CHAPTER XII: CRY OF THE HUNTERS

1. Explain the meaning of each of the following words: crepitation incomprehensible, essayed, antiphonal, ensconce, excruciatingly.

2. What factors prevented Ralph from building up an outlaw tribe "at the other end of the island"?

3. What does it mean (and who was the character) "whose image refused to blend with that ancient picture of a boy in shorts and shirt?” Explain why Golding writes this.

4. What is important about the fact that the twins are not painted?

5. Discuss the reaction of Samneric when they are discovered by Ralph in Jack’s camp.

6. According to the twins, what strategy has Jack devised/ put in plan to hunt down Ralph?

7. What does Ralph say to the twins when they refuse to help him? Why is their behavior ironic?

8. Does Ralph understand why he must be killed? Explain.

9. What matter of "overwhelming importance" occurred to Ralph as he spoke to the twins?

10. “Ralph tried to attach a meaning to this but could not.” What did Ralph try to understand?

11. Compare Ralph's confrontation with the 'Lord of the Flies' with Simon's earlier one.

12. The great rock that had killed Piggy helps Ralph. How? Is there any irony here?

13. Who betrays Ralph? How? What makes them turn on Ralph?

14. How do the boys attempt to flush Ralph out his hiding place? Give two ways/ methods.

15. In what way does Ralph also adopt the role of a beast?

16. On the run, which of the characters did Ralph miss most? Why?

17. After he is flushed out, what three choices does Ralph toy with to evade his hunters?

18. What were some of the noises that Ralph heard as he fled? Name three.

19. Comment on Ralph worrying about the fruit trees and what they would eat tomorrow.

20. What is the irony of the fire that engulfs the island?

21. Describe on the way the officer is dressed. What is suggested in his presentation?

22. Comment on the officer’s belief that the boys were involved in “fun and games.”

23. Comment in the fact that Percival Wemys Madison has forgotten his name.

24. Why does Jack not step forward when the officer asks who is the leader?

25. “What have you been doing? Having a war or something?” Comment on the irony here.

26. Why doesn’t the officer look at them? What does he look at in the distance? What does that show?

27. "I should have thought that a pack of British boys--you're all British, aren't you?--would have been able to put up a better show than that--I mean--" What is Golding’s message here?

28. The officer is portrayed as being ignorant and lacking in perception. How is this conveyed to you?

29. When the boys are finally rescued, Ralph is said to 'weep for the end of innocence, the darkness of man's heart'. What does Golding mean?