Chapter 7 Summary & Analysis
Summary
As the boys continue along their journey towards the mountain, Ralph stops to gaze at the ocean. He wonders how they will ever make it off the island, especially considering how the boys have slipped into undisciplined and wild behavior. Simon comforts Ralph by reassuring him that he will cross the seemingly impassable ocean and make it home.
The party happens upon pig droppings, prompting Jack to suggest they hunt the boar while also going after the beast. Ralph, who has never been on a hunt before, agrees as long as it’s on their way towards the mountain. The boys quickly get overtaken by the excitement of the chase.
The boar charges at the group, causing the boys to scatter. Ralph is left alone in the animal’s path. Ralph throws his spear at the boar, hitting it in the snout and making it flee to the undergrowth. Although he does not kill the animal, Ralph is overwhelmed with the excitement of having hit the boar. Jack returns from the undergrowth with a gash on his arm, which he claims the boar gave him with its tusks.
Still exhilarated and frenzied after the hunt, the boys reenact their adventures among themselves, with Robert playing the role of the boar. They dance and chant as they jab at Robert with their spears. Soon, they forget that they are only playing a game. Robert is bloodied and in danger and tries to crawl away from the frenzied group of boys. They almost kill Robert before they remember themselves.
When Robert says that they should use a real pig next time, Jack proposes a littlun instead. The boys laugh, caught off guard by Jack’s audacity, while Ralph tries to remind the group that it was only a game.
The boys continue their search, but night soon falls on the island. Ralph argues against approaching the beast at night but is goaded into doing so by Jack and a desire to regain social standing among the group. While the rest of the boys return to camp, Roger, Ralph, and Jack continue their quest up the mountain in search of the beast.
Ralph and Roger wait near the top while Jack summits alone, only to return shortly after, out of breath and claiming to have seen the beast. Ralph and Roger go up to see for themselves, finding a large humanoid creature making a loud flapping sound in the wind. Terrified, the three boys run back to the group.
Analysis
This chapter provides deeper insights into several of the boys’ personalities and further illustrates the growing contrast between Ralph and Jack. Ralph, generally concerned with the more civilized aspects of life on the island (building huts and maintaining the signal fire), is unable to avoid the group’s bloodlust when he finally joins the hunt. He feels the excitement and frenzy and, for a moment, understands Jack’s violent tendencies. The scene implies that however sophisticated and respectful one may seem, everyone has a predisposition for violence and being cruel.
The post-hunt game not only sheds light on the boys’ personalities but also gives great insight into the power struggle between Ralph and Jack. When Jack jokes about using a littlun in the place of a pig for the next ritual, the boys laugh, with Ralph being the only voice of reason amongst the group. This reaction indicates the group’s deteriorating sense of reality.
The game is a victory for Jack because Ralph descends into a frenzy of violence, losing control and briefly shedding his principles of democracy and order. This experience shakes Ralph’s perception of order and community on the island, as he begins to get a glimpse into Jack’s worldview.
Jack also advances in his power struggle with Ralph by manipulating Ralph into acting recklessly and abandoning his usual level-headedness. Because the boys go up the mountain at night, they are unable to see the beast for what it truly is—a dead parachutist. Instead, they see the beast as the beast, which serves as the culmination of the rumors and fears that have persisted up to this point. Fear has altered the boys’ perception of reality, giving credence to illusions.
Mistaking another human for a beast also adds another layer to the illusion and internal cruelty developing within the boys. They do not take the time or have the courage to confront the humanoid, automatically assuming it is something to be feared. Whether it be paranoia or the colonial instinct to be in control, fear makes the boys violent, especially against each other.
Expert Q&A
Why is the mock hunt in Chapter 7 of Lord of the Flies important and what does it reveal about the boys?
The mock hunt in Chapter 7 of "Lord of the Flies" reveals the boys' escalating savagery and loss of humanity. It signifies their growing group mentality and thirst for violence, as they re-enact a hunting scene with increasing ferocity, terrorizing Robert. The chant "Kill the pig! Cut his throat!" hypnotizes them into their inner savage nature, eroding their fear of killing. This foreshadows the brutality of actual killings in later chapters.
In "Lord of the Flies", what does Jack mean when he says "Use a littlun" in Chapter 7?
In "Lord of the Flies", Jack's statement "Use a littlun" in Chapter 7 reflects his increasingly savage nature and disregard for human life. This follows a disturbing game where the boys, caught up in a frenzy, simulate a pig hunt using one of their own, Robert. Jack's suggestion to use a younger boy, or "littlun," in place of a pig in their game ominously foreshadows the boys' descent into violence and savagery.
What do the boys see at the end of Chapter 7 in Lord of the Flies and their reaction?
At the end of Chapter 7 of Lord of the Flies, the boys see what they believe is the "beast," which is actually the corpse of a dead parachutist. Terrified by the sight, they quickly flee from the scene. Their reaction underscores their deepening fear and descent into chaos on the island.
What does Ralph's opinion of his appearance at the start of chapter 7 indicate?
Ralph's awareness of his disheveled appearance, including dirty clothes and long hair, reflects his longing for civilization and order. His unnoticed habit of nail-biting signals a regression to a more primitive state, underscoring the boys' descent into savagery. This realization highlights Ralph's unique perception of their loss of identity and civilized behavior, contrasting with the other boys' acceptance of their deteriorating condition, foreshadowing further chaos and savagery.
How does Ralph's view of the sea in Chapter 7 affect his perspective on their situation in Lord of the Flies?
In Chapter 7 of Lord of the Flies, Ralph's view of the vast, unobstructed sea makes him realize the harsh reality of their situation. He feels hopeless and depressed about their chances of rescue, seeing the ocean as a massive barrier to civilization. This perspective shift leads him to doubt their ability to maintain a structured society or be rescued.
Who is Robert in chapter 7 of Lord of the Flies?
In chapter 7 of Lord of the Flies, Robert is a medium-sized boy among the biguns. During a mock hunt, he pretends to be a pig and is roughed up by the other boys, experiencing real fear and pain. This foreshadows later violence. Robert is more comfortable following orders and later serves as a sentry and part of Jack's group.
What is the significance of the title "Shadows and Tall Trees" in Chapter 7 of Lord of the Flies?
The title "Shadows and Tall Trees" in Chapter 7 of Lord of the Flies signifies the boys' fear and the overwhelming task of confronting the beast. "Shadows" represent the ominous, unknown dangers lurking in their imaginations, while "tall trees" symbolize the enormity of their challenge. As they venture into the jungle, the title underscores their movement from the known to the unknown, testing their courage and resolve.
Why is Ralph considered a poor chess player in Lord of the Flies by William Golding?
Ralph is considered a poor chess player because he lacks strategic thinking and foresight, essential qualities for effective leadership. In chapter seven, Golding describes Ralph's difficulty in making decisions and his tendency to reveal his emotions and thoughts openly, making him an inconsistent and ineffective leader. This inability to strategize contributes to Ralph's gradual loss of power to Jack.
In chapter 7 of Lord of the Flies, why is the boys' appearance and behavior deterioration considered normal?
The deterioration of the boys' appearance and behavior is considered normal because they have adapted to their new environment, prioritizing basic survival needs like food over cleanliness. Ralph's reflection on their unkempt state shows how their prolonged absence from civilization has led them to accept these conditions. Golding highlights how societal standards rely on enforcement, and without it, the boys neglect hygiene due to more pressing needs, underscoring a commentary on human nature and societal structures.
In chapter 7 of Lord of the Flies, what literary device does Golding use to emphasize the ocean's movement?
The relevant excerpt is in the beginning of chapter 7, specifically the paragraph starting with "Here, on the other side..." and the one following it.
In Chapter 7, Golding uses extended metaphors and personification to emphasize the ocean's movement. The sea is described with human-like qualities, such as "an arm of surf" and "fingers of spray," and actions like "suck down" and "climbing." These descriptions create an image of the ocean as a living, impersonal force. Present participles like "making," "pausing," and "swelling" convey continuous motion, enhancing the depiction of the ceaseless, powerful waves.
In Lord of the Flies, how do the island's two sides affect Ralph's rescue hope in chapter 7?
In Chapter 7, Ralph's hope for rescue is affected by the contrasting sides of the island. The ocean on one side is overwhelming and menacing, symbolizing isolation and the barrier from civilization, making Ralph feel trapped and hopeless. Conversely, the calm side with the lagoon represents hope and comfort, where rescue seems possible. This contrast highlights Ralph's internal struggle between despair and hope, emphasized by Simon's comforting yet prophetic words about eventual rescue.
What does Ralph ask Jack in chapter 7 of Lord of the Flies?
In Chapter 7, Ralph asks Jack, "Why do you hate me?" This question reveals Ralph's inexperience as a leader, as he should already understand that Jack views Ralph as an obstacle to his own desire for total control of the boys. By asking, Ralph inadvertently alerts Jack to his awareness of their conflict, prompting Jack to openly challenge Ralph's leadership.
In chapter 7 of Lord of the Flies, how do Ralph and Jack feel about each other?
In Chapter 7, the tension between Ralph and Jack intensifies. Ralph's successful participation in a pig hunt makes Jack feel overshadowed. Their differing priorities—Ralph wanting to relight the signal fire and Jack wanting to continue hunting—lead to conflict. Jack's embarrassment and anger grow as Ralph takes charge, prompting Jack to taunt him. Ralph realizes Jack's animosity, marking a turning point in their relationship as Jack becomes more determined to eliminate Ralph as a rival.
What does Ralph notice about his hygiene? Why is it wrong for Jack to kill the largest sow?
Ralph becomes conscious of his poor hygiene, longing for a bath, haircut, and dental care, though he cannot fix his bitten nails. Jack's killing of the largest sow is wrong because the pig is a nursing mother, symbolizing innocence and nurturing. The brutal and sexualized depiction of the boys' attack parallels a gang-rape, marking a significant moral decline and the loss of innocence among the boys.
How does Ralph perceive his appearance in chapter 7 of Lord of the Flies?
In Chapter 7, Ralph is dissatisfied with his appearance, reflecting his broader unhappiness with their situation on the island. He is disgusted by his dirty, stiff clothes and longs for cleanliness, imagining grooming activities like cutting his hair and brushing his teeth. Despite his discomfort, Ralph has come to accept the dirtiness as normal, realizing that he and the other boys have no choice but to live in their unkempt state.
What is the physical condition of the boys hiking along the shore in Lord of the Flies?
The boys hiking along the shore in "Lord of the Flies" are in poor physical condition, with threadbare clothes and unkempt appearances. Ralph is particularly conscious of their grimy state, yearning for cleanliness and the comforts of home, which highlights his growing concern about their prolonged stay on the island. In contrast, Roger and Jack are less aware of their condition, being more focused on survival and adapting to their new savage environment.
How does Ralph's behavior towards Jack change in chapter 7 of Lord of the Flies?
In Chapter 7, Ralph and Jack work together as part of a hunting party, marking one of the last moments of cooperation between them. This collaboration is significant as it occurs before they encounter the dead parachutist, which they mistake for the beast. This event foreshadows their eventual split as leaders, highlighting their differing perspectives. Ralph's nostalgia for civilized times contrasts with the savage reality, emphasizing his internal conflict and the widening rift with Jack.
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