Lord of the Flies
CHAPTER ELEVEN
by Golding, WilliamAt dawn, Ralph, Piggy, and the twins find their fire extinguished, a symbol of their lost hope for rescue. Ralph’s attempts to rekindle the flame prove futile, underscoring their diminishing control and the growing power of Jack’s faction. Piggy, blinded and vulnerable, urges Ralph to call an assembly, emphasizing the urgent need to confront their predicament and make decisions. The group gathers, the conch shell sounding once more, evoking memories of order and civilization amidst the encroaching chaos on the island.
During the assembly, Piggy speaks with emotion about the injustices they have suffered, particularly the theft of the fire and the violence inflicted upon him. He appeals to the boys’ sense of fairness and the hope for rescue, reminding them of their former unity and the consequences of their descent into savagery. Ralph laments their lost signal fire and the missed chance of being spotted by passing ships, highlighting the gravity of their situation and the betrayal by Jack’s tribe.
Piggy proposes confronting Jack to demand the return of his glasses, the crucial tool for making fire, symbolizing reason and civilization. Despite the risks, Piggy’s determination to assert what is right rather than rely on strength alone marks a pivotal moment of courage and moral clarity. Ralph agrees to support Piggy’s plan, though the boys acknowledge the dangers ahead, including Jack’s painted savagery and their own physical disadvantages.
The chapter closes with the boys preparing for the confrontation, attempting to reclaim their dignity by washing and readying themselves as they once were. Piggy’s willingness to carry the conch, despite his blindness and vulnerability, symbolizes a fragile hope for order and justice. The scene captures the tension between civilization and savagery, illustrating the boys’ struggle to uphold their values in the face of overwhelming darkness.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the stolen fire in Chapter Eleven, and how does it affect Ralph and the remaining boys?
Answer:
The stolen fire symbolizes the loss of hope and order among the boys. Ralph and his group rely on the fire as a signal for rescue, and its theft by Jack’s tribe represents a deeper breakdown of civilization and cooperation on the island. Ralph’s frustration and anger highlight how essential the fire was not only practically but also symbolically, as a connection to the civilized world. Without the fire, the chances of being rescued diminish, and the boys feel more isolated and vulnerable. This event intensifies the conflict between Ralph’s group, who still cling to order, and Jack’s tribe, who embrace savagery.2. How does Piggy’s role and attitude in this chapter reflect his character development and his relationship with the other boys?
Answer:
In this chapter, Piggy shows courage and determination despite his physical vulnerability, particularly when he insists on confronting Jack to retrieve his stolen glasses. His willingness to carry the conch and speak for justice reinforces his role as a voice of reason and morality. However, Piggy also expresses feelings of powerlessness and frustration, acknowledging that he will have to be “led like a dog.” This duality reflects his complex position: intellectually strong but physically weak and often marginalized. His relationship with Ralph remains supportive, and he trusts Ralph’s leadership, but he is also aware of the dangers they face from Jack’s tribe.3. Analyze the symbolic meaning of the conch in this chapter and how its presence influences the boys’ actions and decisions.
Answer:
The conch continues to symbolize authority, order, and civilized governance in the boys’ society. In Chapter Eleven, the conch’s presence legitimizes the assembly and gives Piggy the courage to speak out. Piggy’s insistence that he must carry the conch when confronting Jack underscores its importance as a symbol of rightful leadership and justice. The fragile, white conch lying at Ralph’s feet amidst the green light suggests the delicate state of their social order. Its influence motivates the boys to attempt a peaceful resolution, showing that despite the chaos, some still respect the rules and the concept of democracy.4. What does Ralph’s plan to “smarten up” and wash before confronting Jack reveal about his mindset and approach to the conflict?
Answer:
Ralph’s plan to clean up and present themselves as civilized before facing Jack reveals his desire to maintain a sense of order and humanity amid the growing savagery. It shows his hope that appearances and decorum might influence the encounter and remind everyone of their former civilized selves. This approach contrasts with Jack’s painted and savage tribe, emphasizing the division between the two groups. Ralph’s mindset is still rooted in reason and hope for reconciliation, even though he acknowledges the seriousness of their situation. It reflects his struggle to uphold the values of the society they once had.5. Considering the events in this chapter, how might the themes of power and civilization versus savagery be further developed in the story?
Answer:
Chapter Eleven deepens the themes of power struggle and the conflict between civilization and savagery. Jack’s theft of the fire and Piggy’s blinding represent the violent assertion of power through intimidation and cruelty. Ralph and Piggy’s reliance on symbols like the conch and fire highlights their commitment to order and civilized behavior. The growing divide between the groups suggests an escalating battle where savagery increasingly dominates. This chapter sets the stage for further exploration of how power corrupts and how fragile civilization is when subjected to fear, violence, and the loss of shared values.
Quotes
1. “They stole it! … If it hadn’t been for him it would never have happened. Now Piggy can’t see, and they came, stealing―at night, in darkness, and stole our fire.”
This quote encapsulates Ralph’s rage and sense of betrayal after Jack’s group steals their fire, symbolizing the loss of order and hope for rescue. It highlights the pivotal conflict between the factions and the breakdown of civility on the island.
2. “Just an ordinary fire. You’d think we could do that, wouldn’t you? Just a smoke signal so we can be rescued. Are we savages or what?”
Ralph’s lament here underscores the central theme of the novel: the tension between civilized behavior and savagery. It reflects his frustration at how something as simple and essential as a signal fire has been lost to chaos and violence.
3. “I’m going to hold it out. Look, I’m goin’ to say, you’re stronger than I am and you haven’t got asthma. You can see, I’m goin’ to say, and with both eyes. But I don’t ask for my glasses back, not as a favor. I don’t ask you to be a sport, I’ll say, not because you’re strong, but because what’s right’s right. Give me my glasses, I’m going to say―you got to!”
Piggy’s declaration reveals his courage and moral clarity despite his physical vulnerabilities. It symbolizes the appeal to justice and reason in the face of brute force and intimidation, marking a crucial moment of assertion for Piggy’s character.
4. “We’ll be like we were. We’ll wash―”
This hopeful remark by Ralph near the chapter’s end captures a fleeting desire to reclaim their lost innocence and order. It reflects the boys’ struggle to hold on to their former selves despite the descent into savagery that surrounds them.