Lord of the Flies Group

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student12
student12
Student
High School - 9th Grade

What's the significance of the title in chapter 4 of "Lord of the Flies": "Painted Faces and Long Hair"?

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Posted by student12 on Saturday October 11, 2008 at 11:10 AM and tagged with chapter 4, lord of the flies, significance, title.

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  1. gbeatty Teacher
    College - Freshman

    Best answer as selected by question asker.

    This chapter title has two general meanings. On the literal level, the level of plot and action, it simply tells readers what the major change on the island will be. Rather than maintaining their prior appearances as much as possible, the boys will begin to transform. They will paint their faces, and their hair grows out.


    Symbolically, these signs mark a turn toward savagery. The boys are  not who they used to be. Readers are specifically told early in the chapter that "Jack planned his new face." He's choosing a new identity, and a new appearance. Soon after that, we're told "The mask compelled them." The change in appearance creates a change in social structure, and in emotional power dynamics.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/flies/chapter-4-summary-analysis

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    Posted by gbeatty on Saturday October 11, 2008 at 11:20 AM