Lord of the Flies Group

Question:

survivalofthefittest66
survivalofth...
Student
High School - 12th Grade

What is Jack's reaction to the news of the beast? Why does he act this way?

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Posted by survivalofthefittest66 on Friday May 1, 2009 at 10:08 AM and tagged with literature, lord of the flies by william golding.

Answers:

  1. mr-robitaille
    mr-robitaille Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    When he first hears the littluns talking about a Beast, Jack denies its existence, supporting Ralph's argument that such a thing could not live on a small island. He then claims that if there were such a thing, "we'd hunt it and kill it." He then changes the subject to hunting pigs for meat. This is in harmony with his usual behavior, which involves bullying others and using force to get what he wants. Jack actually here uses a strategy common to people like him—acting tough in order to combat his own fear. Ironically, his claim that he could hunt and kill the beast actually helps to reveal that the real beast is within him, and that his growing bloodlust gives it life and strength.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/flies/character-analysis

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    Posted by mr-robitaille on Friday May 1, 2009 at 10:44 AM