Regarding the current book we are reading, I find this time opportune to discuss our thoughts and opinions.
I feel as if all the humans that inhabit the island have exhibited traits of selfishness and cruelness. The island I believe is a symbolization for what man acted like at the dawn of time and I can clearly see why human nature is classified as cruel, selfish and unjust.
I have two human examples from the book.
In chapter four, Jack had killed a pig for meat instead of maintaining the fire.This decision subsequently led to the fire burning out. Piggy then scolded Jack about letting the fire burn out, "' You didn't ought to have let that fire out. You sad you'd keep the smoke going-' ... [Jack] took a step, and able at last to hit someone, stuck his fist into Piggy's stomach." This section shows Jack becoming outraged that this inferior boy was lecturing him on the do's an don'ts. This built up rage lead to Jack lashing out and punching Piggy in the stomach. Piggy fell over from this powerful blow and his glasses fell off his head and one lens shattered against the cold earth. This section in the book clearly shows how fragile humans are and how quickly, in times
embarrassment and scrutiny, people return to their cruel human nature.Roger, also in chapter four, exhibited traits of cruelty and made unjustified actions towards an innocent bi standard. Roger and Maurice, after being relieved from their fire watching and maintaining duties, headed down towards the beach for a swim. Once the two reached the beach, they went about kicking and destroying the littleuns sandcastles. The three little ones watching their masterpieces being destroyed left in anguish. Henry the biggest of the three decided to go wading in the ocean to let the time pass. Roger decided to hide behind a tree and watch Henry's actions. Henry, while wading in the ocean, does nothing out of the usual for his age. Suddenly, Roger decides to start throwing stones at Henry, but not too close to avoid hitting him, "Roger gathered a handful of stones and began to throw them. Yet there was a space round Henry, perhaps six yards in diameter, into which he dare not throw. Here, invisible yet strong, was the taboo of the old life." This passage shows that Roger wants to be able to throw the stones directly at Henry, but his old life morals won't let him, yet. Roger's intentions were obviously cruel, but I don't fear these, rather I fear his future intentions and the other boys future intentions as well. Human nature is pure evil. Morals guard off your inner being, but one false spark may lead to an outbreak of a roaring wildfire that is no longer controllable.
I have one major symbol from the book I would like to discuss.
The major symbol in the book, which I believe to be the most important, is the conch. The conch symbolizes a restraint that holds back utter chaos. Without the conch I have no doubt that the island would run amok. This restraint, similar to morals, is the only device that separates us from civilized human beings and our ancestors who walked the earth two hundred millenniums ago. The person who possesses the conch is the possessor of the key that opens the gates to hell. He, only, can determine weather or not to keep sanity. With this title, Ralph, is under enormous pressure not only to keep a civilized tribe, but also to find a way to be rescued.
I would now like to discuss the beast.
The beast is the only fear that all the boys on the island unanimously fear. This unified fear compels all of the boys on the island to come together and form one tribe. This band of brothers has an unwritten but implied code to protect each other and find an escape rout off the dreaded island. Sadly, a few members of this group are selfish and want more than to just be a band of brothers trying to hide from this mystical beast. The egoistic nature of these few individuals shatter and tear apart the tribe. This turmoil may lead to the demise of the once promising group of innocent children. The beast symbolizes fear in the world. People cope with fear differently, but the world is filled with fear and no one can escape it.
Response to Clark Griswald's post
Clark Griswald your understanding of the boys actions have been misinterpreted by yourself. The boys actions have not be propelled by love an compassion, but on the contrary, they were compelled by fear and anger. For example when Jack punched piggy, he wasn't propelled by love and compassion but was propelled by fear of his failure and his anger. The boys on the island, I believe are more afraid of the island than they are excited. I understand they thought the island was like coral reef, but with the recent events, the island has been transformed into a tropical nightmare.
