Lord of the Flies Group

Question:

jamilex
jamilex
Student

In "The Lord of the Flies," what does Percival's inarticulation say about their experience? 

From what danger does the officer rescue the boys?

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Posted by jamilex on Thursday August 21, 2008 at 1:15 AM and tagged with characters, lord of the flies, officer, percival, plot, themes.

Answers:

  1. queenb22
    queenb22 Teacher
    High School - 11th Grade

    In "Lord of the Flies", Golding uses symbolism to explain different aspects of his story.  The fact that one of the boys is inarticulate could mean that the boys are losing their civility.  Language is one of the key aspects needed in a growing society.  It helps make people civil and live together in a civilization.  To lose that language, symbolically it shows that there is a regression of civilization, which is exactly what is going on in "Lord of the Flies". The fact that the boys are living in an extreme situation of survival of the fittest, willing to kill anyone they view as weaker, only reinforces this point further. As for the naval officer saving the boys, this is more concrete than symbolic. The officer rescues the boys not only from the long term harm of living by themselves and trying to survive on the island, but also from the imminent danger the fire holds. The fire is traveling and will probably destroy much of the island,along with many lives. The officer is there just in time to help the boys escape that fate.

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

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    Posted by queenb22 on Thursday August 21, 2008 at 1:44 AM

  2. aabam
    aabam Student
    Graduate School

    Percival inarticulation only suggests that evil indulgences can make people be forgetful of their good heritage.We remember Percival introducing himself with full inclusion of his religious affiliation which suggests that he is a boy with some degree of moral and spiritual understanding. He gives us first insight on the accurate possible object of fear for the boys on the island when he says "a beast come out of the sea." He is simply making an allusion to a brutal and lawless empire that would arise on earth (Book of Revelation 13 ). Having fallen victim of the hunters (beasts, (remember Jack says the beast is also a hunter)), Percival joins this ruthless gang of boys who are anti-good and subsequently forgets anything that is good about himself.

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    Posted by aabam on Friday September 5, 2008 at 7:55 AM