What did Roger do to Henry? In the novel “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding, one of the most disturbing and pivotal moments occurs when Roger terrorizes Henry. This episode serves to illustrate how quickly human behavior can devolve when society and order break down.
What did Roger do to Henry? (Answer)
Roger is initially introduced as a quiet and reserved character, but as the story progresses, his cruelty begins to surface. In Chapter 4, Roger throws rocks at Henry, a Littlun who has been largely ignored by the other boys on the island. The scene is described in vivid detail: “Here invisible yet strong was the taboo of old life. Round the squatting child was the protection of parents and school and policemen and the law.”
Roger’s actions are significant because they represent a shift in power dynamics on the island. Until this point, Ralph had been trying to establish order through democratic means while Jack had been attempting to seize control through force. Roger’s actions suggest that there are those who are willing to use violence without any sense of restraint.
Moreover, this scene foreshadows events later in the novel, where characters become increasingly savage and brutal towards each other. It also highlights how easily society’s norms can be forgotten or ignored when there is no authority or structure in place.
Why does Roger throw stones at Henry but never at him?
Roger throws stones at Henry but never directly at him because he is still influenced by the remnants of civilization and the conditioning of societal rules. The presence of parents, school, policemen, and laws provides a protective shield for Henry, preventing Roger from fully succumbing to his primal instincts. Roger’s arm is conditioned by a civilization that no longer exists, rendering him unable to unleash his full savagery upon an innocent child who represents the order and structure of society.
Find a quotation which explains why Roger doesn’t dare throw the stones at Henry
The quotation “Here, invisible yet strong, was the taboo of the old life. Round the squatting child was the protection of parents and school and policemen and the law” on page 62 of Chapter 4 explains why Roger doesn’t dare throw stones at Henry. The presence of societal norms and rules, represented by parents, school, policemen, and the law, creates an invisible barrier that prevents Roger from acting on his impulses. The previous civilization’s values and restrictions still hold power over him, instilling a sense of fear and restraint in his actions.
What did Roger use in his game with Henry?
Roger used small stones in his game with Henry.
What is Henry doing when Roger comes upon him?
When Roger comes upon Henry, he finds him poking at sea creatures in the water.
What is Henry’s mood in Chapter 4?
In Chapter 4, Henry’s mood can be described as fascinated and absorbed.
What is Jack doing to himself and why?
In Lord of the Flies, Jack is camouflaging himself so that the pigs won’t see him. He does this to increase his chances of successfully hunting and killing the pigs, as he becomes increasingly obsessed with asserting his dominance and proving his worth as a hunter. Jack’s act of camouflaging himself symbolizes his descent into savagery and his desire to become one with the wilderness, losing touch with civilization and embracing primal instincts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Roger’s cruelty toward Henry serves as a pivotal moment in “Lord of The Flies.” It illustrates how easily individuals can succumb to violence when societal constraints are removed. Additionally, it sets up future events where characters descend further into savagery without any hope for rescue or civilization returning.