Answer to Question #292364 in English for Kelsey Jand

Question

Lord of the Flies Study Guide Questions

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

Chapters 5-6

Characterization: How is Ralph different than when he arrived on the island? Why has he called an assembly? In other words, what does he want to talk about? What does Jack say to the assembly? What dangerous idea does Simon come up with? What is Piggy’s take on the situation? What is the final straw in Jack and Ralph’s relationship? Why doesn’t Ralph want to blow the conch? What does this say about their new society? Explain what is happening to Ralph in this statement from Chapter 6, “A strange thing happened in Ralph’s head. Something flittered there in front of his mind like a bat’s wing, obscuring his idea.”

Respond to each question with complete sentences that answer the question and provide evidence (quotes) to further prove your responses to verify that your answers aren't vague or unreliable.

Answer 1

In chapters 5 and 6, Ralph appears different from earlier chapters, where he was portrayed as charismatic and primary representative of order. He is elected as group leader in the novel's beginning and his influence over the boys is secure. Beginning chapter 5, his power and influence begins to declines. In chapter 5, he calls for an assembly in an attempt to bring the group back in line and assure them there is no beast. After a littlun says it actually saw a beast, Jack proclaims his hunters and him would hunt down the beast and get rid of it if it exists. Piggy's perspective is that there is no beast as well, and it was fear consuming them.

Ralph is unwilling to blow the conch shell because he is afraid the boys will ignore the summons and any vestige of order will then disintegrate. This symbolizes loss of order in their new society and the erosion of civilization. Jack takes power from Ralph by manipulating the group using their own fear of the beast. The final straw in Jack's and Ralph's relationship is when Jack asks him in front of the other boys whether he is frightened. In the statement from chapter 6 alluding to Ralph, he is suddenly overcome with the savagery that he has trying so hard not to let consume him.