Chapter 2: “Fire on the Mountain” The boys meet on the beach. Ralph declares that the conch will be used to decide who can speak. A small boy claims that he saw a snake-like ‘beastie’ during the night. Ralph suggests the group build a large signal fire on the mountain to attract attention from any passing ships. The boys rush to start the fire, using Piggy’s lenses, but it gets out of control. The small boy, who told the other boys about the beastie, goes missing, but they pretend that nothing has happened.

Community Objectives: To explore the theme of community on the island. To explore how the characters develop in Chapters 1 and 2.

‘We’ve got to have rules and obey them. After all, we’re not savages.’ Connection ‘We’ve got to have rules and obey them. After all, we’re not savages.’ How are the boys presented as a community in Chapters 1 and 2? Are rules necessary for a community? Why?

Answers & Evidence How does Ralph’s leadership begin to break down over the 2 chapters? Why does this happen? How does Jack’s character develop over the 2 chapters? Why does Piggy feel betrayed by Ralph? Is he justified? What does the conch symbolise? Why has Golding chosen this symbol? Does it symbolise different things at different times? Look at the description of the fire (p. 57). How does Golding make the fire seem alive? How effective is this imagery?

Consolidation Are the boys still a community? Why do you think things have changed so quickly on the island?