In William Golding’s novel “Lord of the Flies,” Roger is a character who represents the inherent evil that exists within all human beings. One of the most disturbing scenes in the book is when Roger throws stones at Henry, a younger boy on the island. The question arises: why does Roger throw stones at Henry?
Why does Roger throw stones at Henry? (Answer)
The answer is that Roger’s actions are influenced by his upbringing and conditioning in civilization. Although he throws rocks at Henry in Chapter 4, he throws them so they miss because he still clings to “the protection of parents and school and policeman and the law.” By deliberately missing Henry, Roger shows that he still has some sense of morality left in him, as he knows that hurting someone who is defenseless and innocent is wrong.
However, it’s important to note that while Roger deliberately misses Henry, he’s from a civilization that knows nothing of his current plight and is now in ruins. This suggests his upbringing may have been flawed or incomplete, leading to his lack of empathy towards others. In other words, while society may have taught him specific values and morals, it failed to instill a sense of compassion for others.
Furthermore, a desire for power and control over others may drive Roger’s actions. As one of Jack’s followers, he may feel compelled to assert his dominance over those who are weaker than him. By throwing rocks at Henry, he demonstrates his ability to harm others without facing any consequences.
When did Roger throw rocks at Henry?
Roger throws rocks at Henry in chapter 4 of Lord of the Flies.
What is Henry’s mood in chapter 4?
In chapter 4 of Lord of the Flies, Henry’s mood can be described as both curious and innocent. He is seen playing and exploring on the beach, seemingly unaffected by the growing tensions and conflicts among the other boys. Henry’s mood reflects his young age and serves as a stark contrast to the darker emotions exhibited by the older boys in this chapter.
What is Henry doing when Roger comes upon him?
When Roger comes upon Henry, he finds him prodding and poking at the native jellyfish, creating channels in the sand.
What page does Roger throw rocks at Henry?
Roger throws rocks at Henry on page 62 of Lord of the Flies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Roger’s actions towards Henry reflect the dark side of human nature. They highlight how easily people can be corrupted when removed from society and its rules. It also shows how important it is for individuals to be taught empathy and compassion from an early age so they can resist their primal urges toward violence and domination over others.