Lord of the Flies- Questionsadapated from C. Brently Collins, Jr.

Chapters 6 and 7: Questions for Reading

Answer these in complete sentences on a separate piece of paper. Please add any questions or comments as you see fit.

Chapter 6:

  1. What is “the beast from the air”? How is it appropriate that the boys mistake it for a beast? What is the theme that emerges from this incident?
  • It is just a parachuter that has fallen from the sky.
  • It flies up and down
  • I would say that fear can lead to destructive consequences would be a theme
  1. What does Sam and Eric’s description of the beast tell us about human psychology?
  • First off, they are being irresponsible – let fire go out- shows us their personality
  • Imaginations can run wild- fear can lead to destructive consequences in mankind
  • When we are not sure of things, our mind can play tricks on us
  1. How does Ralph overcome Jack’s challenge during the discussion about what to do about the beast?
  • He says that if the beast is not up there (103) that they will go and just light the fire- there’s a two- fold purpose here
  1. What significant thoughts does Simon have about the beast while the boys are walking “to the castle”? What does this reveal about Simon’s character?
  • Hits a tree by accident
  • Simon thinks that the beast is not real (105)
  1. Why do you think Ralph doesn’t really expect to encounter the beast?
  • He’s more of a realist
  1. How do most of the boys react to their discovery of “the castle”? What foreshadowing takes place at the end of the chapter?
  • Jack declares that it is an excellent place for a fort (106)- foreshadows that he will in fact find a new place for his hunting crew
  • They also heave a rock into the sea (108) could this be dangerous?
  • The boys react “mutinously” as Ralph emphasizes the need for a fire- this foreshadows that he will lose his power, as he already is….

Chapter 7:

  1. What embarrassing thing does Ralph say to himself near the beginning of the chapter that he’s afraid someone may have overheard? What does he mean by it? What character change is illustrated by the act of Ralph talking to himself?\
  2. What does Simon say to Ralph that makes them both smile? Think carefully about Simon’s choice of words. Do you think it foreshadows something that might happen later in the novel?
  3. What disturbing thing do the group of hunters and Ralph do immediately after their encounter with the pig? How is Ralph’s behavior surprising? What behavior does this foreshadow?
  4. Why do you think Simon is so eager to volunteer to go across the island to tell Piggy and the littleluns what they’re doing?
  5. Why do you think Jack insists on going up the mountain to look for the beast even though it’s already dark when they arrive? What internal conflict does Ralph experience in regard to the decision to go up to the mountain in the dark?
  6. Why do you think Golding plotted the story so that the boys would go up in the dark? Analyze this choice.