Lord of the Flies: The Novel Study

Synopsis

Ralph, Piggy, Sam, and Eric visit Jack’s tribe at Castle Rock. Piggy needs his glasses, and Ralph knows the boys need smoke for rescue. Following a brief scuffle between Ralph and Jack, Jack has Samneric captured. Piggy speaks out about the need for law and rescue just before Roger drops a rock that kills him and destroys the conch. As Jack’s tribe sets out to attack Ralph, he flees and Jack stops the boys from going further.

Discussion
1. Ralph reminds the boys that fire is all-important for rescue, but they laugh him off. Is Jack solely to blame for the boys’ disregard for such things? Or does each boy carry some responsibility?

2. Piggy’s last words were “Which is better, law and rescue, or hunting and breaking things up?” (p. 199). With his death, the conch is destroyed. What is the symbolic importance of these events?

3. Recall that in Chapter 4, Roger threw stones at the littluns but aimed to miss. Why is it significant that he drops the rock that kills Piggy?

4. Section Two of Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms states that everyone has the following fundamental freedoms:
• freedom of conscience and religion;
• freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;
• freedom of peaceful assembly; and
• freedom of association.
a) Consider how Jack insists that Samneric has “got to join the tribe” (p. 201). Do you think Jack respects freedoms that promote diversity?
b) Why is it vital that a society ensures these freedoms for all people?
c) What kinds of reasonable limits to these freedoms are justifiable in a free and democratic society?

5. When Jack is prodding Samneric, Roger’s rising power and authority is hinted at:
Roger edged past the Chief, only just avoiding pushing him with his shoulder. The yelling ceased, and Samneric lay looking up in quiet terror. Roger advanced upon them as one wielding a nameless authority. (p. 201)
With the destruction of democracy on the island, there is no rational means for changeover of leadership and government. How do you think a changeover of leadership from Jack to Roger would play out?