughts. He can think “like a grown-up”. Provide some examples from throughout the novel of his ability to think.

5. What kind of person does Piggy represent, or symbolize? Why is he the scapegoat and the object of derision? What is it about him that others cannot tolerate? What does this tell is about the flaws of human nature? If Piggy represents MIND, what does Jack represent? Simon?

6. Jack’s “brilliant happiness” at being chief signals a different sort of society. How is this “tribe” different from the group formed by the conch? Indicate the ways in which each society is different and why these differences have arisen.

7. This second hunt is very different from the first, and the first that the reader witnesses from the beginning. Why does the author give us all the gruesome details?

8. Why is it significant that this victim is a sow, a mother? Find all the phrases which suggest that this kill is more violent, more of a rape* than a hunt (*** please treat this topic with the maturity and sensitivity it deserves).

9. Why do the boys “sharpen a stick at both ends”? Why do they give a gift to the beast? In what way is this a parallel to “primitive” societies?

10. Why did Simon go off by himself into the forest and what does this say about his character if anything?

11. Describe Simon's strange encounter with the Lord of the Flies. What is happening to him? Notice that during the scene of creating the “gift for the beast”, Simon is watching. His encounter with the boar’s head brings us closest to the theme of the novel. It answers, in a sense, Ralph’s cry, “Piggy, what’s wrong?” Summarize this encounter as a revelation of the theme, explaining the words, “I’m the reason it’s no go.”

12. What does the Lord of the Flies symbolize?13. What is the “shutter that flickers” in Ralph’s brain? What is happening to his thinking process? What does this

suggest is needed for proper “Grade 1 thinking” to continue successfully?

Chapter 7-8 Vocab

1. . . . . if you could forget how dun and unvisited were the ferny coverts on either side, then there was a chance that you might put the beast out of your mind for a while.

2. On the other side of the island, swathed at midday with mirage, defended by the shield of the quiet lagoon, one might dream of rescue; but here, faced by the brute obtuseness of the ocean, the miles of division...

3. For most of the way they were forced right down to the bare rock by the water and had to edge along between that and the dark luxuriance of the forest.

4. So they sat, the rocking, tapping impervious Roger and Ralph, fuming.5. Piggy gave up the attempt to rebuke Ralph.6. The wood he fetched was close at hand, a fallen tree on the platform that they did not need for the assembly, yet to

the others the sanctity of the platform had protected even what was useless there.7. A little apart from the rest, sunk in deep maternal bliss, lay the largest sow of the lot.8. The half-shut eyes were dim with the infinite cynicism of adult life.

1. coverts ________ A. having rich or profuse growth

2. obtuseness ________ B. relating to motherhood

3. luxuriance ________ C. thick underbrush providing cover

4. impervious ________ D. attitude scornful of the motives or virtues of others

5. rebuke ________ E. dullness; flatness; lack of sharp edges

6. sanctity ________ F. to criticize or reprimand

7. maternal ________ G. incapable of being affected

8. cynicism ________ H. sacredness; godliness

Chapter 9: A View of Death Due:_______________________________

Chapter 9 is the most shocking of chapters, because Simon’s death seems so unexpected. It is a turning point for the novel; after this, it seems impossible that things can go right again, and the process is a swift one down to savagery.

1. Simon, waking from his fit, sees two things: the Lord of the Flies, and the fallen parachutist. What are the similarities between the two things? In what way does this encounter represent the themes of the novel?

2. Simon “frees the line from the rocks and the figure from the wind’s indignity.” Explain what he does and how this action has an effect on the events to follow.

3. Describe Jack’s leadership style at this point in the novel. Jack is sitting at the feast “like an idol”. Explain what this tells us about: a) Jack’s character, and b) the kind of “tribal society” he is creating.

4. At this point, Ralph’s threat to “blow the conch” and call a meeting is greeted with derision (disdain). “We shan’t hear it”, claims Jack. Why can’t the conch be heard? What has happened? Why does excluding Piggy unite the boys?

5. Give examples of how setting/atmosphere will reveal what will happen next. 6. When the storm strikes, Jack leaps onto the sand and urges everyone to “do our dance”. Why? What purpose does

the dance have?7. What happens to Simon when he returns to the group? The description of the murder of Simon is full of images of

animals. Study the paragraph (p. 168?) carefully and comment on the words which build this image.8. After his death, the “real beast” arrives. Find the lines which describe the passage of this creature.9. Simon’s transformation is based very beautifully on the lines from Shakespeare’s play, “The Tempest”. This is the

song it alludes to: Full fathom five thy father lies,

of his bones are coral made.Those are pearls that were his eyes,

Nothing of him that doth fadeBut doth suffer a sea-changeInto something rich and strange.

What happens to Simon? Explain what the author is suggesting. How does what happens to Simon’s body reinforce what he symbolizes in the story?

10. As a result of the storm with its high winds and high tides, what happens to the bodies of Simon and the parachutist?

Chapter 10: The Shell and the Glasses Due:_____________________________

1. What was Samneric’s explanation for the previous night and why did they say that? 2. Do you think that Jack is using “the beast” to maintain power or that he is sincerely fooled? Support. 3. What is Piggy’s explanation of Simon’s death, and why does he say that?4. Did Ralph, Piggy, and Samneric take part in the “dance” that killed Simon? How do you know?5. Ralph says, “I wasn’t scared… I don’t know what I was.” Explain the mood and motivation of the

boys during the storm.6. Was it murder, as Ralph says, or an accident, as Piggy says? Argue one point of view and justify your

position.7. Jack and others are also attempting to come to terms with the events of the previous night. How do their views differ

from Piggy and Ralph?8. Notice on p. 177 (?), that Jack denies that the “beast” was even killed. Why is it more convenient for it not to be

dead?9. Ralph, in his nightly dreams, remembers the wild ponies that came to the cottage wall. Now, however, he states that,

“the attraction of wilderness had gone.” What does he mean?10. Why were the boys “half-relieved and half-daunted” by the beast? (p. 177) 11. What does Jack plan to steal from Ralph and Piggy? What will Jack do if someone interferes with him?12. What does Piggy realize after Jack and the other “savages” attack their camp? “I thought they wanted the conch”,

says Piggy. What is ironic about his simple belief in its power?13. Explain the growing significance of Roger’s character and what he represents through his words and actions.

Chapter 11: Castle Rock Due:_______________________________

1. This chapter begins with the image of Piggy “blinded”: the symbol of rationality now shattered and stolen. Piggy must be led “like a dog”. Yet the remaining members of Ralph’s society cling to remnants of their civilization. What three (3) examples can you find that they are “not savages”, as Ralph states many times in this chapter?

2. Piggy’s intention to “go to Jack with this conch in my hands” is pathetically ironic. What are his arguments to Jack and what does he think will happen? Explain the irony in this section (p. 189?).

3. The boys try to fix up their appearance without resorting to paint or hair ties. They put on clothes, the tribe puts on paint. How do these symbolic acts explain the differences between the boys?

4. There is an interesting little incident when Ralph seems to have “lost it” (p. 191?). What so you think is happening to his thinking process?

5. What did Piggy and Ralph decide to do at the assembly? Do you think that they made the right decision? Support. 6. What does the quote, “The twins were examining Ralph curiously, as though they were seeing him for the first time.”

suggest about the way the twins viewed Ralph and why would they think that? 7. What does the description of Castle Rock say about it? (think imagery) 8. What do you think about Piggy’s decision to get his glasses? 9. Why did being called a thief enrage Jack? 10. What happens to the conch and to Piggy? What is the significance of these two “deaths” and what does that imply

about the society that now exists on the island?11. Show three (3) examples of Roger’s growing power and what this power consists of. Use quotations to support your

views. For instance, what is significant about the quote that Roger, from his point of view on top of Castle Rock, saw "Ralph was a shock of hair and Piggy a bag of fat", and what happens next? How does this event solidify Roger’s role and what he symbolizes in the story?

12. How is Piggy’s death different from Simon’s? Compare and contrast not just how they were killed, but what happened to their bodies. How do these events reinforce what the characters represented in the story?

13. Ralph accuses Jack of “not playing the game”. What does he mean? What kind of rules and values does a “game” have? Notice that “the game” here is different in meaning to Ralph’s earlier comment that “being rescued isn’t a game”. Contrast the different connotations of the word game.

14. What is the significance of the kidnapping of Samneric and their “otherness”?15. The climax builds with a series of questions by Piggy: “Which is better?” These contrasts state very clearly the

differences between the two societies. In the background is the ominous rhythm of Roger’s stone: “zup!” In a sense, the entire story can be contained in this one scene and its horrible aftermath. Summarize and show the thematic significance of the climax.

Chapter 9-11 Vocab

1. Piggy once more was the center of social derision so that everyone felt cheerful and normal.2. He ceased to work at his tooth and sat still, assimilating the possibilities of irresponsible authority.3. The night was cool and purged of immediate terror.4. The twins watched anxiously and Piggy sat expressionless behind the luminous wall of his myopia.5. Piggy nodded propitiatingly. "You're chief, Ralph. You remember everything."6. High above them from the pinnacles came a sudden shout and then an imitation war-cry that was answered by a

dozen voices from behind the rock.7. Truculently they squared up to each other but kept just out of fighting distance.

1. derision ________ A. absorbing

2. assimilating ________ B. tall, pointed formations

3. purged ________ C. disposed to flight

4. myopia ________ D. scorn or ridicule

5. propitatingly ________ E. a visual defect like nearsightedness

6. pinnacles ________ F. freed from impurities

7. truculently ________ G. appeasingly; trying to please

Chapter 12: Cry of the Hunters Due:_______________________________

1. What is the difference between Ralph’s and Simon’s reaction to the skull? Explain why. What is significant about who destroyed the conch, and who destroyed the “Lord of the Flies”?

2. Driven by fear and hunger, Ralph manages to make contact with Samneric who are standing guard at Castle Rock. Of what do they warn him?

3. In what ways does the tribe try to hunt down Ralph? Ralph wisely realizes that Jack will stop at nothing to hunt him down. How would you explain the “indefinable connection” between them?

4. On p. 204(?), Ralph destroys the skull as in the previous chapter the conch has been exploded into a thousand fragments. Contrast these two symbols. What do they symbolize and how are they different?

5. Where does Ralph hide? Why is that symbolically the right place for him? (Think of who used to go there).6. What does it mean that “Roger sharpened a stick at both ends?” (p. 210) 7. What does the tribe’s burning of the island symbolize? 8. The timely appearance of the naval officer is an example of a literary device called “deux ex machina”, literally

meaning “the god in the machine”. It is a Greek dramatic device which allows a god to come down to rescue a favored mortal when all seems lost. What is ironic about Ralph’s rescue at this point?

9. What is significant about the fact that Ralph states he is Chief, and Jack does not challenge him? Show how this reveals their character at this final point.

10. Does the story have a happy ending or a tragic one? Defend one view. Explain the irony of the fire on the island.

Chapter 12 Vocab

1. A star appeared behind them and was momentarily eclipsed by some movement.2. To carry he must speak louder; and this would rouse those striped and inimical creatures from their feasting by the

fire.3. Then the red thing was past and the elephantine progress diminished toward the sea.4. He heard a curious trickling sound and then a louder crepitation as if someone were unwrapping great sheets of

cellophane.5. . . . . a somber noise across which the ululations were scribbled excruciatingly as on slate.6. For a moment he had a fleeting picture of the strange glamour that had once invested the beaches.

1. eclipsed ________ A. crackling sounds

2. inimical ________ B. ponderously clumsy

3. elephantine ________ C. magic spell; enchantment

4. crepitation ________ D. unfriendly; hostile

5. excruciatingly ________ E. obscured, blocked from view

6. glamour ________ F. intensely; painfully