Lord of the Flies, a novel written by William Golding, is a literary masterpiece that explores the dark side of human nature. The story revolves around a group of young boys who are stranded on an uninhabited island and their struggle for survival. Throughout the novel, we witness the boys’ descent into savagery as they lose touch with civilization and their innate sense of morality. One scene that stands from Chapter 12 is when Ralph encounters the pig’s head on a stick, which is also known as the Lord of the Flies. So, what does Ralph do to the pig’s skull? In this article, we will explore what Ralph does to the pig’s skull and what it represents in terms of the themes and symbolism present in Lord of the Flies.
What does Ralph do to the pig’s skull? (Answer)
In Chapter 12 of Lord of the Flies, Ralph knocks the pig’s skull to the ground and takes the stake it was impaled on as a weapon against Jack. He does this while feeling angry and disgusted about what has happened on the island. The skull is a symbol of the boys’ descent into savagery and violence, which Ralph wants to put an end to. By taking the stake, he hopes to defend himself and his remaining followers from Jack’s increasingly violent tribe.
What is Ralph’s reaction when he encounters the pig skull?
When Ralph encounters the pig skull in Lord of the Flies, he has a reaction of “sick fear and rage.” He then hits the skull with his fist and splits it open, causing it to lie on the ground, still grinning back up at him. This scene demonstrates Ralph’s growing understanding of the brutality and savagery that exists within himself and his fellow boys on the island.
Why does Ralph destroy the pig’s skull?
Ralph destroys the pig’s skull because it has become a symbol of everything that has gone wrong on the island. The pig’s head represents the boys’ hidden violent tendencies. Ralph wants to distance himself from that part of their behavior. By destroying the skull, Ralph is trying to remove this symbol from their lives and prevent any further descent into savagery.
What does Ralph breaking the skull symbolize?
Ralph breaking the skull in Lord of the Flies symbolizes a small victory over the beast within themselves. The skull represents the knowledge that Simon revealed to the boys about the presence of evil in all of them and their struggle to resist it. By breaking the skull, Ralph shows he is taking a step towards overcoming his inner beast and asserting control over himself. It also represents a triumph over fear because it was used as a tool to scare others before, and now it is broken into pieces. Overall, Ralph’s action serves as a symbolic gesture of hope that they can overcome their innate savagery and return to civilization.
What does the pig skull represent in Lord of the Flies?
The pig skull in Lord of the Flies represents the embodiment of evil, darkness, and the inherent savagery that exists within all human beings. The head is a direct reference to Beelzebub, the Prince of Devils, and symbolizes the Lord of the Flies. It serves as a reminder that humanity is not inherently good but can be corrupted by power and primal desires. The pig skull also represents original sin and human nature itself, which can lead to destruction and chaos if left unchecked.
What does the pig’s head represent for Ralph?
The pig’s head, or the “Lord of the Flies,” represents the evil inherent in human nature for Ralph. He sees it as a physical manifestation of the darkness that has taken hold of himself and the other boys on the island. For Ralph, the pig’s skull serves as a reminder of how easy it is for individuals to give in to their inner savagery and lose sight of their humanity.
What happens to the pig’s head?
The pig’s head, which the boys call “the Lord of the Flies,” is left on a sharpened stick as an offering to the beast. Over time, the head begins to rot and attract flies, creating a grotesque and unsettling sight for anyone who comes across it. Simon hallucinates that the head is speaking to him, revealing the true nature of evil on the island. Eventually, Ralph destroys the pig’s head and takes the sharpened stick to defend himself against Jack’s tribe.
What did Ralph do to the boar?
In Chapter 7, Ralph struck a boar in the snout with his spear, but the boar managed to get away. Afterward, the group began a mock hunt which resulted in hurting one of the boys acting as the pig. Ralph then tried to bring the group back on track and continue their journey, but they faced difficulties due to the path ahead.
How does Ralph avoid being killed? What are his strategies?
Ralph avoids being killed by Jack and his tribe by using a combination of strategies.
First, he tries to maintain a sense of order and reason among the group by emphasizing the importance of the signal fire and other practical aspects of survival. He also tries to appeal to the boys’ sense of morality and decency, reminding them that they are still human beings and should act accordingly.
Next, Ralph avoids being captured or ambushed by constantly moving around the island, staying hidden in the forest when necessary, and maintaining a watchful eye on his surroundings.
Finally, towards the end of the novel, Ralph is rescued by the British naval officer who arrives on the island after seeing the smoke from the fire on the island. The boys’ rescue serves as a reminder that there is still hope for civilization and order in an otherwise chaotic world.
What does Ralph see when he falls on the beach?
When Ralph falls on the beach, he sees a naval officer standing over him. The officer tells Ralph that his ship has arrived on the island after seeing the smoke from the fire Jack’s tribe had set in the jungle to flush him out of hiding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ralph’s encounter with the pig’s skull is a powerful moment in Lord of the Flies. The skull serves as a reminder of the boys’ descent into savagery and their loss of humanity. Ralph’s reaction to the skull is one of anger and disgust, reflecting his own struggle to maintain his moral compass in the face of Jack’s brutal leadership. By knocking the skull to the ground and taking its stake as a weapon against Jack, Ralph asserts his power and determination to resist the forces that threaten their survival on the island. Through this act, he symbolically rejects the darkness that has engulfed them all and reaffirms his commitment to hope and civilization.