The Lord of the Flies Chapters 4-6

Chapter 4 Sub culture of leader, biguns, littluns Henry, Johnny, Percival “Now there was no parent to let fall a heavy hand, Maurice still felt the unease of wrongdoing. At the back of his mind formed the uncertain outlines of an excuse. He muttered something about a swim and broke into a trot” (60). Morals and laws of society still prevalent despite lack of adults Still have conscious and understanding Chaos and corruption has not taken over

Chapter 4 Development of Culture Boys focus on fun aspects of island Hunting, playing, and eating Not concerned with fundamentals of survival (shelter) No rules, set own priorities Henry “became absorbed beyond happiness as he felt himself exercising control over living things,” (61) Alludes to human behavior Foreshadows Jack’s behavior Jack is powerless against Ralph’s authority at this point

Chapter 4 Characterization/ face paint “He looked in astonishment, no longer himself but at an awesome stranger. He split the water and leapt to his feet, laughing excitedly. Beside the pool his sinewy body held up a mask that drew their eyes and appalled them. He began to dance and his laughter became a bloodthirsty snarling. He capered toward Bill, and the mask was a thing on its own, behind which Jack hid, liberated from shame and self-consciousness” (63-64).

Chapter 4 Character development British society focuses on manners and restraint Leashes our evil nature Enables him to unleash his dark side “dazzle paint” war paint Frightens Bill Compels twins to abandon the fire

Chapter 4 Character Development “There was the brilliant world of hunting, tactics, fierce exhilaration, skill; and there was the world of longing and baffled common-sense” (71). Ralph reprimands Jack for letting fire go out Loss of rescue Loss of returning to civilization

Chapter 4 Character Development Jack Gains respect after the kill Separates himself as a hunter Strong influence over others Jack is seen in the right despite missed rescue due to his intelligence Face painting Chanting Dancing

Chapter 5 The Beast “’What I mean is…maybe it’s only us’…Simon became inarticulate in his effort to express mankind’s essential illness” (89). He understands the true beast is within them Deeper understanding of human nature

Chapter 5 Character Development Ralph relies on rational speech and rules Uses logic “you voted me chief” Necessity of fire Instills rules Jack relies on popularity and excitement Baser instinct becoming more important Plays on emotions Agrees that the “beast” is an animal Gains favor of boys: adventure and authority in the hunt

Chapter 5 Piggy and Simon Piggy Simon Understands darker side of human nature The beast “’I’ve been in bed so much I done some thinking. I know about people. I know about me. And him. He can’t hurt you: but if you stand out of the way he’d hurt the next thing. And that’s me” (93). Simon Sticks up for Piggy, faints, understands human nature “What’s the dirtiest thing there is?” (89) Jack makes fun of him to make the others feel better

Chapter 6 Foreshadowing Chapter 5 ends with wish of adults “But a sign came down from the world of grownups, though at the time there was no child awake to read it” (95). This sign will lead to the downfall of the boys

Chapter 6 Theme of Fear Jack Ralph Wants to run out and attack the beast “This’ll be a real hunt! Who wants to come?” (100) No mercy for helpless or unqualified to command (Ralph) Brings out dictator qualities in him Ralph Wants to proceed with thought and caution “So we’ve got to think” (101).

Chapter 6 Theme of Fear “The true nature of the beast” “Simon, walking in front of Ralph, felt a flicker of incredulity- a beast with claws that scratched, that sat on a mountaintop, that left no tracks and yet was not fast enough to catch Samneric. However Simon thought of the beast, there rose before his inward sight the picture of a human at once heroic and sick” (103). Humanity as flawed by inherent evil Simon serves as the outside, the visionary

Chapter 6 Theme of Fear Once Jack realizes Ralph’s leadership, he joins him “Couldn’t let you do it on your own” (106). Takes over with idea of fort and adventure Undermines Ralph’s idea to light the fire Savagery versus civilization Ralph begins to represent the authority of back home

Chapter 6 Character Development “A strange thing happened in his head. Something flittered there in front of his mind like a bat’s wing, obscuring his idea” (108). Realizes Jack is losing his humanity and he, too, is becoming savage in his attempts to survive.

Chapter 6 Downfall of Civilization “’I’m chief. We’ve got to make certain. Can’t you see the mountain? There’s no signal showing. There may be a ship out there. Are you all out of your rockers?’ Mutinously, the boys fell silent or muttering. Jack led the way down the rock and across the bridge” (108). Becomes primitive in thought of fire and rescue Jack in hunting and the kill