Discussion Topic
Relationship changes in Lord of the Flies
Summary:
In Lord of the Flies, relationships among the boys deteriorate as they descend into savagery. Initially cooperative, their bonds fracture due to power struggles, fear, and the loss of societal norms. Ralph and Jack's rivalry epitomizes this breakdown, transforming from friends to adversaries, ultimately leading to violence and chaos within the group.
What quotation signifies relationship changes in chapter 9 of Lord of the Flies?
The significant quote is when Jack tells his followers to bring Ralph and Piggy some meet, thus establishing his dominance on the island.
The main relationship shift in chapter 9 is actually a power shift. Ralph was the leader, until Jack questioned his authority and built his tribe up to a point of strength. In this chapter, Ralph and Piggy are bathing and they visit Jack’s feast. He and his tribe have covered themselves with war paint and killed a pig.
Jack stood up and waved his spear.
“Take them some meat.”
The boys with the spit gave Ralph and Piggy each a succulent chunk. They took the gift, dribbling. So they stood and ate beneath a sky of thunderous brass that rang with the storm-coming. (ch 9)
The spears, meat, and war-paint distinguish Jack and his followers as the savages. Ralph and Piggy choose to distance themselves from the...
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group dancing around the fire. Piggy says trouble is coming, and it is. FirstSimon and then Piggy are the casualties of Jack’s senseless violence.
What new relationships or changes occur in Lord of the Flies chapter 9?
Chapter 9 of Lord of the Flies is titled 'A View to a Death.' This title refers, not only to the actual, forthcoming death of Simon but it represents the complete descent into savagery as even Ralph and Piggy are affected by Jack and his tribe. They will be changed forever.
Piggy and Ralph's identities are threatened. Ralph indicates that he no longer cares who joins Jack. Even Piggy suggests checking on Jack. This illustrates
their own inherent weaknesses and make(s) it plausible when they join the murderous circle later.
The thunderstorm that is brewing sets the scene of foreboding. The signal fire has even gone out!
Jack has finally got the better of Ralph and, despite Ralph's protestations, the boys do not listen and side with Jack. Ever the opportunist, Jack, to distract the boys from panic and from Ralph, manages to get the boys, with Roger's help, to chant
Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!
Jack's character is reinforced in this chapter.
This chapter represents all that Golding purported - that savagery is a natural tendency in man. The figurative end to Simon's life brings the message of violence in the face of beauty to a dramatic climax. Simon is the only one
to see into the core of humanity and spot the beast
The realization that there is no beast is contrasted with the fact that the beast - within - has finally arrived.