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Chapter 5 Reading Guide. Lord of the Flies.
1. What conclusion does Ralph come to about being a chief? What about his own ability?
You have to be able to think. He cannot think as clearly as Piggy, he is not as good.
2. What do the following say about beasts?
a. Ralph – he wants all the boys to agree in a logical way that there is NO beast.
b. Piggy- there is nothing to fear unless you fear other people.(referring to Jack)
c. Simon- pg89 maybe there is a beast, something that is inside of them. The evil that resides in all humans.
3. Why doesn’t Ralph call back the boys who follow Jack?
He is concerned for if he blows the conch and they do not return then they will never be rescued. His leadership will be lost and the savage will take over.
4. Why is Ralph considering giving up leadership of the group? What are his complaints?
The boys are not listening to him. He is no longer sure of his leadership ability.
He is worried that Piggy thinks more clearly than he does. Boys make a commitment and don’t follow through.
5. How do Piggy and Simon react to Ralph’s idea? Why do they react that way?
They are worried that without Ralph there will be no civilization. They are scared that if Jack becomes leader there will be no signal fire and they will be stuck on the island forever. They are both afraid of Jack and how violent he is.
6. What does Piggy say about Jack’s feelings for him and for Ralph?
He says that Jack hates him, he tells Ralph that he hates him too because he is chief and Jack isn’t. Piggy knows that Jack will go after him if Ralph was out of the way.
7. What conclusion does Piggy come to?
That Ralph has to stay as chief.
8. Why are Ralph’s complaints about the group valid? What do these faults indicate about the group in general?
Yes, because they make decisions and they do NOT follow through. If they cannot follow through and keep a signal fire then they will never be rescued. The group in general is just focused on hunting, feasting, and fun.
9. Ralph tells the group they should die before they let the fire go out? What does he mean by that comment?
If the fire goes out then they will lose all hope of being rescued. They will all turn into savages.
10. Consider Piggy’s statement about there being nothing to fear except people, and Simon’s remark that the beast may be the boys themselves Do these comments make sense? Explain.
Ralph states that there are no monsters on the island, Simon says that they should only be afraid of the savages within themselves. Piggy knows that it is the way they are changing that they should be afraid of. Humans have evil or beastly qualities within themselves.