In William Golding’s classic novel Lord of the Flies, a group of British schoolboys finds themselves stranded on a deserted island, forced to fend for themselves without adult supervision. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the boys are not living up to the responsibilities that come with their new situation. So what rules have been ignored in Lord of the Flies?
The boys ignore the rules and guidelines that are necessary for their survival, refuse to work together to build shelters, fail to gather drinking water, neglect the signal fire, and don’t even use the designated toilet area. This article explores the rules that the boys have ignored in Lord of the Flies, highlighting the consequences of their actions and the insights that can be gained from their failures.
What rules have been ignored in Lord of the Flies? (Complete Answer)
In the Lord of the Flies, a group of British schoolboys becomes stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. The boys are forced to fend for themselves without adult supervision and establish their own rules to ensure their survival. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the boys are not following the necessary rules and guidelines that come with their new situation. This article will explore the rules that the boys have ignored in Lord of the Flies, highlighting the consequences of their actions and the insights that can be gained from their failures.
One of the primary rules that the boys ignore is their responsibility to build shelters. In Chapter 3, Ralph, the leader of the group, suggests that they build shelters to protect themselves from the elements. However, most of the boys refuse to help with the construction, preferring to play and explore the island instead. The lack of shelter leaves the boys vulnerable to harsh weather conditions and exposes them to potential danger.
Another critical rule the boys ignore is the need to gather drinking water. Without access to fresh water, the boys become dehydrated, and their health deteriorates. In Chapter 5, Ralph scolds the group for neglecting to collect water, reminding them of the importance of this task. However, the boys continue to disregard this essential responsibility, leading to the deterioration of their physical and mental health.
The boys also fail to maintain the signal fire, another critical task that they neglect. The fire is essential for attracting potential rescuers, yet the boys frequently neglect it, resulting in missed opportunities for rescue. In Chapter 8, the boys become so preoccupied with hunting and engaging in violent games that they forget to tend to the fire, causing it to burn out and preventing a passing ship from seeing the smoke.
Finally, the boys ignore the need for a designated toilet area, which leads to unhygienic conditions. In Chapter 2, the boys begin to use the bathroom wherever they please, causing pollution and contamination of the surrounding environment. The lack of cleanliness leads to illnesses and further deterioration of the boys’ health.
Why are the rules so important to Ralph?
Ralph believes that rules are essential because he understands that without them, society could easily descend into chaos and anarchy. He believes that rules are the only way to maintain order and civility and that they are necessary to ensure that everyone is kept safe and their needs are met. Ralph understands that the boys are in a dangerous situation and that they can only survive by working together and following a set of rules. He believes the rules will help them build a community and that they are the only thing standing between civilization and total chaos. Overall, Ralph recognizes that rules are essential to the boys’ survival and that they must be followed if they are to have any hope of being rescued.
What are the quotes about following rules in Lord of the Flies?
The quote is, “We’ve got to have rules and obey them. After all, we’re not savages. We’re English, and the English are best at everything.” is from the character Ralph in Lord of the Flies. This quote highlights the importance of rules and order in society. It portrays the boys’ desire to maintain their civilized behavior even in a chaotic, unfamiliar situation on the island. However, as the novel progresses, the boys’ adherence to rules and civilized behavior erodes, leading to the breakdown of their society and a descent into savagery.
What rules does Ralph make regarding fires in Lord of the Flies?
Ralph makes two rules regarding fires in Lord of the Flies. First, he instructs the boys to “KEEP THE SIGNAL FIRE GOING” so that passing ships or planes might see the smoke and rescue them. Second, he orders them not to build any other fires apart from the signal fire, to prevent the risk of accidentally starting a fire that could harm the group or destroy their shelter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the boys in Lord of the Flies fail to follow the rules and guidelines necessary for survival. Their neglect of building shelters, gathering drinking water, maintaining the signal fire, and using a designated toilet area results in the deterioration of their physical and mental health and prevents them from being rescued. The novel serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the importance of following rules and guidelines, even in the most challenging and unpredictable situations.