described on pages 48 and 49. This passage is important because it plays as
an introduction of Jack's true personality, element that is essential in the rest
of the novel.
In this passage, it is said that Jack is seduced by the sound of pig
footsteps on the ground, showing how obsessed he will become later in the
book about death. The fact that in this passage he does not succeed at
achieving his goal, and becomes frustrated, contributes to the brutality in his
future hunts and the creation of a celebration dance. It also contributes to
Jack's realization that he cannot do this alone, bringing the rest of the hunters
in to his world of mad savagery. The passage is significant to the whole plot
of the book, since it explains the involvement of the other boys in the killing
scenes and Jack's blood driven personality.
The scenery described in the passage is also important. It achieves its
goal in demonstrating the difficulties presented when being inside the jungle.
The dense air that is trapped in between the trees, under their branches makes
it a hard place to breathe in. The tangled creepers, branches and bushes in
general, make the jungle a hard place to walk through. Another important
aspect of the jungle description in the passage, are the pig runs. These will be
important in the future of the book since they are the only "clearing" in the
thick jungle and witnesses of the deaths that will occur on them.
As said before, the true personality of Jack comes afloat, for the first
time in the book in this passage. The way he is described as a snake, is
symbolic to the strong evil force in him. Symbolic of how, later on, in the
book, he betrayes Ralph and stops at nothing to achieve what he wants.
Complete power over the island and its inhabitants. The description of him as
a dog is symbolic of his actions. How he just goes ahead with what his
instincts tell him, and not really thinking about the consequences of his
actions. He is just driven by the fun and freedom these momentarily provide.
And last, but not least, his description of being like an ape symbolizes the
decrease of civilization in each and every one of the boys. It is a visual
comparison of Jack to a prehistoric animal. How he is going back into the
basics of mankind.
In conclusion to all the reasons presented, on why this passage is
significant in the story of Lord of the Flies, it is to be summarized into just
one phrase. This passage is simply an excellent introduction to one of the
most influencial characters in the novel; Jack Merridew.
Geraldine Ratcliffe
April 12th, 2002
Mr. Bryan Powles
