Chapter 8 Summary & Analysis
Summary
The boys confer on the beach. Piggy can’t believe that Ralph, Jack, and Roger actually saw the beast. Ralph is unsure how they ought to proceed, given that the beast is squatting in the place they want to make a signal fire. When Jack suggests that his hunters might confront it, Ralph denigrates them as mere “Boys armed with sticks.” This angers Jack, who uses the conch to call a meeting.
Ralph first tries to set the agenda of the meeting, but Jack interrupts him. Jack claims that because he blew the conch, he should run the meeting. Ralph begrudgingly relents. First, Jack describes their encounter with the beast. He compares the beast to a hunter. Then, Jack attacks Ralph’s leadership. He tells the other boys that Ralph is a coward, and that he ran away when they saw the beast.
He says Ralph is like Piggy, and that he doesn’t believe Ralph should be leader. He calls on the others to vote Ralph out of his position of authority. When no one votes to unseat Ralph, Jack is furious and humiliated. He cries and says, “I won’t play any longer. Not with you.” He says anyone who wants to hunt should join him, and he leaves.
Everyone is surprised by Jack’s departure, though Piggy says they can do without Jack. The meeting continues. Hesitantly, Simon suggests they go up the mountain again to confront the beast, which sends a chill through the assembly. Piggy finds the idea absurd and suggests instead that they make their signal fire on the beach. The boys agree on this idea, and they set to work gathering wood for the fire.
They work cheerfully, and when they build up a large fire the littluns dance and the mood is festive. However, they soon notice that there are a number of biguns missing from the group. Most of the older boys have left to join Jack without telling anyone. Ralph and Piggy try to make the best of the situation, saying they can “do without ’em,” and that they were always causing trouble anyways. They also notice that Simon is missing, and wonder if he’s climbing the mountain. In fact, he is lying in the forest, watching butterflies.
Meanwhile, Jack speaks gruffly to his new crew. He says he’ll be the chief. He says they won’t worry about the beast; they’ll hunt and leave some meat for the beast to appease it. He says they may go to the castle rock later, but for now, they’ll host a feast in order to draw more biguns away from Ralph and the conch. They go out and brutally kill a nursing sow. But they realize they don’t have fire to cook it, and Jack decides they’ll paint themselves and raid the other group to attain fire. They put the head of the pig on a stake as a gift for the beast.
After the group leaves, it's revealed that Simon has been hiding in his special place, witnessing the killing and beheading of the pig. Having already been hot and thirsty, Simon becomes dazed and disgusted. He has a hallucination in which the pig’s head on the stake seems to talk to him. It refers to itself as the “Lord of the Flies.”
With paint on their skin and a few clothes, Jack and his boys confront Ralph’s group on the beach in order to steal their fire. Jack announces that his group is having fun and feasting. He invites Ralph’s group to a feast that night in an effort to persuade boys to join his crew. When he leaves, Ralph reiterates the importance of the signal fire, and the group speaks longingly of meat.
The pig’s head tells Simon that he is the beast. He calls Simon a silly boy and says, “‘You knew, didn’t you? I’m part of you. Close close close.’” Simon, who is epileptic, knows that “one of his times was coming on.” The Lord of the Flies menaces him, warning, “‘We’re going to have fun on this island. Understand?’” The chapter ends with Simon staring into the darkness of its mouth and losing consciousness.
Analysis
Several significant events happen in this chapter, the first of which is Jack's splitting the boys into two groups. Having failed to get the boys to vote Ralph out of authority, Jack cries and leaves the group, saying he won't play with them anymore. This statement represents the primary difference between the two factions: Ralph's group of fire makers knows they are not playing and must be responsible; Jack's group of hunters want to play, enjoy themselves, and not worry about rescue.
Ralph's group struggles after most of the boys quickly leave to join Jack's group. Ralph continues to try and lead, but without Piggy's help, he has difficulty expressing the need for the signal fire. Both Ralph and Piggy still cling to the conch as a symbol of authority and order, though they both have been affected by Jack's perspective: Ralph has experienced the thrill of hunting and Piggy has been cruel to Simon, the only boy that has shown him any kindness.
Having left Ralph's group, Jack is free to assume the mantle of chief. His goals are notably hedonistic: the boys will hunt and feast. He makes no mention of rescue or the signal fire. Roger reveals himself to be truly sadistic. With the killing and mutilating of the sow, it becomes clear that Roger enjoys inflicting pain on others, even more so than Jack.
Perhaps the most significant event in this chapter is the brutal killing of the nursing sow, the mounting of its head on a stick, and Simon's conversation with it. In Simon’s dazed perception, the head is referred to as the "Lord of the Flies," a name for the devil Beelzebub. The Lord of the Flies confirms what Simon has already suspected: there is no beast other than the beast within the boys. This statement connects to Simon's earlier claim in chapter five about the beast: “‘maybe it's only us.’” Simon's experience with the head serves as the defining moment for one of the novel's main themes: that darkness exists within everyone.
Expert Q&A
In chapter 8 of Lord of the Flies, what does the Lord of the Flies say about Simon and the other boys?
In chapter 8 of "Lord of the Flies", the Lord of the Flies tells Simon that it is the beast and exists within each boy, symbolizing the inherent evil they are capable of. It taunts Simon, stating his goodness is unwanted and threatens his life, suggesting he won't escape the evil even among the other boys. It ominously warns Simon that if he interferes, the boys will harm him, and this threat is later realized when the boys kill Simon.
In chapter 8 of Lord of the Flies, why does Simon want to climb the mountain?
Simon wants to climb the mountain to confront the beast. Unlike the others, he is unafraid and understands that the group's fear of the unknown paralyzes them. By seeking the beast, he aims to reveal its true nature, which he believes is the evil within themselves. Simon's spiritual insight drives him to this solitary quest to help the boys overcome their internal fears.
In Chapter 8 of Lord of the Flies, what is at stake for Jack when he fails to replace Ralph as chief?
In Chapter 8, the stakes for Jack are high when he fails to replace Ralph as chief. This moment is crucial in his rivalry with Ralph. Jack's challenge is motivated by his hunting successes and the "beast" sightings, but when no one supports him, the public rejection is deeply humiliating. His declaration of "I'm not going to play any longer" marks a permanent split, damaging group unity and showcasing his wounded pride.
Which page in "Lord of the Flies" does the beast say "You knew, didn't you? I'm a part of you"?
The quote "You knew, didn't you? I'm a part of you" appears towards the end of chapter 8, "Gift for the Darkness," in Lord of the Flies. The exact page varies by edition, appearing on page 206 in the Global Village Contemporary Classics online edition and page 143 in the Perigree paperback edition. The scene involves Simon hallucinating a conversation with the severed pig's head.
Which page of Lord of the Flies describes Jack placing a pig's head on a post?
The description of Jack placing a pig's head on a post in "Lord of the Flies" is found on page 196 of the Global Village contemporary Classics PDF version. After a successful hunt, Jack instructs his tribe to sharpen a stick at both ends and jams the pig's severed head on the stake as a tribute to the beast, thus creating the eponymous "Lord of the Flies".
In Lord of The Flies, when does Jack leave in chapter 8?
In Chapter 8 of Lord of the Flies, Jack leaves the group early in the chapter after a confrontation with Ralph about the Beast. Ralph mocks Jack's hunters as "boys armed with sticks," which angers Jack. He attempts to take over as chief by calling Ralph a coward, but when the boys do not support him, Jack storms off into the forest, inviting others to join him in hunting.
In chapter 8 of Lord of the Flies, how does Piggy change after Jack leaves?
After Jack leaves in chapter 8, Piggy gains confidence and begins to take charge. Initially relieved, he soon speaks with more assurance and suggests keeping a fire on the beach, an idea that is well received. This marks Piggy's transformation from an intimidated boy into a real leader, helping to fill the leadership void as Ralph struggles.
How does Piggy change in chapter 8 of Lord of the Flies?
In Chapter 8 of Lord of the Flies, Piggy shows subtle changes as he steps out of Ralph's shadow. Previously, Piggy relied on Ralph to voice his logical ideas, but with Ralph's inaction and Jack's departure, Piggy begins to assert himself. He speaks with newfound confidence, offering solutions like building a fire on the beach. This shift marks Piggy's attempt to take control and influence the group directly.
Why does Simon ask "What else is there to do?" in Chapter 8 of Lord of the Flies?
Simon asks, "What else is there to do?" because he believes the boys need to confront their fears by climbing the mountain to investigate the beast that Ralph and Jack claimed to have seen. Despite the others' fear and reluctance, Simon insists that facing the beast is essential, as avoidance only strengthens their fear and allows Jack to manipulate them, leading to a decline in their civilization and an increase in violence. However, his suggestion is ignored.
In "Lord of the Flies" chapter 8, how does the sow's killing differ and how does Golding's viewpoint change?
In chapter 8 of Lord of the Flies, the killing of the sow is depicted as torture, with Roger cruelly driving his spear into the sow's anus. This act marks a shift from killing for survival to an evil, ritualistic slaughter. Golding's viewpoint changes to illustrate the boys' descent into savagery, as they mutilate the sow and offer its head as a sacrifice to the "Lord of the Flies."
In chapter 8 of Lord of the Flies, why do most bigger boys follow Jack and what does "sharpen a stick at both ends" mean?
In chapter 8 of Lord of the Flies, most bigger boys follow Jack because they are attracted to his savage lifestyle and prefer hunting over building a civilized society. "Sharpen a stick at both ends" means preparing to mount the pig's head on a stake as an offering for the beast, symbolizing the boys' descent into savagery.
What happens to Simon in Chapter 8 of "Lord of the Flies" if he interferes?
In Chapter 8, Simon hallucinates a conversation with the Lord of the Flies, which warns him that if he interferes with the boys' "fun," he will be killed. The severed pig's head reveals that the beast is the inherent evil within each boy and not an external creature. The Lord of the Flies predicts Simon's fate, which tragically comes true when he is brutally murdered by the boys while trying to reveal the beast's true nature.
What is a specific example of suspense in Chapter 8 of Lord of the Flies?
In Chapter 8 of Lord of the Flies, suspense is created through the boys' fear and uncertainty about the beast, which symbolizes their growing paranoia and the breakdown of civilization. The tension between Ralph and Jack, as Ralph dismisses the hunters as "boys armed with sticks," foreshadows the impending chaos. The chapter highlights the boys' internal conflicts and foreshadows their descent into savagery, as the beast represents an internal threat rather than an external one.
What happens to the fire in Chapter 8 of Lord of the Flies?
In Chapter 8, after Ralph, Jack, and Roger report seeing the beast, Piggy suggests building a new signal fire on the beach. Ralph and Piggy prioritize rescue and understand the importance of maintaining a signal fire, unlike Jack and his hunters. Despite their efforts to collect firewood, most boys eventually abandon them to join Jack on the other side of the island, reflecting the group's division and the diminishing hope for rescue.
Where is the quote "The greatest ideas are the simplest" found in Lord of the Flies?
The quote "The greatest ideas are the simplest" is found in chapter 8 of Lord of the Flies. It is part of the third-person narration, occurring about a quarter into the chapter during a meeting where Piggy suggests building a fire on the rocks or sand instead of the mountain, a plan the boys agree to with relief.
How do Sam, Eric, and Bill respond to Jack's feast invitation in Lord of the Flies?
Sam, Eric, and Bill respond positively to Jack's feast invitation, enticed by the promise of meat and the allure of joining the "savages." Bill suggests attending under the pretense of discussing the challenges of maintaining the fire, while Samneric agree with the idea, finding Jack's lifestyle appealing and "jolly good fun." Ultimately, they all accept the invitation, illustrating the difficulty of maintaining moral integrity when faced with hunger and temptation.
In Lord of the Flies, what does the pig's head's "joke" refer to, and what is Simon "wrong" about according to the pig's head? (chap. 8)
"A gift for the beast. Might not the beast come for it? The head, he thought, appeared to agree with him. Run away, said the head silently, go back to the others. It was a joke really - why should you bother? You were just wrong, that's all. A little headache, something you ate, perhaps. Go back, child, said the head silently."
In this passage, the "joke" refers to Simon's internal struggle to rationalize the boys' actions of placing the pig's head on a stick. Simon questions if his belief that the "beast" is within the boys was wrong. The pig's head, representing his doubts, suggests that his worries are trivial, implying a "joke." However, this is ironic as Simon's insight is accurate, but it comes too late to prevent tragedy.
What does the pig's head say to Simon in Lord of the Flies?
The pig's head, which identifies itself as the Lord of the Flies, confirms Simon's belief that there is not a tangible beast on the island. It also informs Simon that it is responsible for the savagery, animosity, and violence that consumes the boys. Finally, the pig's head warns Simon about attempting to put an end to the "fun" on the island and threatens his life.
What is the page number for this quote in Lord of the Flies: "I dunno, Ralph. We just got to go on, that's all. That's what grownups would do."
The quote "I dunno, Ralph. We just got to go on, that's all. That's what grownups would do" is near the bottom of page 139 in the Penguin Group edition of Lord of the Flies. If using a different version, it is approximately four pages from the end of chapter 8.
Who climbs the mountain to view the beast in Lord of the Flies?
Simon climbs the mountain to view the "beast." In chapter nine, after conversing with the "Lord of the Flies," he ascends the hill to confront the "humped" figure. Simon discovers that the supposed beast is actually a dead parachutist. He tries to convey this revelation to the others but is tragically killed by the boys in a frenzied ritual, unable to communicate that the "beast" is merely a harmless, decaying body.
Describe the relationship changes and new relationships in chapter 8 of Lord of the Flies.
In Chapter 8, relationships shift significantly as the boys split into two groups: Ralph's group remains focused on rescue, while Jack's new tribe prioritizes hunting and savagery. Jack's leadership grows as he embraces the chaos, painting his face and distancing himself from civilization. Roger's cruel nature emerges during the pig hunt. Ralph is frustrated and losing hope, while Piggy shows disdain for Simon. This chapter marks a pivotal moment, highlighting the boys' descent into savagery.
The use of the conch shell to call meetings in "Lord of the Flies."
In "Lord of the Flies," the conch shell symbolizes order and civilization. It is used to call meetings, establishing a sense of structure and governance among the boys. As long as the conch is respected, it maintains authority and unity. However, as the boys descend into savagery, the conch's power diminishes, ultimately shattering and symbolizing the complete breakdown of order.
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