Lord of the Flies: The Novel Study

Synopsis
While several boys play on the beach, a ship passes by the island. Because the signal fire is out, they are unable to attract its attention. Jack and the hunters return with a pig, and he excitedly shares the story of the bloody killing. When confronted about the signal fire, Jack only offers a reserved apology.

Discussion
1. Roger and Maurice destroy several sand castles on the beach. The three littluns who are witness to this do not protest because the castles were not theirs. Consider the littluns’ actions in light of this famous quote of Martin Niemöller, a Protestant pastor who spent the last seven years of Germany’s Nazi rule in a concentration camp:
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out.
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out.
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out.
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me.
And there was no one left to speak for me.
a) Do you think the littluns understand the danger in not speaking out?
b) Why is it important to speak out when one sees injustice?

2. A dispute breaks out over Jack having let the signal fire go out.
a) When Ralph confronts Jack, what is Jack’s excuse?
b) When Piggy confronts Jack, what does Jack do?
c) What do the boys do when Jack mocks Piggy?
d) Does Jack’s apology make it right?

3. Following the confrontation, Ralph describes Jack’s actions as a “dirty trick” (p. 79). Do you think Ralph condemned Jack’s actions strongly enough? Why or why not?

4. Jack stands in the centre of the boys and tells them “I got you meat.... I painted my face—I stole up. Now you eat—all of you” (p. 81). Consider this statement.
a) Was it Jack alone who killed the pig?
b) Who built the fire so the meat could be cooked?
c) How was the fire lit?
d) Does Jack’s claim that “I got you meat” take into account the complex social relations required for a society to function?

5. It is said that those who control resources control power.
a) How does Jack demonstrate this principle at the pig roast?
b) Is this a responsible use of power?