The second paragraph contains much reference to the dirt and discomfort the boys are experiencing, and I would aim to convey this by speaking this section with a sense of distaste. I would want to convey the irony that is included in this paragraph. The word “adventure” is used when describing washing a shirt, when the reality of the situation is that they are currently on a much bigger adventure. It is unusual for a 12-year-old boy to want to have a wash, haircut, and to brush his teeth – “He would like to have a bath”. Ralph’s wanting to wash may be a desire for civilisation instead of the non-civilisation they are falling into.
The final few lines show the mental confusion the boys on the island are suffering – the character of Ralph doesn’t remember ever biting his nails despite being “bitten to the quick”. The word “furtively” ,when describing the way Ralph looked around, makes him sound like an animal, perhaps suggesting a sense of degeneration.
This passage is written in third person narrative and I feel it would be best suited to a male voice as there are only boys on the island and there is some dialogue within it. There is a lot of imagery within this piece – the description of the heat, the noises of the island.
It needs to be remembered that this passage has been taken out of context, and what has happened before this needs to be taken into consideration. Previous to this there has been a lot of friction between Ralph and Jack over leadership of the group, causing tension between the boys. This is briefly shown in the passage when it is said that “Ralph was content to follow Jack…”. Ralph has probably had enough of the battle between the two of them for that day.
I would aim to gradually increase the pace during the description of the sea and the “ferny coverts”, as this section has a rhythm to it that makes it feel as though it should go faster. I would then go back to a medium pace at “then there was a chance…” and then slow the pace down slowly from this point on so that during the description of the heat on the island the pace reflects the way that the heat would slow the actions of the boys . I would then want to pick the pace up when Ralph starts thinking about washing and cutting his hair, and having a bath, as this is all description. I feel that a fairly long pause would be necessary after when the boys stop to sit and eat. This would convey the idea of the group stopping and getting their breath back, and also give Ralph some time to gather his thoughts. I would aim to put a dramatic pause after Ralph says “ Be sucking my thumb next” to give a sense that Ralph is realising that he has just spoken aloud.
