Lord of the Flies - In what ways have the boys made a positive start to their stay on the island in this passage? How are we made aware, however, of problems which might occur in the future?

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Lord of the Flies

In what ways have the boys made a positive start to their stay on the island in this passage? How are we made aware, however, of problems which might occur in the future?

From the passage it is clear that the boys, stranded on the island, have done many positive things to make their stay on the island as enjoyable as possible under the circumstances. At the very beginning of the passage it is evident that Ralph has a high status and that he has much power. A meeting is being called and we are told that there have been at least one meeting prior to this one. Therefore from the opening few paragraphs we learn that the boys have devised a way of bringing order to the island. During the meeting Ralph sat on a ‘fallen trunk’ whereas everyone else ‘squatted before him’. This tells us that he is seen as a leader and is respected. Ralph is in control of the group and that they all admire him.

        Ralph has many leadership qualities; he is practical, realistic and serious. In the meeting he is addressing the obvious facts but at the same time making some progress.

While reading the passage we become aware of Jacks obsession with hunting and killing; ‘All the same we need an army—for hunting. Hunting pigs—‘. While being logical, in the fact that food is a major issue and a major factor that will determine whether they survive or not, he is also expressing his savage like ways and consequently his lack of civility.

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        It is evident that Ralph wants as much order as possible within the group and therefore a system of speaking should be established; ‘We can’t have everyone talking at once. We’ll have to have ‘Hands up’ like at school’. It is decided that whoever has the conch is allowed to speak. It is pointed out that although Ralph is being sensible he is also remembering civility and is trying to incorporate it into the island. Ralph and Piggy see the conch as very important and powerful and consequently it is used in a positive way to aid the group. From ...

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