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!
I agree that Ralph doesn't seem to do much on his part. I think in order for him to be a good leader he needs to keep the others on task AND keep himself on task also.
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