Lord of the Flies
CHAPTER TWO
by Golding, WilliamIn Chapter Two of *Lord of the Flies*, titled “Fire on the Mountain,” Ralph convenes a meeting on the platform where the boys have gathered. The atmosphere contrasts with their earlier assembly, as the afternoon sun causes many to don their clothes after feeling the sting of sunburn. Ralph, positioned among the diverse group, takes the lead in addressing the boys, establishing order through the conch shell, which he designates as the symbol of the right to speak. This new rule of orderly communication reflects Ralph’s emerging leadership and the boys’ initial attempts to create structure in their unfamiliar environment.
Ralph outlines the reality of their situation: they are stranded on an uninhabited island without adult supervision and must therefore take responsibility for themselves. The boys acknowledge the presence of pigs on the island, which Jack, eager for action, insists they must hunt to provide meat. Jack’s enthusiasm introduces the theme of survival and the need for organization. Ralph emphasizes the necessity of rules and order, proposing the conch as a tool for maintaining civility during discussions. The tension between Jack’s excitement and Ralph’s governance hints at the developing dynamics among the boys.
Piggy, often marginalized, asserts the crucial point that no one outside the island knows their whereabouts, underscoring the gravity of their isolation. His input stresses the uncertainty of rescue and the possibility that they may be stranded for a long time. Despite the seriousness, Ralph tries to instill optimism by describing the island’s resources and beauty, comparing their situation to adventurous stories like *Treasure Island* and *Coral Island*. This moment illustrates the boys’ attempt to reconcile their fear with hope, balancing the harsh reality with imaginative escapism.
The chapter concludes with the introduction of a younger boy with a distinctive birthmark, who is reluctant to speak but is encouraged by the others. This scene highlights the growing complexity of the group and the challenges of leadership in managing diverse personalities and fears. Overall, Chapter Two sets the foundation for the boys’ social structure, the establishment of rules, and the underlying tensions that will shape their interactions on the island.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the conch shell in the meeting described in Chapter Two, and how does it function within the group?
Answer:
The conch shell symbolizes order, authority, and structured communication among the boys. Ralph uses the conch to call the meeting to order, and he introduces the rule that only the person holding the conch may speak. This ensures that everyone has a chance to be heard without interruption, creating a sense of democratic governance. Piggy supports this system, emphasizing the importance of rules and civility. The conch thus becomes a powerful tool for maintaining social order and cooperation in the absence of adult supervision.2. How do Ralph’s and Jack’s perspectives on survival and leadership differ during the meeting?
Answer:
Ralph focuses on establishing order, cooperation, and practical needs such as the importance of maintaining a signal fire and organizing the group. He emphasizes the reality of their situation — that there are no adults and they must look after themselves. Jack, on the other hand, is more excited by the prospect of hunting and asserts the need for an “army” to hunt pigs. His approach is more aggressive and centered on immediate gratification and physical dominance. This contrast highlights early tensions between Ralph’s democratic leadership style and Jack’s more authoritarian, primal instincts.3. How does the chapter illustrate the children’s initial reactions to their situation on the island, particularly regarding their awareness of being stranded?
Answer:
The chapter shows the boys gradually coming to terms with the reality that they are stranded without adult help. Ralph explicitly states that no one knows where they are because the plane was shot down and the men who might have known their destination are unaware of their current location. Piggy’s anxious observation that “nobody knows where we are” underscores their isolation and vulnerability. Despite this, the boys also express a mixture of hope and excitement, imagining the island as a place for adventure and fun, referencing books like “Treasure Island.” This juxtaposition reveals their innocence and denial alongside a dawning awareness of the seriousness of their predicament.4. What role does Piggy play during the meeting, and how do other boys respond to him?
Answer:
Piggy plays a crucial role as a voice of reason and intellect. He supports Ralph’s leadership and tries to keep the group focused on practical matters, such as the importance of the conch and the need for rules. Although Piggy is often sidelined socially due to his physical appearance and mannerisms, during the meeting he asserts himself by taking the conch and helping to calm the group. The other boys show mixed reactions; while they sometimes mock or overlook him, they do listen to his points during the meeting, indicating that his ideas carry weight despite his outsider status.5. Analyze the symbolism of the “mulberry-colored birthmark” boy’s reluctance to speak and what it might foreshadow about the group’s dynamics.
Answer:
The small boy with the mulberry-colored birthmark symbolizes vulnerability and fear within the group. His reluctance to speak and the pressure from other boys to participate highlight the tension between individual insecurity and group expectations. The birthmark’s unusual color draws attention to his difference and potential alienation. This episode foreshadows the challenges the group will face in balancing individual needs with collective order. It also hints at the potential for fear and marginalization to influence group dynamics as the boys struggle to establish authority and cohesion in an uncertain environment.
Quotes
1. “We’re on an island. We’ve been on the mountain top and seen water all round. We saw no houses, no smoke, no footprints, no boats, no people. We’re on an uninhabited island with no other people on it.”
This quote sets the fundamental premise of the chapter—establishing the boys’ isolation and the reality of their situation. It highlights the beginning of their awareness that they must rely on themselves, a key theme that drives the narrative forward.
2. “We can’t have everybody talking at once. We’ll have to have ‘Hands up’ like at school. Then I’ll give him the conch. … That’s what this shell’s called. I’ll give the conch to the next person to speak. He can hold it when he’s speaking.”
Here, Ralph introduces the conch as a symbol of order and democratic process. This moment is pivotal as it represents the boys’ initial attempt to create structure and civility in their new environment, emphasizing the importance of rules and communication.
3. “There aren’t any grownups. We shall have to look after ourselves.”
This blunt declaration encapsulates the core challenge facing the boys. It signals the loss of adult authority and the necessity of self-governance, marking a turning point in their collective mindset.
4. “Nobody knows where we are… The plane was shot down in flames. Nobody knows where we are. We may be here a long time.”
Piggy’s sober acknowledgment of their predicament underscores the gravity of their isolation and the uncertainty about rescue. It grounds the boys’ situation in harsh reality, contrasting with earlier moments of optimism.
5. “This is our island. It’s a good island. Until the grownups come to fetch us we’ll have fun.”
Ralph’s optimistic assertion reflects the boys’ initial hope and excitement about their new environment. It introduces the theme of childhood adventure and freedom, which will later be tested by the darker elements of their experience.