By this point in the book, I am really involved in what is going on. There are so many aspects of the story to discuss.
Ralph's camp is desperately trying to keep the fire going, but failing miserably. When the fire goes out, Ralph's hope to get of of the island is done for good. Their hope is lost completely and they are just trying to survive. One good aspect of this situation is that they are still trying to run a society despite the loss of Piggy's glasses! The boys even call an assembly for the boys that haven't gone over to Jack's camp.
When Ralph's team went to steal the glasses back I was scared for them! I had to ask myself: What's going to happen here? I predicted that something bad was going to occur, but fortunately nothing catastrophic happened right away. The whole time Ralph's party was at Jack's camp Piggy clung to the conch: the only connection with order on the island. As the squabbling continued I began to sense that something bad was going to happen to Piggy. Didn't he seem so vulnerable just sitting there holding on to a fragile shell for dear life?! My prediction came true when the boulder came and smashed Piggy and the conch: destroying all symbols of society with them.
Jack doesn't seem to be quite as big of a threat as Roger at the moment. Roger really reminds me of a character in a book I read recently: "Water for Elephants." In my book one character was in charge of throwing people off of the moving train when they were no longer "useful." This is kind of what Roger has become, I think. He was a huge threat to Ralph in the last couple of chapters!
As the book continued and Ralph was up against all of the savages, I truthfully believed that he didn't have a chance. If it wasn't for Samneric helping him, I am pretty sure that Roger would have killed him first chance he got!
Isn't it ironic that the boys originally used a fire as a signal to be rescued, and then the actual rescue happened because of a fire set to kill Ralph?
I thought that the book should have ended with a bang instead of the boys crying in relief that a ship captain had found the island, but all in all this was a great, sometimes disturbing story about human nature. It is really an eye opener!
CHARRED- to burn or reduce to charcoal.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Lord of the Flies #6: Chapter 9 & 10!
At this point the book is almost done!! This story is so deep that it is almost ridiculous so I must try to catch every symbolic thing I can!
At the beginning of Chapter 9, the author describes the buildup of clouds which literally foreshadows a storm. The clouds symbolize the build up of emotions and therefore foreshadow a "storm" or fight. I wonder who this dispute will be between. My prediction is that Ralph's society and Jack's savages will get into it most likely ending in bloodshed.
In this section, more and more elements point towards Simon being the "Christ" of the island. Simon is currently battling with the evil within himself. To me this is like Jesus battling the devil in his 40 days in the wilderness. Golding describes the scenery as filled with "pearly light" much like biblical stories describe the setting around Christ. Simon is trying to reveal the truth, but is still outcast because of it. Later in chapter 10, at Jack's "camp," the boys dance and, in the process, murder Simon. First Simon crawls on the ground calling out to the boys the truth. (Much like Jesus struggled to carry the cross to Calvary proclaiming the name of the Lord) All of the boys were once Simon's friends but then betrayed him by killing him. This parallels Jesus' brutal death by his acquaintances.
I find it interesting how Jack's camp is described each time the reader enters. Bloody carnage is almost always associated with Jack's savage group, showing how animalistic they have become. Also fun and recklessness is a common site. This is the complete opposite of Ralph's. Jack "sat there like an idol" at the camp like the boys were expected to worship him like a god. Where on the other hand, Ralph feels the need for authority, but by no means does Ralph feel like he is any better than the others.
The "fragile white" conch shows how weak their society actually is. Piggy can't seem to understand why Jack isn't after the conch. Jack really doesn't find a need for society, he really doesn't care! I think there is huge significance in this!
The book is almost over and there is still a lot to be solved! I can't wait to see how it ends!?
BARMY- foolish, frivoulous
At the beginning of Chapter 9, the author describes the buildup of clouds which literally foreshadows a storm. The clouds symbolize the build up of emotions and therefore foreshadow a "storm" or fight. I wonder who this dispute will be between. My prediction is that Ralph's society and Jack's savages will get into it most likely ending in bloodshed.
In this section, more and more elements point towards Simon being the "Christ" of the island. Simon is currently battling with the evil within himself. To me this is like Jesus battling the devil in his 40 days in the wilderness. Golding describes the scenery as filled with "pearly light" much like biblical stories describe the setting around Christ. Simon is trying to reveal the truth, but is still outcast because of it. Later in chapter 10, at Jack's "camp," the boys dance and, in the process, murder Simon. First Simon crawls on the ground calling out to the boys the truth. (Much like Jesus struggled to carry the cross to Calvary proclaiming the name of the Lord) All of the boys were once Simon's friends but then betrayed him by killing him. This parallels Jesus' brutal death by his acquaintances.
I find it interesting how Jack's camp is described each time the reader enters. Bloody carnage is almost always associated with Jack's savage group, showing how animalistic they have become. Also fun and recklessness is a common site. This is the complete opposite of Ralph's. Jack "sat there like an idol" at the camp like the boys were expected to worship him like a god. Where on the other hand, Ralph feels the need for authority, but by no means does Ralph feel like he is any better than the others.
The "fragile white" conch shows how weak their society actually is. Piggy can't seem to understand why Jack isn't after the conch. Jack really doesn't find a need for society, he really doesn't care! I think there is huge significance in this!
The book is almost over and there is still a lot to be solved! I can't wait to see how it ends!?
BARMY- foolish, frivoulous
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Lord of the Flies #5: Chapter 7 & 8!
Throughout these chapters more and more conflicts arise as more boys turn into savages and others cling to society.
At the beginning of chapter 7 we see Ralph very concerned with his appearance. He is upset with how stiff and dirty his clothes are and is frustrated with how long his hair is. His long hair makes it difficult for him to see at times, and therefore changes the way he sees, or doesn't see, things. Ralph really wants to go home and this is reflected by his obsession with his hygiene and appearance, but when Ralph goes out to hunt boars with the others we see his horrible savage side. Golding is trying to get across to the reader that there is a very dark animalistic side to everyone of us. After the hunt, the boys chant, "Kill the pig, and cut his throat." This symbolizes the loss of innocence as well as the change from "gentleboys" to savages.
Simon's character intrigues me. He doesn't seem to take sides when the boys split between savages and civilized people. Although he gets along with people, I think he would rather spend time alone in nature. I ask myself, "Why?" Simon takes everything at face value. He sees the good and bad in everyone and everything. We have yet to see a dark side to Simon. I wonder if there is one.
Jack seems to be envious of Ralph's leadership. When the group of boys go to the mountain to explore and Ralph decides that they should wait until morning, Jack challenges him saying that he will keep going which in turn makes Ralph keep going so he doesn't look weak to the boys. Jack also challenges Ralph's power when they go hunting. Jack asks why Ralph won't hunt, and shortly after that they are both hunting like animalistic freaks.
I predicted that the boys would split! There seems to be two "teams:" the savages and the civilized. Ralph is obviously the leader of society and Jack of the savages. The civilized boys consist of the littluns, Piggy, and Ralph. Jack's team consists of the choir boys, Bill, Roger, and Maurice. I predict that more and more people will join Jack, starting with the littluns.
When Jack instructs the boys to sharpen the stick and put the mother pig's head on it, I believe that Golding was trying to show Jack's complete loss of innocence. Jack has never been my favorite character, but this is ridiculous! Is he trying to prove something or does he not care anymore with his instincts taking over?
At the end of chapter 8 the pig's head is silently "talking" with Simon. This is so weird for me! I don't quite understand. Is Simon going crazy or is he that in touch with nature that the pig's "spirit" is "speaking" to him? Despite what was actually happening, there is a deeper foreshadowing going on. The pig tells him to watch out because the others will "do" him, or in other words kill him soon!
This book is kind of scary and dark, and I believe that is Golding's goal: watch out for ourselves for there is evil inside everyone.
TREMULOUS-characterized by trembling, as from fear, nervousness, or weakness.
At the beginning of chapter 7 we see Ralph very concerned with his appearance. He is upset with how stiff and dirty his clothes are and is frustrated with how long his hair is. His long hair makes it difficult for him to see at times, and therefore changes the way he sees, or doesn't see, things. Ralph really wants to go home and this is reflected by his obsession with his hygiene and appearance, but when Ralph goes out to hunt boars with the others we see his horrible savage side. Golding is trying to get across to the reader that there is a very dark animalistic side to everyone of us. After the hunt, the boys chant, "Kill the pig, and cut his throat." This symbolizes the loss of innocence as well as the change from "gentleboys" to savages.
Simon's character intrigues me. He doesn't seem to take sides when the boys split between savages and civilized people. Although he gets along with people, I think he would rather spend time alone in nature. I ask myself, "Why?" Simon takes everything at face value. He sees the good and bad in everyone and everything. We have yet to see a dark side to Simon. I wonder if there is one.
Jack seems to be envious of Ralph's leadership. When the group of boys go to the mountain to explore and Ralph decides that they should wait until morning, Jack challenges him saying that he will keep going which in turn makes Ralph keep going so he doesn't look weak to the boys. Jack also challenges Ralph's power when they go hunting. Jack asks why Ralph won't hunt, and shortly after that they are both hunting like animalistic freaks.
I predicted that the boys would split! There seems to be two "teams:" the savages and the civilized. Ralph is obviously the leader of society and Jack of the savages. The civilized boys consist of the littluns, Piggy, and Ralph. Jack's team consists of the choir boys, Bill, Roger, and Maurice. I predict that more and more people will join Jack, starting with the littluns.
When Jack instructs the boys to sharpen the stick and put the mother pig's head on it, I believe that Golding was trying to show Jack's complete loss of innocence. Jack has never been my favorite character, but this is ridiculous! Is he trying to prove something or does he not care anymore with his instincts taking over?
At the end of chapter 8 the pig's head is silently "talking" with Simon. This is so weird for me! I don't quite understand. Is Simon going crazy or is he that in touch with nature that the pig's "spirit" is "speaking" to him? Despite what was actually happening, there is a deeper foreshadowing going on. The pig tells him to watch out because the others will "do" him, or in other words kill him soon!
This book is kind of scary and dark, and I believe that is Golding's goal: watch out for ourselves for there is evil inside everyone.
TREMULOUS-characterized by trembling, as from fear, nervousness, or weakness.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Lord of the Flies #4: Chapters 5 & 6!
In this section we see symbols, as usual, and we really see some of the true characteristics of the characters.
Ralph is finally trying to get the camp together. He is continuously trying to create rules, but no-one is following them. He conducts an assembly at night, something they have never done before. He tries so hard to make a plan! Ralph sees things for what they are with an almost unbiased opinion when he has time to think it over. Ralph's character kind of bothers me because he bosses others around, but he hardly ever seems to do anything!! Golding describes his thinking as "a strange mood of speculation." Who do we know that is always "speculating?" PIGGY! To me this is another reason why Piggy should be leader!
When the boys have their meeting in chapter 5, the author describes their "group circle" as a unorganized triangle. In the reading it says that the things they made were "irregular and sketchy" not set in stone, unstable! (Hint, Hint. So is their whole society!) Symbolizing how unstable the boys' whole civilization is.
The beast keeps on getting mentioned. It seems almost mythical; its presence is felt but it is never really seen. The chapter titles "Beast from Water" and "Beast from Air" point towards the fact that no one actually knows where the beast is coming from. This is also a supporting fact towards the beast symbolizing the evil inside us!
The scenery is described in great detail throughout the book. One significant detail is the fading of the conch. The author describes it as translucent and pale white. Representing the slow "fading" of their society!
This book is continually sending signals about our society and people in general. Let's only hope that I'm catching all of the clues!
Ralph is finally trying to get the camp together. He is continuously trying to create rules, but no-one is following them. He conducts an assembly at night, something they have never done before. He tries so hard to make a plan! Ralph sees things for what they are with an almost unbiased opinion when he has time to think it over. Ralph's character kind of bothers me because he bosses others around, but he hardly ever seems to do anything!! Golding describes his thinking as "a strange mood of speculation." Who do we know that is always "speculating?" PIGGY! To me this is another reason why Piggy should be leader!
When the boys have their meeting in chapter 5, the author describes their "group circle" as a unorganized triangle. In the reading it says that the things they made were "irregular and sketchy" not set in stone, unstable! (Hint, Hint. So is their whole society!) Symbolizing how unstable the boys' whole civilization is.
The beast keeps on getting mentioned. It seems almost mythical; its presence is felt but it is never really seen. The chapter titles "Beast from Water" and "Beast from Air" point towards the fact that no one actually knows where the beast is coming from. This is also a supporting fact towards the beast symbolizing the evil inside us!
The scenery is described in great detail throughout the book. One significant detail is the fading of the conch. The author describes it as translucent and pale white. Representing the slow "fading" of their society!
This book is continually sending signals about our society and people in general. Let's only hope that I'm catching all of the clues!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Lord of the Flies #3: Chapter 3 & 4!
In chapters three and four we see the boys shed even more of society through their actions and words. Foreshadowing accumulates as suspense and tension increases.
As they try to create this pretend society, the boys attempt to make houses. The beginning of chapter four describes that the boys fall into a rhythm or in other word, a daily routine. So they have a routine but no shelter?! "How have they made it this long with no shelter?" I have to ask myself. The author writes about how they decided they need shelter from the elements and.... He trails off. The boys seem to be denying the fact that there isn't evil on this island. I speculate that this is symbolic of fear that there is evil within themselves.
In these chapters, Ralph gets upset because instead of working all of the boys are off playing and swimming. This whole time, he was preaching that they should have fun when they can, but then turns around and changes his mind. Should he really be getting angry when he never asked them to work?!
On page fifty-four there is more foreshadowing: "He wanted to explain that people are never what they appear." Foreshadowing a dramatic change of character, for someone, 'later on.
The color pink is a reoccurring element. The pigs, Piggy, the conch, and the rock are all the color pink. Also Jack's face paint was red and white. (Which makes pink) This color may represent something vulnerable or something that is susceptible to being destroyed. This is possibly foreshadowing the destruction of Piggy and of the conch as the rocks and pigs have already been destroyed before.
Other significant things:
-Sam N' Eric are now considered Samneric. (One person, one personality)
-Jack beats up Piggy, breaking one of his lenses: "killing" part of who Piggy is.
-Wherever Simon is, everything is good. This must show that he is one of the ONLY "good guys."
FESTOONED- to hang down
GESTICULATED- to hint at by gesturing
Some of the kids I babysit are of this age. I can't imagine any of them being able to survive on their own!
As they try to create this pretend society, the boys attempt to make houses. The beginning of chapter four describes that the boys fall into a rhythm or in other word, a daily routine. So they have a routine but no shelter?! "How have they made it this long with no shelter?" I have to ask myself. The author writes about how they decided they need shelter from the elements and.... He trails off. The boys seem to be denying the fact that there isn't evil on this island. I speculate that this is symbolic of fear that there is evil within themselves.
In these chapters, Ralph gets upset because instead of working all of the boys are off playing and swimming. This whole time, he was preaching that they should have fun when they can, but then turns around and changes his mind. Should he really be getting angry when he never asked them to work?!
On page fifty-four there is more foreshadowing: "He wanted to explain that people are never what they appear." Foreshadowing a dramatic change of character, for someone, 'later on.
The color pink is a reoccurring element. The pigs, Piggy, the conch, and the rock are all the color pink. Also Jack's face paint was red and white. (Which makes pink) This color may represent something vulnerable or something that is susceptible to being destroyed. This is possibly foreshadowing the destruction of Piggy and of the conch as the rocks and pigs have already been destroyed before.
Other significant things:
-Sam N' Eric are now considered Samneric. (One person, one personality)
-Jack beats up Piggy, breaking one of his lenses: "killing" part of who Piggy is.
-Wherever Simon is, everything is good. This must show that he is one of the ONLY "good guys."
FESTOONED- to hang down
GESTICULATED- to hint at by gesturing
Some of the kids I babysit are of this age. I can't imagine any of them being able to survive on their own!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Lord of the Flies #2: Chapter 2!
When starting Chapter 2, Fire on the Mountain, of Lord of the Flies, I had to ask myself what in the world the title meant. My first assumption was right! They built a fire to get the attention of a boat so that they could be saved, but there has to be a deeper meaning, right?
At the very beginning of the chapter the boys meet to talk about their duties on the island. I think it was very intelligent of them to start to create rules for their make shift society. One problem I see with this is that none of the boys are sticking to the rules. "Why is this?" I ask. Maybe it is because that despite the vote, there isn't actually a true leader; Ralph and Jack kind of are sharing the position. Maybe it is because they are sharing most of the power, the conch, with all of the boys.
When the "birth-mark" boy mentioned the beastie, I truly got a little bit scared! The presence of the beast presents a ever-present evil on the island. When Golding writes, "the small boy twisted further into himself" Golding may be conveying the idea that there is evil inside each and every one of us. Ralph repeats "there isn't a beastie on this island" five times, trying to prove to the other boys, as well as himself, that there IS NOT an evil on that island. (Foreshadowing anyone?)
Piggy shows up again and again as the voice of reason. He describes the boys "like a crowd of kids" showing that they maybe should be taking the whole situation more seriously. Piggy's character is kind of annoying me. He is constantly whining that the group should be doing something differently, and he is probably right, but this is no excuse to make everyone in the camp even madder at you! No wonder why you aren't the leader Piggy! Piggy seems to want to be a leader so bad, and he seems to be most fit to be the group leader. Golding really emphasizes the character traits, especially of Piggy. His mood snap at the very end of the chapter is huge foreshadowing for later in the book. I predict that more people's moods will snap as the stress increases.
The chapter ends in a very sad, destructive note. The boys spend so much time gathering materials for their fire, that when the fire spreads it makes the aftermath that much worse! The fire obviously symbolizes utter destruction. Piggy asks about the "littl’uns." The author shows that they did actually lose boy(s) in the fire. The situation is very sad, but it seems like this is only the beginning of the end for the camp.
At the very beginning of the chapter the boys meet to talk about their duties on the island. I think it was very intelligent of them to start to create rules for their make shift society. One problem I see with this is that none of the boys are sticking to the rules. "Why is this?" I ask. Maybe it is because that despite the vote, there isn't actually a true leader; Ralph and Jack kind of are sharing the position. Maybe it is because they are sharing most of the power, the conch, with all of the boys.
When the "birth-mark" boy mentioned the beastie, I truly got a little bit scared! The presence of the beast presents a ever-present evil on the island. When Golding writes, "the small boy twisted further into himself" Golding may be conveying the idea that there is evil inside each and every one of us. Ralph repeats "there isn't a beastie on this island" five times, trying to prove to the other boys, as well as himself, that there IS NOT an evil on that island. (Foreshadowing anyone?)
Piggy shows up again and again as the voice of reason. He describes the boys "like a crowd of kids" showing that they maybe should be taking the whole situation more seriously. Piggy's character is kind of annoying me. He is constantly whining that the group should be doing something differently, and he is probably right, but this is no excuse to make everyone in the camp even madder at you! No wonder why you aren't the leader Piggy! Piggy seems to want to be a leader so bad, and he seems to be most fit to be the group leader. Golding really emphasizes the character traits, especially of Piggy. His mood snap at the very end of the chapter is huge foreshadowing for later in the book. I predict that more people's moods will snap as the stress increases.
The chapter ends in a very sad, destructive note. The boys spend so much time gathering materials for their fire, that when the fire spreads it makes the aftermath that much worse! The fire obviously symbolizes utter destruction. Piggy asks about the "littl’uns." The author shows that they did actually lose boy(s) in the fire. The situation is very sad, but it seems like this is only the beginning of the end for the camp.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Lord of the Flies #1: Chapter 1!
This chapter of Lord of the Flies was very interesting. We met the main characters, learned their story, and their setting.
As the reader obviously knows, Ralph is our main character. He seems to be very optimistict, confident, and adventurous. He is also thoughtful but not as verbal about it as Piggy. Ralph is only loud when he needs to be, and is a great leader. These characteristics all point towards him sybolizing the brave leaders of our society.
Our other potent character is Piggy. I really feel for Piggy. He seems to be the misphet of the whole group. The boys cast him off as soon as they saw him. Between his glasses, and his asthma, people don't even get him a chance before they can see his true personality. Piggy is a thinker and looks out for everybody in the situation. He symbolizes the "Piggy"s of the world: people that are social outcasts.
Ralph and Piggy are foils of each other. They are complete opposites. Ralph keeps to himself, Piggy tells the world what he is thinking. Ralph is a go-getter while Piggy is reluctant etc.I believe that the author of Lord of the Flies is saying that "Piggy"s, despite if it is right or wrong, aren't chosen as leaders because they are outcasted right away.
This book is very interesting, even when the reader isn't looking for a deeper meaning, but digesting the book makes reading it even more worth while!
As the reader obviously knows, Ralph is our main character. He seems to be very optimistict, confident, and adventurous. He is also thoughtful but not as verbal about it as Piggy. Ralph is only loud when he needs to be, and is a great leader. These characteristics all point towards him sybolizing the brave leaders of our society.
Our other potent character is Piggy. I really feel for Piggy. He seems to be the misphet of the whole group. The boys cast him off as soon as they saw him. Between his glasses, and his asthma, people don't even get him a chance before they can see his true personality. Piggy is a thinker and looks out for everybody in the situation. He symbolizes the "Piggy"s of the world: people that are social outcasts.
Ralph and Piggy are foils of each other. They are complete opposites. Ralph keeps to himself, Piggy tells the world what he is thinking. Ralph is a go-getter while Piggy is reluctant etc.I believe that the author of Lord of the Flies is saying that "Piggy"s, despite if it is right or wrong, aren't chosen as leaders because they are outcasted right away.
This book is very interesting, even when the reader isn't looking for a deeper meaning, but digesting the book makes reading it even more worth while!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)