Fire on the Mountain
The second chapter of Lord of the Flies introduces new conflicts and deepens the themes established in the opening chapter. This section of the Lord of the Flies novel study PDF focuses on the boys' attempts to establish order and their first encounter with fear.
The chapter begins with Ralph calling another meeting using the conch shell. He attempts to set rules and assign responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a signal fire for potential rescue. This demonstrates Ralph's commitment to civilization and his hope for eventual return to the adult world.
Highlight: The signal fire becomes a symbol of hope and connection to civilization, contrasting with the growing wildness on the island.
During the meeting, one of the younger boys (the "littluns") mentions a "beastie" or "snake-thing" he saw in the night. This introduces the concept of the beast, which will become a central element of fear and superstition among the boys.
Quote: "He says the beastie came in the dark."
This quote marks the beginning of the fear that will eventually consume the group and contribute to their descent into savagery.
Ralph, attempting to maintain order and reason, dismisses the idea of a beast. However, the seed of fear has been planted, particularly among the younger boys. This fear of the unknown will grow throughout the novel, becoming a driving force behind many of the boys' actions.
Definition: The Beast - A imaginary monster that embodies the boys' fears and represents the evil inherent in human nature.
The boys decide to build a signal fire on the mountain top. In their excitement, they create a massive blaze that quickly spreads out of control. This uncontrolled fire foreshadows the chaos that will eventually engulf the island.
Example: The uncontrolled fire serves as a metaphor for the boys' inability to manage their own impulses and maintain civilization.
Tragically, it's discovered that one of the littluns, the boy with the birthmark who spoke about the "beastie," is missing and presumed dead in the fire. This first death on the island marks a significant turning point, highlighting the real dangers the boys face and the consequences of their actions.
The chapter ends with Piggy criticizing the boys' reckless behavior, particularly Jack and his hunters who were supposed to be tending the fire but instead went hunting. This conflict between Piggy's rational approach and the other boys' more impulsive actions will continue throughout the novel.
Vocabulary: Conflagration - A large, destructive fire.
This chapter of Lord of the Flies effectively builds on the themes of order versus chaos, the loss of innocence, and the emergence of fear as a destructive force. It sets the stage for the further breakdown of civilized behavior in the chapters to come.
