In William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies, Roger is one of the older boys stranded on an uninhabited island. Throughout the story, his character evolves from being a timid follower to a sadistic member of Jack’s tribe. One of the most memorable scenes involving Roger occurs when he throws rocks at a younger boy named Henry. This incident in Chapter 4 raises questions about Roger’s motives and whether he experiences any remorse for his actions. So what did Roger say when he got caught throwing rocks at Henry? Discover what he said, learn its significance, and understand his character development in Lord of the Flies.
What did Roger say when he got caught throwing rocks at Henry? (Answer)
When Roger was caught throwing rocks at Henry, he said nothing. Instead, the narrator explains that Roger purposely threw the rocks in a way that they would miss Henry because he still felt restrained by “the protection of parents and school and policeman and the law” that had been ingrained in him by civilization. The narrator also notes that Roger’s arm had been conditioned by a society that no longer existed and was now in ruins.
Why does Roger throw rocks at Henry in Chapter 4? (Plus quote)
Roger throws rocks at Henry in Chapter 4 because he is under the influence of the savage culture that has developed among the boys on the island. He has learned to derive pleasure from causing pain and destruction, and throwing rocks at Henry is a manifestation of this behavior. Golding writes, “Roger gathered a handful of stones and began to threw them. Yet there was a space around Henry, perhaps six yards in diameter, into which he dare not throw.
The quote continues, “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.” Earlier in Chapter 4, we learned that Roger and Maurice routinely tormented the littluns and destroyed their sandcastles for no reason, “kicking them over, burying the flowers, scattering the chosen stones. Maurice followed, laughing, and added to the destruction.”
What chapter does Roger throw stones at Henry in Lord of the Flies?
Roger throws stones at Henry in Chapter 4 of Lord of the Flies.
What page does Roger throw stones at Henry?
Roger throws stones at Henry on page 62 of Lord of the Flies by William Golding.
What is Henry doing when Roger comes upon him?
When Roger comes upon Henry in Lord of the Flies, he finds him poking at sea creatures in the water.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Roger said nothing when he got caught throwing rocks at Henry. He threw the rocks with the intention of missing because his arm was conditioned by a civilization that valued order and law. However, without the constraints of society on the island in Lord of the Flies, Roger’s actions become more violent and dangerous. This highlights one of the main themes of the novel: how civilization and rules are necessary to prevent humans from reverting back to their primitive instincts.