"Lord of the Flies" chapter 7 plus reading exercises

Good luck Amanda!!!


Chapter 7:  Shadows and tall trees

Key Quote

”Someone's got to go across the island and tell Piggy we'll be back after dark."

Bill spoke, unbelieving.

"Through the forest by himself? Now?"

"We can't spare more than one."

Simon pushed his way to Ralph's elbow."

"I'll go if you like. I don't mind, honestly." 

Questions

1. How does Ralph feel about the rest of the boys as Chapter 7 opens? How does Simon attempt to console Ralph?

 2. Discuss the symbolic nature of the ocean at the beginning of this chapter. What could the ocean represent here?

3. Describe in detail the pig hunt that takes place in Chapter 7. What is different about this hunt?

4. What terrifying discovery do the boys make at the end of the chapter? What could this be symbolic of?

5. Discuss Ralph’s character shift in this chapter? What is happening to Ralph?

6. Describe the instincts the boys are using throughout Chapter

7. How does this tie into the theme of savagery versus civilization?

Quotes

Explain why these quotes are important

1. ”All at once, Robert was screaming and struggling with the strength of frenzy. Jack had him by the hair and was brandishing his knife. Behind him was Roger, fighting to get close. The chant rose ritually, as at the last moment of a dance or a hunt.

"Kill the pig! Cut his throat! Kill the pig! Bash him in!"

Ralph too was fighting to get near, to get a handful of that brown, vulnerable flesh. The desire to squeeze and hurt was over-mastering.”

2. In front of them, only three or four yards away, was a rock-like hump where no rock should be. Ralph could hear a tiny chattering noise coming from somewhere—perhaps his own mouth. He bound himself together with his will, fused his fear and loathing into a hatred, and stood up. He took two leaden steps forward.

Discussion Questions

1. What are the conditions that Ralph accepts as normal now and does not mind?

2. In your opinion, why is it so important to Ralph that the other boys know he has wounded the boar with his spear?

3. What do you think the author might be trying to show as the boys gather in a circle around Robert? Why do you think this is significant?

4. What do the three boys find at the top of the mountain?  How does this affect them?

After the seminar we will be working on practice exercises for the National Test (Today- Reading)