In William Golding’s novel “Lord of the Flies,” Samneric is a pair of identical twins initially loyal to Ralph, the story’s protagonist. However, towards the novel’s end, they betray Ralph by revealing his location to Jack and his tribe. The question arises, why do Samneric betray Ralph? The answer to this question lies in their struggle to maintain their loyalty to Ralph against their own survival.
Why do Samneric betray Ralph?
Samneric are captured by Jack and his tribe of savages when they are on watch duty for Ralph. Initially, the twins resist betraying Ralph. However, as the tribe threatens them with violence and torture, they begin to fear for their lives. The twins are presented with a choice; to remain loyal to Ralph and face severe punishment or death, or to betray him and save themselves.
Samneric are torn between their loyalty to Ralph and their own survival instincts. They know that Jack and his tribe are violent and unpredictable, and they fear for their lives. At this point, the twins realize their loyalty to Ralph puts their own survival at risk. They question the value of civilization and wonder if their loyalty to Ralph is worth the risk of being tortured and killed.
Therefore, the twins’ betrayal of Ralph is motivated by their concern for their own welfare. They abandon their loyalty to civilization to avoid punishment and choose instead to side with Jack and his tribe. They reveal Ralph’s location and thus contribute to his eventual capture and near-death experience.
It is important to note that the twins’ betrayal of Ralph does not reflect their character or moral values. Instead, it is a result of the circumstances they find themselves in. They are forced to choose between loyalty to civilization and their own survival, and they choose the latter. The twins’ actions are a reminder of the fragility of civilization and the power of primal instincts in times of crisis.
Are Samneric loyal to Ralph?
Yes, Samneric can be considered loyal to Ralph in the book Lord of the Flies. Throughout the story, they remain by Ralph’s side and support him as he tries to establish order and rescue on the island. They are among the few boys who initially join Ralph’s group and show their commitment by helping build shelters, maintaining the signal fire, and participating in meetings. Despite facing intimidation and coercion from Jack’s tribe, Samneric ultimately resist joining their ranks as long as possible.
However, it is important to note that Samneric’s loyalty wavers under pressure. When Jack becomes more powerful and persuasive, they are manipulated into betraying Ralph’s trust by revealing his hiding place. Their betrayal suggests that while their loyalty may be strong initially, it is not unwavering when faced with fear or coercion. Thus, while they can be seen as loyal companions to Ralph for a significant portion of the story, their ultimate actions demonstrate a struggle between loyalty and self-preservation.
What warning does Samneric give to Ralph?
Samneric warn Ralph that the hunters, led by Jack, plan to hunt him down the following day. They express concerns about Ralph’s safety and inform him about Roger sharpening a stick at both ends. This warning indicates that the situation on the island has escalated to a dangerous point, where some of the boys are becoming increasingly hostile and willing to harm others in their pursuit of power and control. It highlights the loss of civilization and descent into savagery that is prevalent throughout the novel Lord of the Flies.
What does Samneric symbolize in The Lord of the Flies?
Samneric symbolizes the loss of individuality in The Lord of the Flies. As the book progresses, the twins gradually lose their distinct identities and become a single entity, functioning as one. This loss of identity is evident in their speech patterns as they start finishing each other’s sentences, blurring the line between their separate personalities. Their fusion into a singular unit represents how the boys’ primitive nature and descent into savagery erodes their sense of self and unity.
Furthermore, Samneric’s transformation into an indistinguishable pair also reflects the larger theme of conformity and the loss of personal identity within a group. In their desperate attempt to fit in and avoid punishment from Jack’s tribe, they abandon their individuality and succumb to peer pressure. This highlights how the inherent need for belonging can lead individuals to compromise their own values and adopt a collective mentality. Samneric’s symbolism serves as a cautionary reminder of how easily individuals can lose themselves when faced with demanding group dynamics.
What happens to Samneric in Lord of the Flies?
In Lord of the Flies, Samneric are two twins who initially remain loyal to Ralph and his efforts to maintain order and civilization on the island. However, as the boys descend into savagery and the influence of Jack’s tribe grows, Samneric eventually succumb to fear and peer pressure. They join Jack’s tribe out of a desire for self-preservation, betraying Ralph and becoming part of the violent group that hunts him down.
As members of Jack’s tribe, Samneric assist in hunting Ralph and participate in the brutal rituals that symbolize their descent into barbarism. They become complicit in the chaos and violence that overtakes the island, losing their individuality and identity in the process. Ultimately, when they encounter Ralph hiding in the forest near Castle Rock, they give away his location to Jack’s tribe, leading to a final confrontation between Ralph and his pursuers. In this way, Samneric represent how easily individuals can be swayed by fear and peer pressure, abandoning their principles for survival in a hostile environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Samneric’s betrayal of Ralph results from their struggle to maintain their loyalty to Ralph and their own survival instincts. They abandon their loyalty to Ralph to save themselves from the violence and torture that Jack and his tribe threaten them with. The twins’ actions reflect the fragility of civilization and the power of primal instincts in times of crisis.