Your homework due Monday is to write a mini-essay in answer to the following question:
How does Golding present the relationship between Ralph and Jack in the first three chapters?
You need to make three different points (so three paragraphs total with at least one quotation in each) and you should look to follow the following AOs in each one:
AO1: Answer the question with a full sentence
AO2: Inlcude a quotation
AO3: Begin explanation with "this shows..."/"this implies..."
AO4: Analyse the lanugage of the quotation
AO5: Analyse the symbolic meaning of the quotation
AO6: Use Golding's name frequently
AO7: Use a sophisticated vocabulary
Please write your answer as a comment on this post. Don't forget to select Name/URL from the drop down menu then type your name into the space provided (leaving URL blank).
In the first chapter of “Lord of the Flies”, Golding presents Jack and Ralph’s relationship as blooming in to a great companionship:
ReplyDelete“Wacco. Wizard. Smashing.”
This implies that such meaningless words really express the fun that the two are having and the love that they share for one another; they are starting to bond. The word “wacco” is an expression of pure enjoyment- formal words aren’t enough to even describe this evidently. The alliteration of the ‘w’ sound in “wacco” and “wizard” suggests the innocence of these two characters; the mere sincerity of the characters of children. The naive natures of these children show that they are oblivious or even subconsciously ignorant to the bad things which are around them. Golding portrays the symbolism of innocence in this chapter through the relationship of Jack and Ralph quite clearly.
In the second chapter of “Lord of the Flies”, through Jack and Ralph’s relationship, Golding starts to show glimpses of both characters creating civilization:
“We’ll have rules... lots of rules”.
This implies that both Jack and Ralph need to have a set of rules to keep order in the new ‘city’ they are slowly developing as chiefs of the island. Both characters take this idea to different extremes however. Golding shows through Ralph that rules need to be in place to build a genuine, experienced and honest society; through Jack, Golding shows that rules are made so that those who break them can be punished- Jack wants to teach them a lesson probably through violence. The repetition of “rules” suggests Jack’s persistence for his idea to be put in place. Golding shows that these characters have to resort back to civilization as it is something they miss and rules are the only thing that they know as children for there to be civilized people on the island.
In the third chapter of “Lord of the Flies”, Jack and Ralph’s relationship starts to break apart and slowly is losing its originality and affection:
“They looked at each other, baffled, in love and hate”.
This shows that the pure love they once shared with each other is beginning to disperse. The adjective “baffled” means truly confused. Golding shows the different ways the characters have developed in only three chapters- the innocent love for one another has truly broken down. Golding displays a theme of savagery as both characters show their innate sides. They both have the will to survive as an animal does, but the way Jack is described in the forest (“then dog-like, uncomfortably on all fours yet unheeding his discomfort, he stole forward”) makes him seem more animal-like and savage then Ralph. Therefore, Golding shows the reader how the characters of Ralph and Jack develop over the three chapters.
Rosie- both the analysis an style here are absolutely excellent- if you can produce this in 45 minutes in the exam then you will be looking at A*. What I particularly like is the way you structure your piece to show the way in which their relationship is developing (rather than just making three separate points) and you then refer to this explicitly in your explanations. You also focus your analysis on the themes of the novel which adds to the overall cohesion and quality.
ReplyDeleteTargets:
1) Integrated quotations. You've done this well in point three but it would have been particularly beneficial in your second point as you could have included quotations which demonstrate their different approaches to leadership.
2) Explore alternative interpretations of quotations on at least one occasion
How does Golding present the relationship between Ralph and Jack in the first three chapters?
ReplyDeleteDuring the first chapter of his “Lord of the Flies”, William Golding exposes the initial relationship between Jack and Ralph as one of amity:
“Jack and Ralph smiled at each other with shy liking.”
This explicitly demonstrates that the two boys’ relationship has begun harmoniously, as Golding employs the word “smiled”, a classic gesture of friendship, whereas, by their smiling “at each other”, which shows a mutual appreciation, William Golding has incorporated his fundamental theme of innocence. The smiles represent how childlike and guileless the two are (as are all the children on the island), as they cannot do anything but trust each other, which is manifested in the two grins. Furthermore, their smiles embody the dawn of their friendship.
Conversely, in chapter two, Golding expresses the bond between Ralph and Jack to have an elements of rivalry and dominance:
“Jack broke in.”
This shows that Jack and Ralph have begun a battle for authority, as his interruption (“broke”) suggests that he is slightly intimidated by Ralph’s command. The word “broke” could also imply that Jack may want to shatter Ralph’s current dominion and take it for himself. Golding has deliberately sculpted Jack to interfere and interrupt Ralph as he presents his civilized ideas to the group so he may offer his own savage strategies (“Hunting pigs”) which symbolizes how eventually, as the novel progresses, nature and barbarism overwhelms and therefore destroys civility and order.
In both the second and third chapter of Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”, the affiliation of Ralph and Jack is presented to be conflicting. Jack, in chapter three, harbours more strategic and mature angles on their current situation (“And then,” said Jack, “when I’ve had a bathe and something to eat...”), but Ralph, in chapter two, has more deluded and childish conceptions (“Until the grown-ups come to fetch us we’ll have fun.”). The word “fun” in particular parades simplicity and immaturity. The mixture of ideas symbolize the anarchy and savagery that will soon commence. (not entirely what on earth I’m talking about here)
This starts very well Layla and you clearly have an excellent understanding of the characters, their relationship and the ways in which Golding presents it to his reader. Your third point is, potentially, the best of the lot but the structure of your writing does fall apart a little and you end up losing detail as you're saying everything at once! Fundamentally, your third point is about foreshadowing so make this clear at the beginning of the section then slow down a little and make sure each point is clear!
DeleteTargets:
1) Explore alternative interpretations of quotations
2) Ensure your "main" quotations aren't too short (have a look at your second point and see if you can choose something from before this quotation to contextualise it a little)
In the first chapter of "Lord Of The Flies", Golding shows the two to be unsure of each other and their future relationship.
ReplyDelete"Ralph looked at him, eager to offer something . The choir belongs to you of course."
This clearly shows Ralph does not want to sour what could be a powerful bond. It also shows he recognizes that Jack is going to be a dominate person and so does not want to start a conflict. The word "eager" shows he is enthusiastic and almost childlike at becoming leader. How he gives the "choir" to Jack also as his first act in chief shows he wished to be friends. Although it also shows Ralph to be potentially weak as he has not grown into the leadership role yet. Without this Jack would not have taken so easily to Ralph's leadership.
In chapter two of "Lord Of The Flies", Ralph and Jack have reached the peak of their friendship.
"Almost too heavy. Jack grinned back. Not for the both of us"
This clearly show they are now friends as what they represent, civilization and savagery, has not fully emerged yet. Allowing this temporary friendship to blossom. "both of us" shows they are working together. Not just to carry the log. But symbolically together as the two dominate people of the group. The word "heavy" could also not exactly mean the weight of the log. But instead Golding is trying to imply the weight of leading the group and surviving on the island. However this joint companionship is not beneficial for the whole group as now piggy is left vulnerable. ,"Shut Up", without Ralph's defense. As at this point Ralph will not go against Jack and vise versa.
In the third chapter of the novel "Lord Of The Flies", Golding shows Jack and Ralph's relationship deteriorating.
"Don't you want to be rescued? All you can talk about is pig, pig, pig!"
This shows despite their good start, Jack and Ralph's differences are beginning to show; Likely because of the passage of time, ""His sandy hair. considerably longer than it had been...", both have settled into conflicting positions. The use of rhetorical question by Ralph shows he is questioning what Jack has become and represents now in their society.Questioning if Jack prefers the wild. The repetition of the word "pig" clearly and sharply attacks Jacks savage side. "Pig" not only representing what he is talking, but everything what Jack is obsessed with. Such as the "beast". Ralph believes Jack is becoming uncivil and this is why they are clashing now; as Golding has clearly placed Ralph to be vividly representing civilization.
Excellent Ideas and some great detail in your analysis. You focus well on the themes and your understanding of the symbolic nature of the characters is clear. It's great to see you integrating quotations into your analysis however the ones you've chosen here seem a little abstract. I see why you've chosen them but an examiner might not. Don't be afraid to briefly explain this in brackets (we will look at this in class).
ReplyDeleteGreat work though, well done.
Targets:
1) Tighten up on the way in which you integrate quotations
2) Try analysing punctuation occasionally (e.g. ?, ! in your third quotation
In the first three chapters one way in which Golding presents the relationship between Ralph and Jack is by the two characters having a mutual respect for each other:
ReplyDelete“Jack’s in charge of the choir. They can be- what do you want them to be? Hunters.
Jack and Ralph smiled at each other with shy liking”
This implies that even though jack was Ralph’s main competitor to become chief Ralph has realized that jack is too big of person not to have played an important role within the island community. When Ralph stops his sentence half way whilst saying “they can be “instead of finishing off his statement he in fact turns it in to a question which is very key because as a leader, leaders are meant to make the decision not give preferences which therefore indicates that Ralph has a respect for Jack as he has gone against the archetypal leader. In addition Golding shows that also Jack Ralph as well by not saying anything at all to Ralph but simply a smile which in turn they both do therefore exhibiting a bond they share to the point that words are no longer used as there is a common understanding, a common respect between them which Golding uses to present the relationship between Ralph and Jack.
Secondly, Golding presents the relationship between Ralph and Jack as out of control:
“So we need shelters as a sort of – Home... Rescue? Yes, of course”
This implies that Golding as shown these two characters relationship as gradually losing control as even though it may not look like it Ralph has not began to curb the boundaries Jack seems to be passing with his thoughts. As for instance the fact that Jack has called these shelters “Home” implies that this place where they will be based for, for a long time as home is considered the place where the heart is thus portraying the fact that Jack has left the walls of society and has reverted to the human being who acquires barbaric and primal instincts this idea is further enforced by the fact that he seemed to be bemused when Ralph mentions “rescue” as if he wanted to stay on the island, he enjoyed it. Golding although has presented the relationship as out of control as Ralph has influenced signs of this primal being from developing , the fact that Ralph calls him a “hunter” encourages Jack to display animal-predatory behavior. Furthermore, the relationship at this point with the three chapters may foreshadow events to occur further in this back due to Ralph’s leniency in this relationship to let Jack have too much input and freedom as Ralph is meant to be the leader however is not seeming to lead Jack in any sort of way but in some cases the other way round.
Moreover Golding presents the relationship between Ralph and Jack as what is good and what is bad in the world:
“Seems to me we ought to have a chief to decide things...I ought to be chief said Jack”
This implies that Jack and Ralph already have contrasting ideas on how things should be run showing their relationship is bound to be a clash of personalities. On one hand Golding has created Ralph to signify democracy as he echoes the idea of Roger’s by repeating “Lets vote” which displays his want if you say for democracy whilst Jack demonstrates dictatorship, sole leadership as he is persistent in his repetition of the fact that he “ought to be chief” he ultimately believes this as he doesn't ask of anyone else’s approval whilst Ralph sort of waits approval to his suggestion almost. Golding represents Jack the bad in the way of his dictatorship ways and the fact that he doesn't think he needs anyone’s approval, only his views and what he believes is what is right to him, with Jack morality is not really what the community per say think is wrong or right but what he believes in himself is right or wrong. Whereas with Ralph his actions are determined within the realms of how others may judge him. However when put together in some cases they sort of complete each other and create the perfect balance of what a leader should be.
Outstanding answer Samantha, well done. You explore the intricacies and subtleties of their relationship and you use of integrated quotations is a good example of how to do this for other students to follow. You do have a tendency towards very long sentences so please try to avoid this as much as you can. I do like the way you focus on their different leadership styles and this could certainly be a concept which could drive a future essay.
DeleteTargets:
1) Keep sentence length under control
2) Analyse structure on at least one point (e.g. sentence structure/punctuation
In chapter one, Golding presents the relationship between Jack and Ralph as Ralph having the majority of the power. It says “Ralph raised his hand for silence”. This is a very powerful gesture and implies the power he has. The use of the word “for” shows clearly that he has a specific intention for that gesture showing how determined he is as a character and how sure he is of himself. Also, the raising of his hand may symbolise the power he has in his hand in this situation. This has connotations of God as has a great deal of power and is described as it all being in the palm of his hands, similar to Ralph having the power to silence a crowd of excited young children simply by raising his hand and getting his way. Golding may be using this link as a hyperbolic show of who has the power at this point on the island.
ReplyDeleteThen, in Chapter 2, Golding presents Jack as a more wild character than Ralph. He says “Jack turned fiercely”. This implies he is a wild and dangerous character. Normally we associate the word fierce with lions and tigers and other animal renowned for being carnivorous hunters and that may be what is being suggested about his character by Golding. It may be foreshadowing his future and what he will do to people in the later chapters of the novel. It also may symbolise how he is being over taken by the urges of savagery and leaving his connections of civilisation behind. This shows how wild Jack has become since he has experienced the wild.
Finally in chapter 3, Golding shows that Ralph doesn't see Jack as much of a threat. Golding writes “He did not notice when Jack spoke”. The word “notice” implies that the idea of him being there didn't go through his head showing he feel superior to him and as if he is not a threat. This may also symbolise that Ralph will not notice the threat that Jack may possibly be in the future and how much of an influential figure he will be in his life in the future.
}note{ I think I probably could've gone into more detail but couldn't for the life of me think today
Toby- there is some excellent and insightful analysis here- well done for persevering when you were clearly struggling a little for ideas.I like the way you have structured your response your discussion of the symbolism is strong. Your analysis of the individual characters is also spot on however I feel that you stray a little too far from the question (which asks about the relationship between the two) and you need to ensure that you keep returning to this.
DeleteTargets:
1) Avoid "it says..." and use "Golding writes..." instead
2) Return to the question at the end of each paragraph.
How does Golding present the relationship between Ralph and Jack in the first three chapters?
ReplyDeleteIn the first chapter; Jack and Ralph are introduced to each other, Golding represents the relationship between Ralph and Jack as defensive.
“Ralph turned to him quickly. This was the voice of one who knew his own mind.”
It implies that Ralph had not been ready to deal with such a character as is Jack who challenged his ideas and showed an assurance of his own opinion and “own mind” - making sure he speaks it. Golding wants to present an obvious friction between the two characters as they’re both shown to not be used to having someone contradict them. “Quickly” is a form explained for someone who is in a hurry, exasperated and with an urgency. Ralph is shown to be in an impatient hurry to think of comebacks and contradictions- avoiding humiliation in being undermined by another boy. Golding presents this defensive attitude between the two characters as representing man’s animal state and their need to establish hierarchy and dominance over their ‘community’ through confrontation of any other possible leader.
In the second chapter Golding presents both characters relationship to be affected by the different representations they dress in the book- Jack’s figure of savagery and Ralph the more level-headed representation of civilisation;
“Before I could kill it-but-next time!”
Jack’s necessity to kill is shown in Golding’s use of “!” emphasising the urgency trying to be portrayed in his tone. It not only exclaims the sudden exigency to kill this pig but also underlining the start of his savagery contrasting with his first introduction to how he is presented to us now by Golding, his former dominance over a ‘community’ is being swollen by his need to survive and exert dominance as the one to be feared generating the characteristics of an animal, more commonly said a Lion trying to wield his power onto his pack by challenging the former leader. “!” almost exclaims the rapidity of the situation and how the characters have exerted their suppressed animal. On the other hand, Ralph’s representation of a democracy and civilisation creates a friction with the animal that Jack represents going about his rules and not abiding by the law of a community. “Kill” brings about the thoughts of death, malice, darkness and savagery which we can start to see evolve in Jack’s character and Golding’s representation of the suppressed malice in man to submerge from this expected civilisation to the natural form of an animal; to kill to survive.
Andrea- Your analysis is incredibly detailed and is explained in a clear yet sophisticated manner, well done! You've only managed two points and this raises an interesting question which most of the class will need to consider when tackling the exam in the summer- you will have 45 minutes to answer a question like this and you really should be aiming to make three points. How can you therefore trim your analysis down a little to ensure you have time to do this? I love your vocabulary and there really is nothing here I'd change however we also need to think about timing so this is something we should discuss further.
ReplyDeleteTargets:
1) Make three distinct points
2) Integrate quotations to cover more material in less time
Golding presents the barrier between Ralph’s and Jack’s way of thinking from the beginning of the book
ReplyDelete“Seems to me we ought to have a chief to decide things...I ought to be chief said Jack”
This demonstrates the distinct ideas of the two characters. Ralph, who represents civilisation, recognises that the group needs guidance. Jack, who represents savagery, instantly tries to gain his power. Golding creates conflict in that Ralph is trying to figure out what is best for the group, whereas Jack is more so trying to survive and evidently take leadership.. Civilisation is therefore threatened by the nature of Savagery in that it doesn’t have to abide by the rules of society and so therefore it has no need to please society.
In chapter one we learn of the essence of Ralph’s status and power over the other characters including Jack:
“Ralph raised his hand for silence”
This demonstrates Ralph’s control over the kids; he has their respect and can simply “raise his hand” to retain their attention. In a similar light, it can be said that the conch bares the same sort of power; the kids made a rule in which the person holding the conch is the only one allowed to speak. Ralph is therefore not bound by these rules as he can merely use his “hand”. Golding has therefore introduced us to the origin of the characters power in which Ralph bares a certain status through his likeability and leadership qualities above Jack at this point in the story.
In chapter two Golding shows a rivalry forming between the two characters and what they represent:
“Before I could kill it-but-next time!”
This shows that jack is developing an animalistic identity, in which there is desire to be the apex predator. Golding’s use of the dash signifies an urgency and necessity from Jack, to kill. Golding therefore depicts Jack’s savagery as almost a challenge to the order, in which the bestiality that is evolving inside of him is effectively resisting Ralph’s authority and therefore the democratic and structured civilisation which Ralph represents.
This is exceptionally well written Damian, well done. Your vocabulary is the best I've seen you use by quite some way and this adds a great deal of sophistication to the response. I also particularly like your analysis of the punctuation in your third quotation.
DeleteTargets:
1) Integrated quotations
2) Analyse the language of all quotes (you only did this for the second one)
In the first chapter Golding represents the relationship between Ralph and Jack as a fight for Alpha Male:
ReplyDelete"Seems to me we ought to have a chief to decide things".
This implies authority and power a 'chief' is ruler, reverting somewhat back to civilisation having someone in charge who has the word. It seems to be by Jack stating this he is only used to being in charge and Ralph is a threat as he is the one respected, as he has the conch. Nonetheless the use of the word 'chief' implies some form of savagery away from the modern world where typical rules are non existent where there is no democracy, simply just a final saying. Similarly within indigenous tribes in climates such as the one the boys are in it is natural for a 'chief' to be elected based on their physical attributes; likewise it is clear that Jack surmised he would be chosen as he already has shown he can lead. Unlike Jack, Ralph during this time is very calm he is not as bothered about having power and authority because at this current stage he is the alpha male; the ruler of the pack and Jack is just another character.
In chapter 2 Golding divergently represents the relationship between Ralph and Jack as a brotherly friendship rather than a competition for leader:
"Almost too heavy. Jack grinned back. Not for the two of us"
In this short dialogue between the boys it heavily implies the mutual respect they have for one another and also their maturity; on a island with no adults it is only natural as the oldest they have realised they will have to fill the boots of their parents rather than have petty arguments over 'chief'."Not for the two of us" this suggest a huge sense of unity and community, the start of them all coming together; the humble beginnings of a fantasy society where civil human beings help each other for the good of it. " almost too heavy" this alone suggests that being leader for Ralph is a heavy burden, he himself cannot do it alone; he is still so young and in truth needs looking after himself hence why he shares it with Jack who has more experience and together forming a coalition can bring themselves and the boys to safety.
Finally in chapter 3 Golding represents the relationship between Jack and Ralph very differently,Jack is no longer a right hand man but instead another one of the boys:
"He did not notice Jack even when he saw him"
This implies that Ralph no longer feels threaten like a King he is not obliged to acknowledge Jack. Moreover Jack is no longer a danger simply because he can see right through him "even when he saw him"; through seeing straight through Jack he knows that this domain he wears like his cloak is false he in fact is not as mature or grown as he may believe, as Ralph has already witness him back out from killing the pig in chapter 1.
In summary the relationship between Jack and Ralph differ throughout the chapters, although they seem to have a short bromance in chapter 2 and paint a picture of serenity and unity, in truth Ralph is the leader, the one who has the power to influence the boys, make the rules and holds all respect; Jack on the other hand yearns for what Ralph has but simply is no longer a danger nor threat as Ralph has the consummate role.
Excellent analysis here Keanna- it is very clear that you have a good understanding of the politics of their relationship and of teh primal forces which drive their behaviours. I think you would benefit from exploring multiple interpretations of some of your quotations, for example in yourn second point you talk of the mutual beneift of the bond which ties them together however you could develop this by commenting on the potential naivity of their belief that this bond will last. You also have a tendency to write about the characters as though they are real people- you can overcome this by using "Golding" and "The reader" more frequently in your analysis. Great high level work though, well done.
ReplyDeleteTargets:
1) Explore multiple interpretations
2) Explore the relationship between writer, character and reader