Golding initially introduces the idea of community when Ralph holds the first assembly and creates the rule about holding the conch while he addresses the group. Golding also portrays the idea of community by the boy's willingness to help gather wood for the signal fire. The conflict between community versus anarchy arises in Chapter 3 when Jack begins to argue with Ralph about the importance of meat over building shelters. The shelters are a significant symbol of civilization and the boy's willingness to participate in helping construct them demonstrates the conflict between community versus anarchy. Jack, a character who represents anarchy, values hunting which is an activity associated with bloodlust and savagery. He feels that it is more important to kill pigs for food than it is to build shelters. However, Ralph does not share his views and tries to encourage the others to help him build huts on the beach. Initially, all the boys help construct the first hut but soon abandon helping Ralph and Simon complete the other two. The condition of the huts and Jack's insistence on the importance of hunting illustrate the initial conflict between community versus anarchy.
See eNotes Ad-Free
Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts.
Already a member? Log in here.