Lord of the Flies: The Novel Study

Synopsis

In the middle of the night, an air battle takes place near the island. An already-dead pilot on a parachute lands near the fire that Sam and Eric are watching over. They awake to see something flapping in the dark, and run to the beach and claim they have seen the beast. An assembly is called where it is agreed that the boys will search for the beast. The boys explore a corner of the island that Jack believes would make an excellent place for a fort. The boys become so preoccupied with this space that Ralph has to demand that they resume their trek so that the fire can be relit.

Discussion
1. Review Sam and Eric’s description of the beast (p. 109).
a) What does the beast look like?
b) How similar is this description to a dead parachutist?
c) Does this give us any reason to be cautious about eyewitness accounts?

2. Does anybody cast doubt upon Sam and Eric’s account? Should they?

3. During the rush assembly, Ralph reiterated that the boys’ first priority should be the fire. However, in their search for the beast, Ralph decided that they will first check the tail-end of the island. After investigating there, they will check the mountain and relight the fire. Is this the right choice?

4. What do the boys discover at the tail-end of the island? What does Jack think this location is ideal for?