Lord of the Flies, Chapter 2: Questions about Key Phrases

1) On p. 44 –

Jack was on his feet.“We’ll have rules!” he cried excitedly. “Lots of rules! Then when anyone breaks ‘em—““Whee-oh!”“Wacco!”“Bong!”“Doink!”

(Also see the conversation between Piggy, Jack, and Ralph on p. 54-55 regarding the use of the conch and their society’s need for rules)

What is the key difference in the way that Ralph and Jack each view the necessity for rules? Can this difference be related to a difference in their political ideologies? In what way?

2) On p. 45 – Ralph waved the conch. “This is our island. It’s a good island. Until the grown-ups come to fetch us we’ll have fun.”

What popular adventure stories (mentioned on the same page) might have led the boys to believe that this was a “good” island? Do you think their perception of the situation has been warped by children’s stories?

3) On p. 46 – He was a shrimp of a boy, about six years old, and one side of his face was blotted out by a mulberry-coloured birthmark. He stood now, warped out of the perpendicular by the fierce light of publicity, and he bored into the coarse grass with one toe. He was muttering and about to cry.

Explain the underlined phrase. Why does he feel the way he does?

4) On p. 47 – “You couldn’t have a beastie, a snake-thing, on an island this size,” Ralph explained kindly. “You only get them in big countries, like Africa, or India.”

Murmur; and the grave nodding of heads.

What does that last line indicate about how the boys are reacting to what Ralph says? What does the word “grave” mean here?

5) On p. 47 – …here and there among the little ones was the dubiety that required more than rational assurance.

Do the responsibilities of a leader include giving assurance to those who feel a sense of uncertainty or fear in troubled times (especially when it is a fear of something unknown or unseen)? Can you think of any examples from recent history in which the fear among the general population (the “little ones”) had to be managed by its political leaders?

6) On p. 48 –

“We want to be rescued; and of course we shall be rescued.” Voices babbled. The simple statement, unbacked by any proof but the weight of Ralph’s

new authority, brought light and happiness.

How do you think Ralph’s declaration made the boys feel? Why do they believe what he says? Do you see any similarities between this situation and the real world?

7) On p. 49 – The assembly was lifted towards safety by his words. They liked and now respected him. Spontaneously they began to clap and presently the platform was loud with applause. Ralph flushed, looking sideways at Piggy’s open admiration, and then the other way at Jack who was smirking and showing that he too knew how to clap.

Explain the underlined phrase. What is it expressing about how Ralph’s speech was received by Jack?

8) On p. 49 –

“A fire! Make a fire!”At once half the boys were on their feet. Jack clamoured among them, the conch

forgotten.“Come on! Follow me!”

Who said that last line? Why is it significant that the conch was so quickly forgotten? Why does the idea of a fire seem immediately more interesting to them?

9) On p. 50 – Look at the following three passages (all of which refer to Piggy):

“Like kids!” he (Piggy) said scornfully. “Acting like a crowd of kids!”

(…and after that)

“I bet it’s gone tea-time.”…He caressed the shell respectfully.

(…and then, further down the page)

He sighed, bent, and laced up his shoes. The noise of the errant assembly faded up the mountain. Then, with the martyred expression of a parent who has to keep up with the senseless ebullience of the children, he picked up the conch, turned towards the forest, and began to pick his way over the tumbled scar.

Explain the underlined phrases. How does Piggy see himself as different from the rest of the group? Are they really behaving like kids (in other words, would adults behave differently)? Why does he insist on showing “respect” for the conch, even when others refuse to? Is there any significance to him lacing up his shoes at this particular time?

10) On p. 52 – Ralph and Jack looked at each other while society paused about them. The shameful knowledge grew in them and they did not know how to begin confession….He (Jack) glanced at Ralph, who blurted out the last confession of incompetence.

Explain the underlined phrases. What is the situation? Why do they feel this way?

11) On p. 55 – “I agree with Ralph. We’ve got to have rules and obey them. After all, we’re not savages. We’re English; and the English are the best at everything. So we’ve got to do the right things.”

Why do you think Jack brought up the fact that they were English?

12) On p. 56 – His (Piggy’s) voice lifted into a whine of virtuous recrimination.

Explain the underlined phrase.

13) On p. 57 –

One patch touched a tree trunk and scrambled up like a bright squirrel…The squirrel leapt on the wings of the wind and clung to another standing tree, eating downwards…the fire laid hold on the forest and began to gnaw…The flames, as though they were a kind of wild life, crept as a jaguar creeps on its belly towards a line of birch-like saplings.

All of these phrases come from the top of p. 57 and describe the movement of the fire. Is there any significance to giving the fire animal-like traits? Does this comparison to a jaguar offer any insight as to the nature of this fire?

14) On p. 57 –

“You got your small fire all right.”Startled, Ralph realized that the boys were falling still and silent, feeling the beginnings

of awe at the power set free below them. The knowledge and the awe made him savage.“Oh, shut up!”“I got the conch,” said Piggy, in a hurt voice. “I got a right to speak.”They looked at him with eyes that lacked interest in what they saw, and cocked ears at

the drum-roll of the fire. Piggy glanced nervously into hell and cradled the conch.

Explain the underlined phrases. How is the use of the word “cradle” significant here?