CHAPTER TWO – Lord of the Flies
1. Why is the rule of “hands up” so important to Ralph?
Appeals to his need for order and structure. Reminds
him of school house rules.
1b.What concept does it continue to develop into this
chapter? Develops the concept of civility and
normalcy. Ralph is focused on maintained order and
civilization until the boys can be rescued.
2. Jack states, “We’ll have rules.” Observing his
behavior in this scene, how strongly do you believe in
this statement? Explain.
“A leader takes people where
they want to go. A great leader
takes people where they don‘t
necessarily want to go, but
ought to be.” Rosalynn Carter
Comment on the significance of
this quotation with respect to
characters and events that
occur in Chapter 2.
Jack is a hypocrite. Although he wants rules and states there should be
consequences for breaking them, he is the first to step out of line and not
respect the rules that have been put in place to establish order and control.
Rules that Jack breaks or modifies to suit his needs:
1. Jack interrupts Ralph’s first speech and Jack does not use the conch to do so or speak – speaks out of turn –
twice actually – does not follow the first rule put in place
2. Jack seizes the conch from Ralph - rather than putting his hand up and being passed it – established in this
chapter
3. Leads the group up the mountainside. Breaks up the assembly before Ralph calls the meeting to a close.
4. Tells Piggy to shut up even though Piggy has the conch. Jack says it does not count on the mountain.
3. Compare the two responses to the child’s concern about the beastie in the jungle:
Ralph’s and Jack’s.
Ralph
Jack
Ridicules the boy by laughing
Denial – there isn’t one
Rationalizes –can’t be here – only in India
Contradiction – but if there is we will kill it
Logic – came in the dark – cannot see it
Confirmation – we will make sure
Laughter – belittles the boy
Writes it off – says he was dreaming
Nightmare- rational assurance
Denial – but there isn’t a beastie – 3-4xs -symbolic
3b.How does each response contribute to character development?
Ralph comes off as unsure and waivering. Jack strong and convincing.
Ralph loses the respect of the group.
Jack gains respect.
Ralph is only able to rein the group back in when he starts talking about having fun and being
rescued. Makes the group more cheerful, positive and hopeful.
3c.Which response is more satisfying? Explain
Ralph’s response is returned with laughter, grave nodding, as in acknowledgement, doubt and worry and
silence. Jack’s response seems to quiet the assembly.
3d.How is the discussion of the beastie important to the plot?
Ralph’s denial of the beast denies the boys of their natural fear – suppresses their emotions.
Jack’s acknowledgment and desire to confront fear shows his strength – boys may turn to him if he appears to
be the stronger and more confident leader – advances the plot and creates suspense and foreshadowing
Also, since he knows that the boys have fear, he can harness that fear and use it to his advantage.
4. By the end of the chapter what appears to have happened to the little boy with the mulberry birthmark?
Dead; killed
4b. What impact will this have on the rest of the boys?
More fear – realize the enormity of their situation and possible dangers that truly exist on the island. Real
fears to be had – contrasted with fear created by the imagination.
5. What is the significance of the chapter’s title, “Fire on The Mountain”?
Literally, the boys begin a fire on the mountain in an effort to be rescued.
Symbolically, the fire can represent the conflict between the boys, and the boys who are in conflict over the
type of leadership that can best serve the marooned boys on the island.
6. How to the boys’ actions in this chapter contribute to the idea of a loss of innocence? Consider their focus, their
behavior, their treatment of one another, etc. How might this act as foreshadowing in the novel?
7. How does Piggy continue to represent an adult figure and the voice of reason?
7b. How do the boys reveal their resistance to his authority?
8.How are the effects of the fire connected to the scar mentioned in Chapter 1?
Another permanent sign of the boys’ destruction of the island. They are leaving an
impact on it, and it will have a permanent impact on them as well.
9. Why is it significant that Piggy’s glasses are used to create the fire considering how he
is treated? Treated like the outcast and unwanted, yet he is wanted when it serves the
purpose of the group.
How are Piggy’s glasses symbolic? – consider their literal function and the role they play
in the chapter and Piggy’s helplessness without them.
Piggy’s glasses represent sight and insight. Piggy is an intellectual visionary who very
clearly sees the dire situation that the boys are in, yet ironically can see nothing without his glasses. His glasses
represent truth and light and wisdom, all of which are needed if the boys are to survive.
10. In your opinion, what will be the greatest difficulty that the boys will have to overcome to survive?
Explain Themselves – in constant conflict over their priorities. Make decisions then go back on them
when not convenient for them.
11. What hypocritical irony about human nature is there in the boys’ treatment of Piggy in contrast with
their treatment of Ralph and Jack? Because he is different they treat him unfairly even though he is
wise and accurate in his statements.
Neither Ralph or Jack offer an proof or authority over the statements they make, yet they are
supported. Ie. Ralph says they will be rescued, yet that is not certain.
12. What other ironies exist in the chapter?
Piggy calls them kids – and they are – he forgets how misguided they can be because he isn’t this way himself.
Everyone gathers wood for a fire, but they have no way of starting it.
After breaking all the rules and being so rude to Piggy, Jack stands up and says that they need more rules.
13. What is the significance of the boys breaking off into two groups at Jack’s request, suggestion, and ultimately,
command? Jack has the ability to persuade the group – foreshadows his strength later in the novel.
14. What do you suppose the “snake-thing” or beastie really is?
HOW IS THE SECOND MEETING
DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT THAN THE
FIRST?
Explain the impact of each of the following words
as used in context in the text:
ebullience
38
recrimination
43
tumult
43
tirade
45