Answer to Question #292358 in English for Kelsey Jand

Question

Lord of the Flies Study Guide Questions

Directions: Answers need to be thorough, and where possible, quote the text (with citation).

Chapter 1

Characterization: The term characterization refers to the various means by which an author describes and develops the characters in a literary work. Describe Ralph, Piggy, Jack, and Simon. For example, how is Ralph’s reaction to having no adults around differ from Piggy’s? In what sense do Ralph and Piggy complement each other while dealing with the conch? How do Ralph and Jack treat Piggy? What does this say about each of their characters? Why is Ralph elected chief? On the expedition, why doesn’t Jack kill the pig? What does this say about him? Simon isn’t described much, but he is chosen to go on the expedition. What are his qualities? Why does Ralph pick him?

Answer 1

Describe Ralph, Piggy, Jack, and Simon. For example, how is Ralph’s reaction to having no adults around differ from Piggy’s?

Ralph = confident, positive, independent, daring

Piggy = dependent, insecure, upset, weak, honest

Jack = mean, rebellious, clever, serious, angry

Ralph is more outgoing and hopeful. He tells the group to be positive and leads them. Piggy is

very negative, and talks about how no one is going to find them. He’s more of a leader.

In what sense do Ralph and Piggy complement each other while dealing with the conch?

Ralph blows the conch because Piggy has asthma and Piggy teachers Ralph how to use it. The

twins, Sam and Eric act, look and dress the same.

How do Ralph and Jack treat Piggy? What does this say about each of their characters? Why is

Ralph elected chief?

Ralph is a lot more empathetic and understanding towards Piggy. Meanwhile Jack always tells

Piggy to shut up and is rude to him. Ralph is more nice than Jack, that’s why he was elected.

How does Ralph try to appease Jack...does it work? On the expedition, why doesn’t Jack kill the

pig? What does this say about him?

Ralph appeases Jack by letting him be in charge of his own group the choir. Jack comes off mean and stuff, but deep down he has a soft side.

Simon isn’t described much, but he is chosen to go on the expedition. What are his qualities? Why does Ralph pick him?

Simon also has interesting eyes, which Golding describes as 'so bright they had deceived Ralph into thinking him delightfully gay and wicked.' Like Piggy, Simon is not physically robust. As the group's moral compass and mystic, he is helpful and likes to spend time by himself. He was picked because; he has a habit of going off on his own which sets him apart and he is also not physically strong.