Lord of the Flies Group

Question:

tom0105
tom0105
Student
High School - 12th Grade

In Lord of the Flies, what is the "beast from air" described in chapter 6? Who discovers it and how do they react? 

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Posted by tom0105 on Friday May 2, 2008 at 9:52 AM and tagged with beast, eric, lord of the flies, parachutist, ralph, sam.

Answers:


  1. podunc Teacher
    College - Sophomore

    The "beast from air" that floats down to the island is a dead parachutist from an air "battle fought fought at ten miles' height" above the island. He is discovered by the twins Sam and Eric who, "as though they ha[ve] but one terrified mind between them," rush back to tell Ralph and the other boys.

    The figure of the dead parachutist is important because it is a tangible representation of what the boys fear the most. Since his death is caused by violence in the adult world, the parachutist forshadows additional bloodshed from the real beast--the "beast" within the boys themselves. Much like the "grownups" far away, the boys will begin a civil conflict that will end in death.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/flies/

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    Posted by podunc on Friday May 2, 2008 at 10:54 AM

  2. ooohexcoal25
    ooohexcoal25 Student
    College - Sophomore

    the beast is tim and sams dad.

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    Posted by ooohexcoal25 on Thursday February 19, 2009 at 5:35 PM