Ch 4-7 Questions
Symbolism
What is the symbolism in the painted faces?
What does Piggy represent at the assembly? In the midst of the finalconversation in Chapter 5, someone says, “Keep the fire going.” Interpret the symbolism of this statement.
Why is the fire so important? What does it represent?
How does the beastie become more important? What does this symbolize?
Why does the conch lose its importance? What does this symbolize?
Setting
How does the larger setting described in the secondparagraph of Chapter 6. reinforce the theme of the novel?
How does the setting affect the tone and mood of thi section of the novel? Find examples.
Conflict
In ch 4, What does Ralph see that causes much excitement? What has Jack done to cause conflict? Contrast Ralph’s and Jack’s reactions to missing their first chance of rescue. What does Jack do to Piggy to further the conflict? In what way has Jack’s attitude towards Piggy escalated?
What is the final straw in Jack andRalph’s relationship? Why doesn’t Ralph want to blow the conch? What does this say abouttheir new society?
What internal conflicts are the boys dealing with in these chapters?
How is the conflict between Ralph and Jack increasing? How do the internal conflicts affect the external conflicts? (How does Jack use the other boys’ fears to gain more power?)
Main Ideas and Theme
What theme is Golding developing in the opening paragraph of Chapter 5? How is the
meeting in Chapter 5 different from previous meetings? How do the topics at the meeting
reflect the novel’s themes? Interpret the statement, “Simon became inarticulate in his effort
to express mankind’s essential illness.”
In ch 6, What is particularly horrificabout Jack’s suggestion to “use a littlun” when Robert says they need a real pig so they can kill it?
How is the theme of fear developed in these chapters? How does the author create a tone of fear in this section? What is the author saying about fear?
What is the beast of the sea? The beast of the air?
Characterization
Explain what is happening to Ralph in this statement from Chapter 6, “Astrange thing happened in Ralph’s head. Something flittered there in front of his mind like abat’s wing, obscuring his idea.”
How is Ralph different than when he arrived on the island?
Inch 6, Why does Ralph allow Jack to lead and what is the effect? What conflict arises?
What does Simon suspect that is beyond the others’ understanding about the beasts?
How does Golding showthat Ralph is still civilized in chapter 7?