Lord of the Flies Quotes

Chapter 1: The Sound of the Shell

Quote Context/ Notes

A vision of red and yellow flashed upwards Dangerous and exciting description;
with a witch-like cry this contrast is throughout the island

The scar The scene of the crash and a blemishment

to the island’s natural beauty

No grown-ups! Ralph is excited about such opportunities: he

is childish

He was old enough…to have lost the Reference to Ralph’s innocence of childhood
prominent tummy of childhood

So deep at one end as to be dark green Gives an impression of a luxurious

setting, though also slightly sinister

‘We may stay here till we die’ Ralph is very straight with facts and this
With that word the heat seemed to may be of conflict later. The boys are
increase until it became a threatening shocked by such an idea
weight

The toy of voting was almost as pleasing as The boys appreciate and respect the conch
the conch

And most obscurely, yet most powerfully, The boys vote for Ralph, to some
there was the conch extent, because of the conch

Chapter 2: Fire on the Mountain

Quote Context/ Notes

Jack slammed his knife into a trunk and Jack is aggressive though also likes to show
looked around challengingly off his facility of violence

Then anyone who breaks ‘em- Jack loves the idea of punishment, much like
a dictator (contextually)

But there isn’t a beastie Ralph repeats this phrase, trying to ensure
that such an idea doesn’t cause division or
chaos

‘We’ll make sure when we go hunting’ Jack, in effect, takes control here and allows
Ralph was annoyed, and for the some scope for the beastie existing. Ralph
moment, defeated loses control for the first time here

That strange, invisible light of friendship Ralph and Jack are still friends at this
moment and the beastie hasn’t destroyed
this yet
 Acting like a crowd of kids Piggy is like a parental figure here,
identifying the danger of the fire that the
children would otherwise be banned from
using

We used his specs…He helped that way Simon understands the differing types of
people on the planet and stands up for
Piggy

The conch doesn’t count on top of As soon as Jack finds a way to undermine
the mountain the system, he uses it

After all, we’re not savages Piggy ironically describing the group

Won’t we look funny if the whole island Piggy foreshadows events at the end of
burns up? the novel as this is indeed what happens

~1~
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Quote Context/ Notes

The crowd was as silent as death This is in response to the mysterious

disappearance of the boy: they boys
care

On the unfriendly side of the mountain, An idea of savagery or tribal instinct: the
the drum roll continued island also seems to have two sides

Chapter 3: Huts on the Beach

Quote Context/ Notes

His nose only a few inches from the We see Jack as quite an animalistic
humid earth character here through Golding’s use of
description

The compulsion to track down and kill that Now, Jack seems entirely obsessed
was swallowing him up with hunting. This will be his goal from
now on

The madness came into his eyes again This ‘madness’ returns quite often whenever
violence is mentioned: Jack is naturally
drawn to this

‘But you didn’t’ & ‘But you haven’t yet’ We see Ralph’s commitment to put down
Jack’s hunting, which he sees as enjoyment

As if it wasn’t a good island The philosophy from Simon, a character

greatly unknown until now. The boys consider
how they all blame their problems on their
situation, not themselves

As if something’s behind you all the time in Jack is beginning to fall to the idea that the
the jungle beast is indeed on the island
 He wanted to explain how people were Ralph is considering the fact that people
never quite what you thought they were don’t seem to understand his logical thinking

Simon found for them the fruit they could not Simon is the only ‘biggun’ who cares about
reach the littluns. He seems very respectable and
kind

Green candle-like buds Simon has found the beautiful area of

the island; he is in tranquillity

Their scent spilled out into the air and took Nature is still in control, and is in fact
possession of the island beautiful, just none of the boys can
appreciate this fact. It is also still in control

Chapter 4: Painted Faces and Long Hair

Quote Context/ Notes

The northern European tradition of work, The boys are still civilised (only just); they
play and food right through the day cannot snap out of their normal ways of
life

Unsociable remoteness into One of the first descriptions of Roger as

something forbidding wholly evil

Protection of parents and school Roger still is held back by such ideas, but he
and policemen and the law is evidently not in agreement with them

Conditioned by a civilization that knew Roger is clearly not part of normal society
nothing of him and he is eager to break free from ideas that
have previously hindered him

For hunting, like in war. You know-dazzle paint Jack is beginning to use face paint: a
metaphor for savagery in the novel
 Roger understood and nodded gravely He is also surrounded by dark/ death words

~2~
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Quote Context/ Notes

Piggy was a bore; his fat…his Ralph, at this stage, is still not very close
matter-of-fact ideas were dull to Piggy

‘They let the bloody fire out’ The boys have missed their first opportunity
He looked down the unfriendly side of of being rescued. The unfriendly side is
the mountain referred to, again after a bad event

Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood. The chant of the hunters as they return

‘There was lashings of blood,’ said He is very excited, though also traumatised,
Jack, laughing and shuddering as shown by the word ‘shuddering’

‘You let the fire out.’ The tension between the boys is building to
This repetition made Jack uneasy an argument. Ralph is very angry

The bolting look came into his blue eyes Again, this motif is illustrating the start of
violence against Piggy

Simon on the mountain-top with awful wings Simon finds Piggy’s glasses for him; the
description is like an angel. He is
commonly seen as Jesus

Jack, recovering, could not bear to have Jack is very proud of proceedings and wants
his story told to tell the story himself

I’m calling an assembly Ralph, though noticeably less, is still is

control. The boys listen with quite deep shock

Chapter 5: Beast from Water

Quote Context/ Notes

Again, he lost himself in deep waters Ralph is considering how he is going to

piece everything back together

Ralph was a specialist in thought now, Ralph begins to understand that Piggy is
and could recognise thought in another important to the group by his thoughts;
he accepts Piggy for the first time

‘Too many things’ Though Ralph still has control, he is starting

There came mutters of agreement to become separated from the thoughts of
his peers
Things are breaking up. I don’t understand why Ralph has identified the problem and still
sees the group as a community, not a
metaphor for civilisation

Serve you right if something did get you, Jack later contradicts this viewpoint when
you useless lot of cry-babies! he uses the beast as a power tool through
intimidation

‘is scientific, that’s what it is…I know there Piggy is, once again, the voice of reason
isn’t a beast and though, trying to forget the beast

Daddy said they haven’t found all the Doubt is infiltrating the group again
animals in the sea yet as speculation about the beast
returns

To Ralph, seated, this seemed like Ralph is completely certain there isn’t a
the breaking-up of sanity beast; the group have lost this viewpoint

The assembly cried out savagely More description relating to the descent

What I mean is…maybe it’s only us Simon has identified what the beast is,
and yet, the rest of the group laugh at
him, including Piggy

~3~
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Quote Context/ Notes

Simon became inarticulate in his effort to Simon cannot fully describe what is
express mankind’s essential illness happening to the group and what is wrong
with humans

Bollocks to the rules! We’re strong-we hunt This is the first instance where Jack
stands entirely against the rules

I ought to give up being chief. Hear ‘em Ralph is contemplating stepping down; the
tide has turned and the group are now
generally against him

We’re all drifting and things are going rotten. Piggy is in despair about Ralph leaving and
At home, there was always a grown-up has urged him to continue, as has Simon.
Now, they have broken into conversation

Chapter 6: Beast from Air

Quote Context/ Notes

By custom now one conch did for both twins Sam and Eric count as one entity showing
how close they are to one another

Ralph walked in the rear, thankful to Ralph is no longer leading the group;
have escaped responsibility for a time he’s happy, though so is Jack who can
now take over
 Simon thought of the beast, there rose before Juxtaposition of two thoughts between
his inward sight the picture of a human at heroic and sick. He believes that the beast
once heroic and sick is person (potentially within them as
previously stated)

What a place for a fort! Jack later uses this as his ‘palace’. Ralph
says it is less practical than where they stay,
but Jack is no interested

I’m chief. We’ve got to make certain All the other boys want to stay at the fort, but
Ralph is getting quite angry and demands to
leave

Chapter 7: Shadows and Tall Trees

Quote Context/ Notes

Hair, much too long The description of what the boys are
looking like now in itself conveys some
savagery

One was clamped down, one was helpless, This is a description of Ralph’s dreams.
one was condemned They are images of imprisonment on the
island which he recognises, though some
are still enjoying

One about Topsy and Mopsy that he had Ralph speaks of this in a flashback he has to
never read because it was about two girls his childhood back in England. He is a
masculine boy and this is the sort of
character Golding means to describe

And felt that hunting was good after all Ralph too is starting to become savage

Ouch, you’re hurting! Another example of violence, this time by the

group against Robert

The desire to squeeze and hurt was Again, Ralph is also involved when
over mastering Robert pretends to be a pig and the
group turns violent

We ought to have a drum, then we could do it Maurice’s suggestion has obvious

connotations

~4~
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Quote Context/ Notes

properly of savagery and tribal life

Uncompromising, impossible, sheer Descriptive words of isolation

The sun was sliding quickly towards the edge A representation of a microcosm, where the
of the world boys represent the world and Golding tries
to describe what’s behind it
 Were stirring up small devils of dust When Roger is any setting, such evil, dark
or fatal hints are used. Dust has
connotations of choking and devils perhaps
to the book title

Ashes blew into Ralph’s face from the dead fir and decay. The fire is dead again; Ralph
connotations of deat has neglected it for his most savage day
yet

Chapter 8: Gift for the Darkness

Quote Context/ Notes

Boys armed with sticks Perhaps quite stupidly, Ralph insults

Jack’s hunters

Only-shut up! This is the way in which Jack speaks to

others when he has control; foreshadowing
of the ways of his future leadership style

Ralph said my hunters are no good A propaganda piece for Jack, though not true

He says things like Piggy. He isn’t a Piggy still isn’t popular and is an easy way
proper chief to insult Ralph, though it doesn’t work for
Jack

I’m not going to play any longer. Not with you. Jack leaves the group, humiliated after
nobody wanted him to become chief. Childish
quality. This may also reflect world events as
the tribes become different countries

Piggy was so full of delight and The sentences become longer here as
expanding liberty in Jack’s departure the tension eases off shortly. Piggy is
relaxed

We’ll hunt. I’m going to be chief There’s no democracy for Jack’s new tribe;
he votes himself in

Excited by the long chase and the The boys are excited by their new hunt;
dropped blood conveys masculine dominance and
violence

Right up her ass! More vulgar actions by the new tribe

Sharpen a stick at both ends This is a reference to the end, when they
have the same in store for Ralph as for the
pig head

We hunt and feast and have fun Jack’s persuasive point is that of forgetting
what’s right, representing the id of
personality

The chief has spoken Ritual and rehearsed responses by the

new tribe; seems very adoring, even
Maoist
 When I saw Jack I was sure he’d go for Piggy is ignorant to the fact that Jack has
the conch. Can’t think why no interest in democracy or order

I’d like to put on war paint and be a savage Ralph is resisting the impulses and
staying true, representing Freud’s ego

You knew, didn’t you? I’m part of you? The Lord of the Flies ‘speaks’ to Simon
about the events on the island. Simon knew
that the beast was inside them from
chapters 5 and 6

~5~
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Chapter 9: A View to a Death
Quote Context/ Notes

The air was ready to explode An example of pathetic fallacy,

foreshadowing the upcoming bad events

The tangle of lines showed the mechanics Simon discovers that the beast figure is a
of this parody parachutist. Mechanics suggest it was
planned or very functional in its task. He is
on the mountain at this stage, much like
Jesus when he was crucified

I don’t like the clouds. Remember how Piggy also conveys the pathetic fallacy; he
it rained just after we landed is concerned as to how the day will end

Sat there like an idol Jack, now the leader of his own tribe, is
treated like a king, or even a God, in
this description

Who’ll join my tribe and have fun? This is his persuasive point: it works and
most leave

The conch doesn’t count at this end of Jack could not have less interest for the
the island conch at this point in the novel. Ralph still
believes he yields its power

The littluns began to run about, screaming Sets a chaotic scene, full of suspense.
Similar to previous explosion image

The beast was on its knees in the centre, Simon (the ‘beast’) is attacked by all the
its arms folded over its face others. The narrative perspective has
changed to describe the situation from the
boys’ view

Something about a dead man on a hill Simon is referring to Christ here, as he died
on a hill. The boys aren’t listening

Incredible lamp of stars A sudden contrast into tranquillity after

Simon’s death

Simon’s dead body moved out towards More of this imagery, conveying his
the open sea Christian like peace. Heavenly image
Chapter 10: The Shell and the Glasses
Quote Context/ Notes

What good’re you doing talking like that? Piggy would like to deny Simon’s death
had anything to do with them

There was loathing, and at the same time Ralph speaks about Simon’s murder from two
a kind of feverish excitement in his voice perspectives. We see he is holding himself
back from being savage

They never noticed in the dark More denial from Piggy, now hoping they
can claim this as no one saw them

I’m frightened. Of us. I want to go home. Ralph is scared of their natural ability to kill,
Oh God, I want to go home as he has surprised himself. Additionally, he
is the only person to ask God for help, and
the prayer seems to be answered

You couldn’t stop me coming if I wanted Roger will not be stopped by the Castle
Rock guard

He giggled excitedly-‘he’s been tied for Roger speaks excitedly about Wilfred who
hours, waiting is awaiting some torture

~6~
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Quote Context/ Notes

The chief was vague but earnest The chief (Jack) is asked why the others
‘They will. They’ll try to spoil things we do.’ would come. He responds with a
scare-mongering idea, much like communist
regimes of the time

-and then; the beast might try to come in This is Jack’s new power tool through fear

But the other was to be a hearth now and Ralph appreciates that the fire is not only for
a comfort until they slept rescue, but also comforting as he is quite
scared

‘The reds’ The new colloquialism for Jack’s tribe

He flushed painfully at this admission that Ralph also heard Simon speaking about a
he had been present at the dance dead man. He feels awful that he was part
of the murder

I’m too tired, and what’s the good? Sam lets by that he doesn’t care about the
fire which hurts Ralph

Ralph tried indignantly to remember. Ralph is becoming weaker, forgetting

There was something good about a fire his argument for the fire

His mind skated to a consideration of a Reference made to the distance they are
tamed town where savagery could not set from civilization; and idealistic setting
 foot

Desperately, Ralph prayed that the beast Ralph now believes in the beast and
would prefer littluns is consumed entirely by fear

Dark figures drew themselves out of This describes the hunters as they come to
the wreckage and flitted away steal Piggy’s glasses, a task which they
succeed in

Chapter 11: Castle Rock

Quote Context/ Notes

I’ll say, not because you’re strong, but Piggy still stands by principal, urging Ralph
because what’s right’s right to lead a group in order to retrieve his
glasses

He’ll be painted Another colloquialism for being savage, as

used by Sam

His passionate willingness to carry the Piggy still holds the conch dearly, though
conch against all odds he doesn’t realise its lack of authority

They understood only too well the liberation The others are tempted into savagery,
into savagery that the concealing paint but their ego is holding them back
brought

‘Am I safe?’ quavered Piggy. ‘I feel awful-’ This foreshadows his death; the place
where Piggy will die is where he starts
feeling uncomfortable

They had tied their hair back… Ralph takes inspiration from the
Ralph made a resolution to tie his own savages…this is one example of his not
hair back afterwards entirely good nature

Got to? Who says? Jack doesn’t care about rules or what’s right

You aren’t playing the game Ralph makes reference to this being a game

Don’t you understand, you painted fools? Ralph’s final plea to Jack to stop

Once more, the silvery laugh scattered An image of evil, snake-like savage laughter

Ralph hit Jack in the stomach and made This is clearly pig-like or animalistic,
him grunt once again, describing the savages

~7~
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Quote Context/ Notes

Which is better-to have rules and agree, or Piggy tries to make the tribe
to hunt and kill? understand, completely naïve of the
situation
 Roger, with a sense of delirious The word delirious means in a disturbed
abandonment, leaned all his weight on the state. Roger is expressing his entirely evil
lever nature here

Piggy’s arms and legs twitched a bit, like A childish image of death, though also like
a pig’s after it had been killed a pig. Similar to killings of pigs

That’s what you’ll get! I meant that! There Jack no longer cares about what’s right, the
isn’t a tribe for you anymore! The conch is conch and completely disregards Ralph. He
gone seems slightly disturbed in tone from the
death

The hangman’s horror clung to him Referring to Roger

Roger advanced upon them as one Roger tortures Samneric. This will be
wielding a nameless authority referenced later again. Sociopathic
character

Chapter 12: Cry of the Hunters

Quote Context/ Notes

This was a savage whose image refused Ralph cannot comprehend what has
to blend with that ancient picture of a happened to the boys so quickly. There is
boy in shorts and shirt no link to previous, civilised life

Fiercely, he hit out at the filthy thing in front His reaction to the Lord of the Flies.
of him Unlike Simon, he doesn’t accept his inner
evil

What have I done? I liked him-and I wanted Ralph doesn’t understand why he is hated
us to be rescued so much; more greater perspective

Listen Ralph. Never mind what’s sense. Samneric explain that all good of the world
That’s gone is over and Ralph can’t do anything about it

They’re going to hunt you tomorrow The savages will hunt Ralph like an animal

You don’t know Roger. He’s a terror More sadistic description-pleasure from pain

Roger sharpened a stick at both ends This is the coded plan for Ralph

‘If you’re fooling us-‘ This is a description of Jack and

Immediately after this, there came a gasp Roger torturing the twins; a key
and a squeal of pain example of dictatorial behaviour and
sadism

Silvery laughter scattered among the trees The ‘s’ sound coveys evil

Ralph launched himself like a cat; This is the description of a hunt,

stabbed, snarling, with the spear but importantly, of a human

There was no Piggy to talk sense. There was Ralph misses Piggy and the dignity of
no solemn assembly nor dignity of the conch former life

The fools! The fire must be almost at the fruit Ralph notices the lack of sense of the
trees-what would they eat tomorrow? savages, and their lack of ability for future
 planning

Squirming a little, conscious of his Suddenly, the whole situation is put

filthy appearance, Ralph answered into perspective by the naval officer
shyly

Having a war or something? The irony makes for a poignant end

Started forward, then changed his mind Jack considers taking responsibility,
and stood still but normality and good hinders him

I know. Jolly good show. Like the Coral island More ironic statements from the naval officer

Wept for the end of innocence, the darkness Ralph considers what has occurred and
of man’s heart feels incredibly awful about it

~8~
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~9~
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