Two separate illustrations of an animal head and a fire on a mountain

Lord of the Flies

by William Golding

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Lord of the Flies Characters

The main characters of Lord of the Flies include Ralph, Jack, Piggy, Simon, and Roger.

  • Ralph is elected leader of the schoolboys when they are stranded on an island.
  • Jack rebels against Ralph’s authority and leads the boys to savagery.
  • Piggy is an intelligent, overweight boy who acts as Ralph’s adviser.
  • Simon is an innocent boy who is killed by the savage group.
  • Roger is a sadist who becomes one of Jack's first followers.

List of Characters

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Lord of the Flies can be read as a rich set of character studies nested within the novel’s larger allegory. Thus each of the main characters is unique, representing a particular aspect of human society, from Piggy’s scientific rationality to Simon’s intuitive creativity to Jack’s tyrannical malevolence. 

Ralph

Ralph is the protagonist of Lord of the Flies. He is one of the older boys on the island, and his good looks and confidence make him a natural leader. He finds the conch and initially looks on it as a... (Read our extended character analysis on Ralph)

Jack

Jack is the antagonist of Lord of the Flies. He is set in physical contrast to the attractive Ralph, instead described as tall, thin, and “ugly without silliness.” Jack is the leader of a church choir, and... (Read our extended character analysis on Jack)

Piggy

Piggy is established as an outsider and source of ridicule amongst the boys on the island, with his weight, asthma, and spectacles offering up prime targets for jokes. His thin hair, physique, and... (Read our extended character analysis on Piggy)

Simon

Simon is the one of the younger “biguns,” portrayed as thoughtful, gentle, and prone to fainting spells. He begins as one of the choir boys but he does not join Jack’s band of hunters, instead staying... (Read our extended character analysis on Simon)

Expert Q&A

Compare and contrast the goodness of characters Ralph and Simon in Lord of the Flies.

Ralph and Simon both embody goodness in different ways. Simon is a Christ-like figure, showing selflessness by caring for the littluns and trying to reassure others, like Ralph, about their rescue. His kindness is evident in his efforts to feed and comfort others. Ralph, a natural leader, is concerned with group welfare and maintaining order. However, he feels guilt for Simon's death, revealing his moral conscience. Despite this, Ralph strives to uphold civilization's values against savagery.

Who are the round and flat characters in Lord of the Flies?

In "Lord of the Flies," Ralph, Jack, Piggy, and Simon are round characters, showing complex personalities and development. Samneric, Roger, Maurice, and the littluns are flat characters, remaining one-dimensional throughout the story. The novel's allegorical nature blurs these distinctions, as characters like Piggy, Roger, and Simon represent abstract qualities like reason, sadism, and spirituality, respectively.

What motivates Jack, Roger, Ralph, and Piggy on the island in Lord of the Flies?

In "Lord of the Flies," Jack is driven by a desire for power and the thrill of hunting, becoming increasingly savage. Roger is motivated by sadism, taking pleasure in causing pain and chaos. Ralph seeks to maintain order and civilization, although he occasionally succumbs to savagery. Piggy, representing intellect and rationality, strives to uphold societal norms and is deeply concerned about losing his glasses, symbolizing insight. He ultimately becomes a victim of the group's descent into chaos.

What are five differences between Piggy and Ralph in Lord of the Flies?

Ralph and Piggy differ in their charisma, athleticism, wisdom, character transformation, and insight into group behavior.

What event brings Ralph closer to Piggy in Lord of the Flies?

Ralph becomes closer to Piggy after Jack takes over the tribe, leaving Ralph with Piggy as an ally. This change is marked by Ralph confiding in Piggy about his fears and leadership challenges, which he had not done before. Their relationship evolves from one of mistreatment to mutual respect and understanding, as they become outsiders targeted by Jack's group. Ralph acknowledges Piggy's importance and seeks his advice, fostering a stronger bond between them.

How does the relationship between Piggy and Ralph change in Lord of the Flies?

Initially in "Lord of the Flies", Ralph finds Piggy annoying and often ridicules him. However, as the story progresses, Ralph begins to appreciate Piggy's intelligence and ideas. He starts to rely on Piggy for support and direction, especially against Jack's growing savagery. By the end, Piggy becomes one of Ralph's only supporters and a trusted friend. Piggy's death deeply impacts Ralph, marking a significant change in their relationship from indifference to mutual respect and friendship.

Which character conforms in Lord of The Flies and what quotes demonstrate this?

In Lord of the Flies, multiple characters display conformity, but Ralph and Jack are prominent examples. Ralph conforms to principles of civilized behavior, advocating for rules and order. In contrast, Jack conforms to a might-makes-right mentality, using intimidation. Quotes demonstrating Ralph's adherence to rules include his insistence on dressing properly, while Jack's conformity is shown through his violent actions, like plunging his knife into a tree trunk.

How are Jack, Ralph, Piggy, and Simon archetypal in Lord of the Flies?

In Lord of the Flies, Ralph represents the archetypal hero, embodying civilization and leadership, mourning the loss of innocence. Jack is the villain, symbolizing savagery and the breakdown of order. Simon serves as the oracle, wise yet misunderstood, foreseeing the group's descent into chaos. Piggy acts as the guide, providing intelligence and insight, though often undervalued, ultimately falling victim to the group's violence. Each character embodies a timeless archetype in literature.

How does Golding's description of Jack and Simon in the jungle characterize the boys?

The characteristics of Jack and Simon are shown by the author.

In Lord of the Flies, what is the author's attitude towards the characters?

This question is about the author's attitude towards the characters and what forces act on them. The answer describes how Golding uses physical descriptions, such as clothing and figures, to show his attitude toward the characters.

Describe the physical and personality traits of the first two characters in Lord Of the Flies.

Ralph and Piggy are the first characters introduced. Ralph is described as a "fair" and athletic boy, resembling a young boxer, with a mild demeanor. He quickly becomes the leader. Piggy is short, overweight, has asthma, and is often mocked, highlighting his vulnerability. Despite this, Piggy is intelligent and thoughtful, recognizing the conch's potential to summon the others. Ralph initially mocks Piggy but eventually befriends him, using the conch to gather the boys.

In Lord of the Flies, what shared trait do Jack, Roger, Johnny, Henry, and Maurice exhibit until chapter 5?

The boys gradually become more savage as they begin to hunt and fight with each other. They also start to paint their faces and show no concern for the establishment of a civil society.

Representation and Description of the Choir in Lord of the Flies

In Lord of the Flies, the choir is initially depicted as a disciplined group under Jack's leadership, dressed in identical uniforms. They symbolize order and civilization but gradually transform into savage hunters, illustrating the descent into barbarism as societal structures break down on the island.

Explain the development of Piggy's and Ralph's friendship in Lord of the Flies.

In Lord of the Flies, Ralph and Piggy's friendship evolves from initial indifference to a deep reliance. Initially, Ralph finds Piggy annoying, but Piggy's intelligence proves valuable. As Ralph becomes leader, he increasingly depends on Piggy's insights to stand against Jack's savagery. Despite Ralph's initial dismissiveness, they grow close, culminating in Ralph mourning Piggy as a "true, wise friend" after Piggy's tragic death. Their friendship underscores themes of innocence and human darkness.

How do Roger and Simon change throughout Lord of the Flies?

In Lord of the Flies, Roger and Simon exhibit contrasting trajectories with minimal change. Roger starts as sadistic and becomes more so, culminating in Piggy's murder. His cruelty escalates from minor acts, like destroying sandcastles, to lethal violence. Simon remains the moral compass, consistently understanding the innate evil within the boys. Unlike the others, he recognizes the "beast" as internal, not external, but is tragically killed before sharing this insight.

In Lord of the Flies, what commonality does Simon, Piggy, and the boy with the birthmark share?

Simon, Piggy, and the boy with the birthmark in Lord of the Flies share the commonality of death, highlighting the novel's "loss of innocence" theme. Each represents a different aspect of innocence lost: the boy with the birthmark introduces the fear of the Beast, Simon's prophetic insights are tragically misunderstood, and Piggy's death signifies the end of rationality and order. Their deaths underscore the disintegration of civility among the boys.

Can you list instances of danger experienced by each character in Lord of the Flies?

In Lord of the Flies, the boys face danger when they accidentally set the trees on fire, prompting Ralph to make rules about fire safety. Henry experiences danger when Roger throws stones at him, testing societal boundaries. As order collapses, Jack and his hunters pose a threat to Ralph's authority, suggesting a descent into savagery. This breakdown of order endangers all the boys, as they risk becoming like "animals."

Ailments affecting the younger boys in Lord of the Flies

The younger boys in Lord of the Flies primarily suffer from fear and nightmares, which contribute to their overall sense of insecurity and vulnerability on the island. These psychological ailments are exacerbated by their isolation and the increasingly chaotic environment, leading to a decline in their mental and physical well-being.

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Roger

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Extended Character Analysis

Roger is one of the “biguns” and a member of the choir led by Jack Merridew. He is described as “dark” and “slight and furtive,” and none of the other boys know him well. However, as the boys spend more time on the island, Roger quickly establishes his cruel nature by knocking down the younger boys’ sandcastles and throwing rocks at Henry. At first, the constraints of polite society prevent him from actually hurting anyone, but as Jack’s power grows and the boys’ society collapses, Roger grows more bold and more violent. The killing of the nursing sow showcases Roger’s sadism, as he drives his sharpened stick into the pig’s anus, an action that serves no purpose aside from causing pain. Roger's embrace of violence culminates in the murder of Piggy, wherein Roger casts off his inhibitions completely and serves as Jack’s executioner. 

Roger acts as a foil for Piggy. Just as Piggy is Ralph’s advisor, Roger is Jack’s second-in-command, establishing himself as Jack’s executioner. He is shown to have significant influence within the tribe when he takes over the torture of Samneric. Piggy represents wisdom, prudence, and civility, helping push Ralph to be a better leader and hold society together. Roger represents the direct opposite: savagery, recklessness, and anarchy. Whereas as Piggy is lucid in articulating his many thoughts, Roger is silent and undecipherable, preferring action to speech. It is the bounds of society that once kept Roger contained, so his influence, now unbounded, seeks to undermine order and rationality in favor of violence and chaos. His murder of Piggy represents the triumph of savagery and hedonism over order and civility. 

Expert Q&A

What are the physical and personality traits of Roger in Lord of the Flies?

In terms of a physical description, Roger has black hair and a gloomy face, which make him look rather unapproachable. His personality is dark and sadistic, which is revealed when he kicks over the littluns' castles, throws stones near Henry, and later rolls the boulder that kills Piggy.

How does Roger's character evolve in Lord of the Flies by William Golding?

Roger's character in Lord of the Flies evolves from a slightly malicious boy to a brutal savage. Initially, he hesitates due to the remnants of societal norms, like when he throws stones near Henry but deliberately misses. However, by the end, Roger becomes more cruel and dangerous than Jack, embodying the novel's theme of the inherent savagery within humans. His actions highlight the complete breakdown of civilization on the island.

Why does Roger shove past Jack, almost edging him aside, in Lord of the Flies?

Roger shoves past Jack to assert his own "nameless authority" and demonstrate his sadistic nature, which has grown beyond Jack's control. This act symbolizes Roger's complete rejection of human morals and desire to embrace brutality. Although Jack is the tribe's official leader, Roger's willingness to inflict pain on others without restraint suggests a potential threat to Jack's authority, highlighting Roger's transformation into a figure of pure, uncontained violence.

In Lord of the Flies, how does Roger assist in killing the sow?

In Lord of the Flies, Roger assists in killing the sow by stabbing his spear into her anus and leaning his weight on it while Jack slits her throat. This act of brutality demonstrates Roger's cruelty and the boys' descent into savagery, foreshadowing later violent events.

How does society shape Roger's behavior in Lord of the Flies?

Round the squatting child was the protection of parents and school and policemen and the law. Roger's arm was conditioned by a civilization that knew nothing of him and was in ruins.

Society shapes Roger's behavior by instilling fear of punishment from parents, school, and law, which initially restrains his violent impulses. The phrase "a civilization that knew nothing of him" suggests Roger harbors hidden sociopathic tendencies. When society's constraints collapse, his innate cruelty emerges, culminating in his murder of Piggy and his wielding of "a nameless authority." Freed from societal norms, Roger becomes the most malevolent figure on the island, acting without conscience.

Roger's motivations for killing Piggy in Lord of the Flies

Roger's motivations for killing Piggy stem from his descent into savagery and the loss of societal constraints. Without the rules and consequences of civilization, Roger's inherent cruelty and desire for power are unleashed, leading him to commit murder without remorse.

Roger's Intentions When Throwing Stones in Lord of the Flies

In Lord of the Flies, Roger's intentions when throwing stones near Henry reflect his inner conflict and the remnants of societal rules. He aims to exert power and instill fear, but he still feels constrained by the ingrained moral codes of civilization, preventing him from directly hitting Henry.

Roger's Restraint and Its Implications in Lord of the Flies

In Lord of the Flies, Roger throws stones at Henry without hitting him due to his societal conditioning. Despite his sadistic nature, Roger is initially restrained by the ingrained rules of civilization, which prevent him from directly harming Henry. This behavior reflects the lingering influence of societal norms and the "taboo of the old life," which Roger gradually begins to disregard as he descends into savagery. His actions illustrate the conflict between innate aggression and learned behavior.

The meaning of the "nameless authority" Roger wields towards Samneric in Lord of the Flies

The "nameless authority" Roger wields towards Samneric in Lord of the Flies represents the power and control he derives from the group's descent into savagery. It underscores the loss of societal norms and the emergence of primal instincts, allowing Roger to exert dominance without the constraints of civilized behavior.

Roger's plan for Ralph in Lord of the Flies

Roger's plan for Ralph in Lord of the Flies is to hunt him down and kill him. Roger sharpens a stick in preparation, indicating his intention to mount Ralph's head as a trophy, similar to what was done with the Lord of the Flies.

The scene and significance of Roger throwing stones at Henry in Lord of the Flies

In Lord of the Flies, Roger throws stones at Henry to demonstrate his emerging cruelty and the breakdown of societal rules. Though he aims to miss, the act signifies his growing inclination towards violence and foreshadows his later brutal actions, illustrating the theme of inherent human savagery.

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Samneric

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Extended Character Analysis

The identical twins Sam and Eric are referred to as Samneric due to their indistinguishable appearances and personalities. They are regularly appointed to tend the signal fire, and they are involved in both the missed rescue opportunity and the initial sighting of the dead parachutist, which they mistake for the beast. 

After Jack defects and forms his own tribe, Samneric are the only “biguns” aside from Piggy and Simon who remain loyal to Ralph. They go with Ralph and Piggy to reclaim Piggy’s stolen glasses from Jack. After Piggy’s death and Ralph’s escape, they are captured and tortured into joining Jack’s tribe by Roger. However, despite their fear of Roger, they still give Ralph food and warn him about Jack’s plans before sending him away. 

Samneric represent societal unity. They don’t possess the individuality that the rest of the boys do and are regarded as one entity rather than two distinct ones. Piggy attempts to differentiate them at the beginning, but it is not until after Simon’s death that they become briefly distinguishable from one another due to their differing injuries. 

After Simon's death, societal unity dissolves completely, with any chance of reconciliation between the opposing factions destroyed by the death of the only person who knew the truth of the beast. Sam and Eric begin fighting one another, no longer able to function as a unit, just as Ralph’s group is too fractured to be able to function cohesively. They are later forcibly assimilated into Jack’s tribe, one again becoming Samneric as Jack prepares to hunt down Ralph, uniting his tribe under a common purpose.

Expert Q&A

Do Sam and Eric admit their involvement in Simon's death in Lord of the Flies?

Samneric do not admit their involvement in Simon's death. Instead, they take their cues from Piggy, who wants to deny that any of them were involved. The twins, now ashamed of what they participated in, say they left Jack's dance early because they were tired.

How do SamnEric treat Ralph when he arrives at Castle Rock in Lord of the Flies?

When Ralph arrives at Castle Rock, SamnEric treat him with nervousness and shame due to their painted faces and allegiance to Jack's tribe. They express that joining was forced, hinting at Roger's intimidation. Despite their fear, especially of Roger, they still care for Ralph, urging him to leave and providing him with meat. They warn Ralph about Jack's plan to hunt him, hoping he can escape capture.

How does Sam and Eric's "sighting" of the beast affect the plot in Lord of the Flies?

Sam and Eric's "sighting" of the beast is pivotal as it shifts the power dynamics on the island. Ralph's authority is undermined when Jack capitalizes on the fear of the beast to position himself as a more fearless leader. The sighting leads to Jack's eventual rebellion and the formation of his own tribe. Additionally, this event indirectly leads to Simon's tragic death as he discovers the true nature of the "beast" and is killed during a frenzied dance.

What caused Samneric's fears in Lord of the Flies and how did they cope?

Samneric's fears arise after mistaking a dead paratrooper for the beast while maintaining the signal fire at night. Terrified, they flee down the mountain and report to the other boys that the beast chased them. Initially, they rely on Ralph for protection, avoiding joining Jack's group. However, their fear of the beast and Jack's threats eventually lead them to reluctantly join his tribe, showing their inability to rationally cope with their terror.

Character introductions and the twins in Lord of the Flies

In Lord of the Flies, the twins, Sam and Eric, are introduced as inseparable and often referred to collectively as "Samneric." Their close bond symbolizes unity and cooperation, but as the story progresses, their individuality diminishes under the pressure of the group's descent into savagery, highlighting the loss of personal identity in the face of societal collapse.

Samneric's Role and Symbolism in Lord of the Flies

In Lord of the Flies, Samneric, the twin characters Sam and Eric, symbolize the unthinking herd mentality and the struggle between civilization and savagery. Initially loyal to Ralph, they represent the obedient followers in society, often acting as one entity. Their actions, such as reporting the "beast" and later joining Jack's tribe under duress, highlight themes of authority, fear, and the loss of individuality. Their eventual betrayal of Ralph underscores the novel's exploration of human nature's darker instincts.

Bill, Maurice, & Robert

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Extended Character Analysis

Three of the biguns—Bill, Maurice, and Robert—have minor but notable roles in Lord of the Flies. While not as developed as the main characters, each adds to the narrative by presenting a mixture of personality traits that serve to support themes in the text. 

Bill

Bill is initially confused by the different values and priorities of Ralph and Jack. When Jack shows the others his plan to paint his face to hunt a pig, Bill seems interested but becomes afraid of Jack's painted face and runs away. However, he eventually imagines hunting and "being savages" to be "jolly good fun" and embraces these things in order to confront his fears. He tries to persuade Ralph's group to go to Jack's feast, and he ultimately joins Jack's tribe. He is last seen covered in paint, hunting Ralph.

Maurice

Like Bill, Maurice is also confused by the culture clash on the island. Maurice is tall, like Jack, and exhibits a mixture of good and bad characteristics, depending on which boy is in charge. Initially, Maurice is helpful, proposing that the boys use green branches to create smoke for the signal fire. He also cheers up the littluns by pretending to fall off a log, making them laugh. Despite wanting to believe, like Piggy, that science can explain away human fears, Maurice still fears the beast, claiming "We don't know [about the beast], do we? Not certainly, I mean...." He eventually gives in to his fears and joins Roger in kicking over the littluns' sand castles as a way to exert power. Maurice finally progresses entirely away from reason when he helps Jack steal fire from Ralph and Piggy.

Robert

Robert generally goes along with whoever is in power. In one of the few instances where he shows initiative, he pretends to be a pig in the hunting game. However, the boys go too far and hurt him, reducing Robert to a whining child. After Jack leaves to start his own group, Robert joins him. He and Maurice are a part of the group that welcomes Ralph, Piggy, and the others to Jack's feast. Robert eventually becomes one of Jack's guards at Castle Rock. 

Expert Q&A

Who is Maurice in Lord of the Flies?

Maurice is one of the older boys in Jack's tribe in "Lord of the Flies." Initially, he is affable and feels guilt for his actions, such as when he kicks over sandcastles. However, as the novel progresses, Maurice becomes more savage, participating in raids and fully embracing Jack's violent leadership, ultimately showing no desire for rescue.

What is Maurice's physical description in Lord of the Flies?

Maurice is described as the second biggest choir boy after Jack, broad and often grinning, making him one of the "biguns." His size and strength make him suitable for physically demanding tasks. Maurice has a history of bullying, but he feels guilt for wrongdoing despite the absence of authority figures. Eventually, he becomes a core member of Jack's hunters, succumbing to the group's savagery and participating in violent acts.

The Littluns

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Extended Character Analysis

The older boys use the term “littluns” to refer collectively to the younger boys on the island. They spend most of their days playing on the beach rather than working, and they are wracked by nightmares of a terrifying beast. They are largely objects of derision amongst the older boys, who view their nightmares as childish. 

The littluns are the most vulnerable people on the island, most of them too young to properly take care of themselves or navigate the wilderness. They symbolize the common people of a society, influenced by the leadership of the older boys. At the beginning, they are democratic constituents with voting power and input at the meetings. They elect Ralph, who looks out for their safety by maintaining the signal fire and building shelters. However, as their fear of the beast grows, they are brought under the sway of Jack, a demagogue who manipulates their fear and promises to hunt down the beast. Under Jack, they feast and reject their civilized instincts. 

The named littluns that feature in Lord of the Flies include the following:

  • Henry: The biggest littlun, Henry is the target of Roger's game in chapter 4. Henry is related to the littlun with the mulberry-colored birthmark, and he later joins Jack's group. Henry delights in "exercising control over living things" because of the supposed power it gives him over nature.
  • Johnny: Along with Percival, Johnny is the smallest of the littluns. He is described as having "a natural belligerence," which he showcases by throwing sand in Percival's face. Later, Johnny cries when he thinks Eric may be bleeding after his encounter with Jack's fire-stealers.
  • The littlun with the mulberry-colored birthmark: Besides the birthmark, this littlun is identified as a relative of Henry's. He is the first of the boys to mention a "snake-thing," which becomes the "beastie" that the littluns claim comes in the dark. This littlun is not seen again after the first fire burns out of control.
  • Percival Wemys Madison: Of all the littluns, Percival has the most difficulty adjusting to his new surroundings. He is one of the smallest littluns and "play[s] little and cries often." Ralph and Piggy call on Percival after Phil's dream of seeing and fighting with "twisty things in the trees" to hopefully dispel the rumors of the beast. However, Percival keeps reciting his name and address. He eventually suggests that the beast comes from the sea, and that thought, combined with his wailing, starts the other littluns crying as well.
  • Phil: One of the more confident littluns, Phil is able to describe his dream of fighting with "twisty things in the trees" to the group. 

The littluns represent the common people of any society, and in that role they highlight the dangers of irresponsibly wielded power. When Ralph suggests building a signal fire for the first time, the boys set off in a frenzy and allow the fire to grow out of control. This results in the implied death of a littlun with a mulberry-colored birthmark. Piggy then scolds the boys for their rash actions, reinforcing the need for order and careful consideration in a successful society.

Expert Q&A

How did the littluns spend their day in Lord of the Flies?

The littluns spend their days eating fruit, playing aimlessly on the beach, and swimming. They are largely ignored by the older boys, who see them as having little value in performing tasks. While they obey the conch when blown, they lack structure and care, often crying for their mothers and eating indiscriminately. This reflects the social hierarchy developing on the island, with the older boys taking on more significant roles like maintaining the signal fire and hunting.

What might have happened to the littlun with the mulberry-coloured birthmark in Lord of the Flies?

The littlun with the mulberry-colored birthmark likely died in the fire that the older boys accidentally let get out of control. After the fire, he is never seen again, and although the older boys assume he perished, no one seems to care much. His death, while accidental, foreshadows the group's descent into savagery and their increasing disregard for life.

The Littluns' Role and Symbolism in Lord of the Flies

In William Golding's Lord of the Flies, the littluns, or younger boys aged six to eight, symbolize the vulnerable and helpless members of society. Initially carefree on the island, they become fearful after a fire and the disappearance of one of their own, reflecting the loss of innocence. They are manipulated by older boys like Ralph and Jack, representing the power dynamics and moral decline. Their presence highlights the societal breakdown and the inherent wickedness in humanity.

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