1) Between the flashes of lightning the air was dark and terrible Why,

at this point in the novel, does Golding use the language and imagery of
light and dark? What mood and atmosphere does this language create?
These atmosphere works as a harbinger, causing a certain amount of
uneasiness and anxiety in the reader. It foreshadows both the major
change that is about to occur in the boys relationship and the imminent
threat nature represents among these helpless, unprotected children.
The concepts of light and dark also symbolize good and evil, which can
also be found throughout the novel when the unfriendly side of the
island is mentioned. This particular choice of language in this specific
part of the novel could represent the growing power of evil among
innocence. When the storm breaks and the ritual is performed, savagery
and violence take over the boys and Simon is unjustifiably murdered.
CHAPTER ELEVEN: Castle Rock
2) They set off along the beach in information Analyze the use of war
imagery in this passage. Why has Golding chosen this specific
description in the penultimate chapter?
Just as the island is used to make a comment on society, the group of
boys speaks for some aspects of mob rule. This novel being to some
extent an allegory of the Cold War, it is clearly and deeply concerned
with the effect armed and ideological conflicts have on social
relationships. Ralph, an embodiment of democracy, has to stand up to
Jack, who represents totalitarian regimes. By these means, the writer
states that even if a war is fought in the name of civilization, its
consequences cannot be other than barbarism and unnecessary
violence.
CHAPTER TWELVE: Cry of the Hunters
3) the only enemy of man is inside him How can this statement be
applied to Lord of the Flies?
This idea of the beast not being an animal or unknown monster is first
suggested by Piggy in the chapter Beast from the water.
I know theres no beast-not with claws and all that, I mean- but I know
there isnt no fear, either. (p.105)
The boys are exposed to extreme conditions, self knowledge and, most
of all, fear of the wildness and the unknown. As they do not internalize
these feelings or recognize them as their own, they use the beast as a
vessel to place all this anxiety and unease. This also prevents the boys
from addressing their responsibility for their own impulses. In the

following quotation, Piggy explains how being scared of Jack feels. This
can be easily compared to the littluns obsession with the mysterious
and frightening beast, as well as the terror it imposes.
Im scared of him, said Piggy, and thats why I know him. If youre
scared of someone you hate him but you cant stop thinking about him.
You kid yourself hes all right really, an then when you see him again;
its like asthma an you cant breathe. (p.116)
We can therefore conclude that the beast is actually an internal force,
present in every individual, and that the ability to control these impulses
varies from person to person. Simon is the first character to recognize
his evils power among humans; and, just like Ralph and Piggy, he will
struggle to contain his brutal instincts.
Fancy thinking the Beast was something you could hunt and kill! said
the head. For a moment or two the forest and all the other dimly
appreciated places echoed with the parody of laughter. You knew, didnt
you? Im part of you? Close, close, close! Im the reason why its no go?
Why things are what they are? (p.177)
Golding offers a demonstration of how a society without rules would be.
It is important to note that the characters that stand up to their evil
instincts do so by appealing to ethical or social codes of behavior.
Jack, Jack!
The rules! shouted Ralph, youre breaking the rules!
Who cares? (p.114)
4) Consider the absence of women and the issue of sex and gender in the
novel. What is the significance of not having any females on the island
apart from the sows? Is this a reason for the collapse of the boys
society?
The novel is somehow autobiographical as it is partially inspired by
Goldings life, so it is natural that he would not include any woman as he
is known to have lived with his father and brother since he was a child.
However, when asked why he had not mixed boys and girls, he explained
that introducing woman in the novel would have changed the focus of
attention.
On the one hand, with girls comes the obvious topic of sexuality, which
the writer wanted to avoid as he thought it was too trivial and did not
relate to the main theme of the book. Also, even if boys and girls can be
equally cruel when put under extreme provocation, the later are known
to channel their emotions in a less violent way. Taking into account the
context in which the book was written, it should be considered that
savage behavior as presented in the book would not be acceptable for

girls at that time, and they would find more complex ways of expressing
indirect aggression. Golding being labeled sexist and criticized about
not including female characters in Lord of the Flies, explained the story
had nothing to do with gender equality.
I think women are foolish to pretend they are equal to men, they are far
superior and always have been.
On the other hand, another factor that could explain the absence of
female characters would be that as the novel makes reference to the
Cold war, the boys represent the militarized section of society. This
section would be the one in charge of protecting females and children.
The littluns, as well as the non-existent female characters, indicate how
living on the island is unsustainable and how the biguns are not old
enough to cope with this situation.
5) Then there was that indefinable connection between himself and Jack;
who therefore would never let him alone; never. How does Golding
present the relationship between Ralph and Jack at his point in the
novel?