Friday, 8 February 2013

Alternative Interpretations

Objectives:
  • To learn to offer alternative interpretations of a quotation
  • To learn to analyse the character of Jack in detail

Task 1:

Complete the poll on the right hand side of the blog by selecting the character who you believe is most to blame for the horrific events of the novel. Be prepared to explain your choice.

Task 2 Silent Debate- It's a debate Jack, but not as we know it!

The following quotation describes Jack towards the end of the novel:

"The Chief snatched one of the few spears that were left and poked Sam in the ribs." p.224

Does quotation suggests that Jack is the main cause of the problems on the island?

Use the comment and reply functions to debate around the class. The room should be silent as all communication should be online!


Task 3:

Is Jack to blame for what has gone on? Answer in detail as a comment on this post including the quotation, detailed analysis and at least two different interpretations.

88 comments:

  1. It suggests that he starts and provokes problems that weren't necessary to have to happen in the first place.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. But all of them know it's wrong but didn't stop him or say he's wrong for doing it.

      Delete
    2. They all have that savageness inside them , but none of them were trying to stop it from happening. What was the need to start the problem in the first place?

      Delete
    3. Is it possible for them to stop it without the constraints of society or the adult world?

      Delete
    4. Yes Rosie , I AGREE !!!!!
      :)

      Delete
    5. They may have complied because they are frightened of Jack or frightened of each other. They've already seen what kind of damage they can do. They wouldn't then want to get on the wrong side of that.

      Delete
    6. But if it is something they all have inside them, surely Jack isn't the only reason for comfrontation in teh tribe. It's the inate savagery that is the blame rather than Jack himself as all of them are capable but only Jack acted on it.

      Delete
    7. Adding on to Xanthe's point, yes the littluns are scared of Jack as he is taking advantage of his power meaning the littluns are most likely to follow him because their frighten and hunting is 'fun' meaning Jack does provoke situations.

      Delete
    8. Shouldn't they have taken the rules and routines they learnt in the civilised society through to the savage forest. Then problems would have been minimised from the start. Replie to Mccarey
      And thanks Toni and I agree Loretta. But the innate side made Jack act in this manner

      Delete
  2. "Few spears that were left" the savagery is almost dieing out but Jack is still continueing to push it forward

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Or it could mean... "Few spears that were left" the savagery is so strong that everyone has a spear and there nearly isnt enough for the chief. Savagery is completly taking over.

      Delete
    2. but not every character in the book was influenced by savagery,for example, the littleuns they would follow the person that is able to provide for them

      Delete
    3. I AGREEEEEE!!!

      Delete
    4. I completely agree with damian

      Delete
    5. But then would that mean that savagery is taking over them (unaware) but because that is the example they are given. It's like a baby when they're given an example they go on to follow it not told otherwise. *to Daria

      Delete
    6. Yes Andrea, Goldings purpose for having littluns is so that they are vulnerable and can be influenced to build up the book, so characters like Jack can influence them "like a baby"

      Delete
    7. this is why jack believes he has the upper hand because he manipulates others on the island by making hunting "fun" this only makes people follow not necesserily belive in what they follow

      Delete
  3. No because Jack has now upgraded from "Jack" the boy to the superior "Chief" which would have to be placed upon him from others treatment towards him in the tribe.

    ReplyDelete
  4. It shows that he was not the only one involved "few spears that were left"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "left" suggests that he's the last man standing essentially the motor for the savagery

      Delete
    2. the people could have the spears in their hands already so Jack had to settle for what is left behind

      Delete
    3. BOOOYYAAAA ! yes Daria it suggests that because there was only a 'few spears left' others were already invloved and he wasnt the 1st to make the move. wouldnt that also mean he's only reacting due to what he feelshe should do ?

      Delete
    4. Kaffy- it seems off that a totalitarian "chief" would only be reacting to the behaviour of others don't you think?

      Delete
    5. no damian 'left' means even though hes the last man standing hes the last to make a move. which suggests that hes not neccesarily rhe cause he just followed

      Delete
    6. yes Kaffy whichgsuggests that he lost the power because his actions are the result of how he is treated and the responses of others which is why he is the last one to take the spear

      Delete
  5. The fact that the quotation states "of the FEW spears" just explains the lack of weaponry available to him as all the rest of his tribe might have acted already without a need to be guided. They're going upon their own savage instincts without a need of a hierarchy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Interesting point. Also worth noting that that the spear itself is an inherently primitive and savage implement...

      Delete
  6. even though he is chief, it doesn't mean that everybody shout listen to him. Evidently, some people have rebelled (Ralph and Piggy) so if the others choose to take whatever Jack dishes out, that's down to them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. But who or what defines him as "Chief"?

      Delete
    2. Jack proclaims himself chief. Like a dictator. Which shows he is the driving force for the savagery.

      Delete
    3. Evidently himself

      Delete
    4. Jack challenged the leader at the time (Ralph) and won. The others saw how strong minded he was and admired him.. at first.They wanted him to take control seeing as Ralph was falling apart

      Delete
    5. There is surely something mutually reliant about the role of chief- they require him to govern them but he requires them to allow him to govern.

      Delete
    6. Although Jack may of said he is chief, he can only really be a chief if the rest of the tribe let him and follow his example. If they didn't follow him, his savageness wouldn't be effective.

      Delete
    7. He challenged Raplh but he didnt openly win. He ran away to the other side of the island crying. He gave evryone a choice. Fun and savagery or Fire and civilization

      Delete
    8. people take what jack dishes out due to the fact they dont know any better and they are scared so they wuld follow the only leader there is as they dont have a choice or know what to do

      Delete
    9. Jack did win. He offered the campers what they wanted, rather than needed. As young children they all want fun and meat and adrenaline. That's what Jack could provide and that is how he won.

      Delete
  7. Jack is the main cause of the problem as he himself represents the savagery which then in turn brings the savagery out of everyone.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Does he represent the savagery or his is caught up in it?

      Delete
    2. I think in some respects he is caught up in it however though he becomes the sort of driver behind the idea of savagery. He ultimately represents the savagery which is present in all of us but has chosen to let it take over him.

      Delete
    3. i believe he is caught up in it as he feels that is the right way to go about things .

      Delete
    4. Jack did win. He offered the campers what they wanted, rather than needed. As young children they all want fun and meat and adrenaline. That's what Jack could provide and that is how he won.

      Delete
    5. I don't think Jack initially is a personification for savagery because at the start of the book he is a rather civilised character. However, I do agree that he brings out the savagery in others because of the way he has developed as a character.

      Delete
    6. I commented on the wrong one. SOWEE

      Delete
  8. The fact not even Sam's own brother said anything to him suggests that savagery has really and truely taken over their moral judgement. Maybe :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Erc hasnt responded most likley out of fear. Not savagery, as he is on Ralphs side. Jacks dictator like rule as chief has anyone punished

      Delete
    2. But, could this possibly due to the fear, accentuated by Jack?
      That they feel to intimidated to speak out against Jack...

      Delete
    3. Eric might've thought that if he did spreak out, they'd do their worse tot he both of them. If it was me and you, Loretta, I wouldn't say anything either if I thought it might put your well-being at further risk.

      Delete
    4. Fair point... but would you know even TRY to defend your borther let alone TWIN ?

      Delete
    5. Awww how sweet Xanthe! And agreed! But out Loretta she's being nice! And yes despite the arguments you defend one another like Sam and Eric do in the book.

      Delete
  9. Indeed it does, this unecessary poking shows how Jack is abusing his authority. In addition, the angle and postioning of the poke shows that he is extremely vindictive and manipulative. It also, shows how he likes to provoke uncalled for predicaments thus,he's the reason for mainly all the calamities on the island. Too add, I've noticed that every issue is somehow linked to him; so YES ! Jack is the reason for mostly ALL the problems on the island.

    ReplyDelete
  10. The quotation does suggest that Jack is a main cause regarding everything that has transpired. This can be depicted from the phrase ''one of the few spears that were left''; the fact that he chose one of the last spears suggets that he is holding on to one of the last remnants of a savage community - holding on to this community shows that he is very well much apart of it and plays a large role.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree ,Jack does play a vital role in trying to keep the civilisation from arising he is attempting to ultimately keep the savagery alive within the community.

      Delete
    2. Oooh, I rather like that comment sam

      Delete
    3. Loool you scrape Athena! xD

      Delete
  11. Yes

    The simple fact that he "snatched" implies that he was aware of his actions; he knew what he wanted to do. Jack wanted to be Chief from the beginning of the novel and now he has gotten what he wants, however that isn't enough because his main competition Ralph, is still there and still has influence over Sam.

    Poking someone in the ribs is violent and vindictive. "Ribs" protect vital organs for survival and life, it is clear Jack doesn't care about 'survival' he assumes that as long as they continue hunting all will be well. To poke someone in their ribs is a barbaric and painful act, to destroy and break down the barriers which protect someone simply insinuates that Jack wants to assert his authority, create an anarchy where everyone depends on him and are against Ralph causing the problems and chasm on the island rather than unity.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Could this possibly be due to his present scenery?
      Also, is he actually being vindictive or is this his way of protecting himself from the possible bloodthirsty animals known as his minions?

      Delete
  12. jack is a product of his enviroment. anyone could of taken the "evil" persons role; he just fed more into the bad thats inside him. I therefore belive he shouldnt be be blamed. the others didnt have to follow him seeing as his main aim was to pleas himself

    ReplyDelete
  13. Or Jacks thirst for bloodshed is not yet quenched so he feels that it is necassary to take one of the last remaining spears, one of the last forms of protection from the wild, and use it to cause harm to Sam. It's deep routed within him that Sam, who may symbolise the last remaining ties to civilisation, needs to be cut away and got rid of.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree so much as for Jack to have full power there needs to be no remains or traces of civilisation so by cutting off sam it means that he has total control, control over something he knows which is Savagery.

      Delete
  14. The fact that there's a few spears left and Jack chose to use one to be violent towards the innocent Sam without consulting any of the other boys demonstrates that he perhaps believes he should have first choice. The choice in this case was completely unjust and therefore indicates that the majority of his other choices would too be unjust which is evident in both the preceeding and following chapters. Furthermore, the fact that he "snatched" the spears could show that he's snatching (and utilizing) savagery at its very roots.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Is it!? Doesn't the first choice relate to his innate lashing out side? Or is it the fact that he thinks Ralph is not a chief who can control this bunch of uncivilized biggots?

      Delete
    2. But the fact that he's "poking" Sam shows he's doing it gingerly and therefore shows that he's completely aware of his actions as he's deliberately not seriously injurying him, so it can't be solely his innate side

      Delete
    3. But, when he makes Robert cry when they do the dance, his "game" got more violent as time went on. So doesn't this show he is not in control of his actions and that his animalistic side is just flowing out of him- unable for Jack to turn back to what he used to be in a civilised society

      Delete
  15. This quote does imply that Jack is the main cause of the problems...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. could it not imply that he is the result of the broken society he now lives in?

      Delete
    2. Interesting idea Paris- it comes down to cause and effect. If Jack is only the result of a broken society, what is the cause of this breakage?

      Delete
    3. Throughout the book the idea that civilisation is brittle is portrayed. Jack is the cause of this broken society because he acts upon the fear of the characters essentially braking up the group into those who will survive and those who hold on to something as inapplicable as civilisation

      Delete
  16. Answer the following question using the quotation as evidence:

    Is Jack to blame for what goes wrong?

    Explore at least two different interpretations in your answer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think Jack is the trigger for the savagery:
      "The Chief snatched one of the few spears that were left and poked Sam in the ribs."
      This implies that he's forcing the savagery.The "few spears that were left" suggests that savagery is not necessarily something that is natural.Instead it could be very fragile like the things the "littluns" follow.On the other hand it could be said that the phrase suggests that he is no longer the driving force but a follower of the savagery as all the other characters have already got themselves a spear.However in both interpretations it could be said that he is still to blame as he is still being a savage and therefore influencing the characters around and/or who are on his side.

      Delete
    2. Jack is to blame for what goes wrong as he is escentially spearheading savagery on the island.
      "The Chief snatched one of the few spears that were left and poked Sam in the ribs."
      This quotation shows he is the "Chief", the one who makes the descisions. With his dictator like leadership, he is the only one with a high status, So any savagery emminates from him and is passed down to his followers. Similarly, "poked Sam in the ribs" This doesnt tell us he joins in. But tells us he pokes Sam. So he is the first to start the savagery. Showing his high status as he was nealry one of the last to get a spear. But the first to poke Sam. He is the first one in the pecking order. Thus showing he leads savagery.

      Delete
    3. I don't think Jack is the blame for everything that goes wrong due to the way his confidence has been built up by the others in the tribe.
      "The Chief snatched one of the few spears that were left and poked Sam in the ribs."
      The fact Jack has now gone for "Jack" the choir leader and head boy to "The Chief" suggests that his new found status has been enforced by the loyalty from the other tribe members. To become cheif he would have had to go through a gradual escalation in power fueled by the trust from the less confident memebers, in hope of being happy. However, we can then look at it as his behaviour is completely unnecessary and is what provokes others to do the same. Jack knows he already has a very high superiority on the island which he then manipulates into getting his way. The fact he "snatched one of the few spears" when no physical drama was going on suggests he was doing it literally bacuse he knows he can get away with it with no objection due to the fair of the other boys which has grown through time.

      Delete
    4. I think that Jack is to blame for what goes wrong on the island:
      "The Chief snatched one of the few spears that were left and poked Sam in the ribs."
      This implies that Jack is trying to tether any ties the community has with civilisation as he tries to poke Sam.
      The fact that he "snatched one of the few spears" and "poked Sam in the ribs" shows that he is trying to get rid of any remains or traces the community may have with Civilisation, as we cannot forget when majority of biguns and littleuns chose to move to Jacks tribe , Sam decided to stay which hints at that fact he wanted civilisation. Therefore showing that Jack knew this so by poking him , he could get rid of him and as a result he can control something he knows, he something being savagery. However another reader may interpret this quote as Jack letting go of the savagery rather as, as the fact he took "one of the few spears which were left" indicates that he may not have wanted to live this life no longer. As when something tends to run out you try and save it not use it all unknowingly.Therefore suggesting Jack may not be the main cause as he never intended on being the way he has become but now given the chance he is insted getting rid of all traces and remains of savagery.

      Delete
    5. i believe jack is to blame for what goes wrong and his answer to all his questions is violence which influenced other peoples behavious.

      'The Chief snatched one of the few spears that were left and poked Sam in the ribs."

      even though there was a 'few spears' he took it upon himself to use it towards another member of his tribe instead of tapping sam he used violence to convay emotions. the fact the body part where he poked sam was stated; implies he knew what he was doing and he was in control.

      on the other had someone else may intereptate his actions as looking out and protecting his tribe.
      whereas i see it as he is acting like a savage which puts all of them in danger at the end.

      Delete
    6. I think that Jack is to blame with what goes on in the book "The Lord Of The Flies":
      "The Chief snatched one of the few spears that were left and poked Sam in the ribs."
      His rash action of "snatching" a spear to instigate a reaction off one of the other characters suggests that he is cruel little boy. As innocence is usually implied with little children, this goes against this idea. His demeaning actions are immoral and wrong; they show how Jack has developed as a person to a savage animal. However, it is believed that all people have an animalistic side which could be an excuse for Jack's actions. His savage character could be an explanation for his true character coming to life, and being released by the habitat of the forest. :D

      Delete
    7. The first interpretation is one that Jack is guilty for the series of events that took place. It is clear from his behaviour that Jack is an inheritantly evil and violent character. "The Chief snatched one of the few spears that were left and poked Sam in the ribs.". This shows that violence runs through his veins. Rather than keeping to spear to use it to for a practical use of survival he decideds it is necessary to use it as a tool to inflict pain and dominence on the boys of his new tribe. He seemed to show no remorse for his actions and performed it like he was used to it and engrained in his way of thinking. Also, the word "snatching" can show his desperation for the violence. He needs the spear to cause violence like he relies on it. He needed the spear as Jack and the spear go hand in hand and meant to be one being.

      Delete
    8. Jack's involvement in what happens throughout the book can be argued that it takes part but he is not to blame for all that goes wrong;
      "The Chief snatched one of the few spears that were left and poked Sam in the ribs."
      It explains that he has a vindictive attitude towards sam wanting to hurt him even though it was a poke the spear itself is inherently primitive and savage which we could say it a representative of Jack and how his savage ways are there to hurt in order to do his job as "chief" as a spear would do to hunt.
      "Chief" is the one in charge but the question that could be asked is "who put him there?" the blame could be put upon the tribe because in the end they're the ones that gave him that power and they go by the word "chief" following a primitive pattern and moulding into that savage society themselves.
      Again, "The few spears" implies that action was taken before he regarded anything. He was one of the last people to think of hurting Sam.

      Delete
    9. Jack isn’t to blame for what goes wrong because although he is a strong minded character with a powerful voice, nobody chose to do against him. If everybody had chosen to see sense then most probably none of the horrific event in the novel (bar one) would’ve happened.
      "The Chief snatched one of the few spears that were left and poked Sam in the ribs."
      The fact that he is no longer referred to as Jack and is called “The Chief”, it is as if he has lost is original identity and has adopted a new one with no connection to the real world and civilisation. His new title has thrust him into a higher role than the others which generally makes them obliged to comply. However, this is not a complete reason to blame him for all the wrong doings on the island; every camper is capable of making their own decisions. Nobody HAD to follow Jack’s orders.
      On the other hand, Jack could be blamed as he abused his power and utilised the others’ willingness to stay in some state of happiness (the meat, the hunting, the adrenaline) by making them do things that aren’t well reasoned at all. He got them to do as he said because they were afraid of what Jack could do and afraid of losing what they had. The word “snatched” shows that he can be ill-mannered and nobody breathes a word. [unfinished]

      Delete
    10. "The Chief snatched one of the few spears that were left and poked Sam in the ribs." p.224
      In a sense from this quote we could possibly blame Jack, as he snaches "one of the few spears thar were left". The fact that there is very few spears suggests that not only himself has been using them but, his followers; from this we can suggest that this violent nature has been imprinted from him to his followers and is now apart of all their entities. This is further demonstrated as he pokes Sam - one of the litluns - showing no mercy in his "ribs." This is a vital area of the body that protects your organs that you highly depend on for survival. In this sense, Jack could of done this to show the reality of their new exterior and that although you think certain aspects protect you, in this scenery its a whole different ball game. So in a sense Jack could be showing Sam the realism of their predicament although it seems very visious and spiteful. Thus, showing two possible sides to Jack and it can also show that despite the brutal nature Jack may have possibly been helping Sam by 'poking' him into reality...

      Delete
    11. Keanna (Unfinished)8 February 2013 at 06:20

      I believe Jack is to blame for what goes wrong:
      "The Chief snatched one of the few spears that were left and poked Sam in the ribs."
      This implies Jack is to blame as he is "The Chief" he holds the authority he has created a society which depend upon him, a society imprisoned by anarchy. Jack continues to poke Sam in the "ribs" a primitive punishment used among indigenous people to show boys who over step the line and go against the Chief know their place. The ribs are chosen as the ribs protect the heart and vital organ which is needed for life. Jack continously poking the protective barricade implies that he wants and needs people to depend on him he doesn't want any one to depend on Ralph, as we do upon our heart. Jack is to blame as he does all he can to become Chief, he has a heartless and violent approach to the deaths during the Island, and seems to do anything by all means necessary to be Chief and candidly he is the one poking Sam not anyone else, even though he is Chief and has the given power to order anyone to poke Sam he chose to.


      Likewise a caribbean saying 'don't bite the hands which feed you' also suggests Jack is to blame for what goes wrong. During this ordeal no one prevented Jack from poking Sam, equally people could say as no one is preventing Jack from poking Sam he is not to blame but they all are.However the saying 'don't bite the hands that feed you' simply means do not go against or betray the person or peoples who provide for you. Jack is providing for the boys therefore they would not go against Jack nor stand up for Sam simply so they can continue to survive, simply because he is their Chief and that they go by his rules. They MUST follow and obide by him similarily with a parent and child; if Jack wasn't being violent and trying to quench his thirst for blood then the other boys wouldn't be following the same path.

      Delete
    12. Jack may be seen as the source the troubles on the island. We see this as he goes out of his way to inflict pain upon one of his followers to show the amount of power he has. This may be seen as Jack taking advantage of his title ...... not finished.

      On the other hand we see that this is no longer Jack taking lead but "the cheif" which may make him feel he has to portrey himself in a darker light to maintain the respect by spreading fear and violence through what he does. Jack may feel that if he doesn't show this, there may be competiton and create chaos as his people may revert from him like had done to Ralph.

      Delete
    13. Jack is clearly to blame for the dysfunctional relationship between the boys due to his savage behaviour,which has influenced the boys;leading them in a path of deception: "The Chief snatched one of the few spears that were left and poked Sam in the ribs."
      By the boys calling him "chief" implies he is the leader of the klan . "Chief" is usually affiliated with tribes and where he "snatches the spear" shows the impertinent and un-civilised behaviour of Jack.

      Delete
  17. It seems like the obvious answer is that jack is to blame seeing as the quotation is 'The Chief snatched one of the few spears that were left and poked Sam in the ribs'
    Jack takes the spear which represents savagery and pokes sam with it. Its his own decision and he has his own mind seeing as he's chief no one has really influenced him to do so. this technically implies that he is to blame because he's chief hes in control.
    However because he as the 'chief' picks up one of the 'few spears left' this suggests that he wasnt the 1st to get there and others have made their move leaving only a few spears. Seeing as he's the Chjief he should have had 1st choice of what spear to pick then the others would follow but in this case he's just the same as everyone else.From this we can infer that Jack's reaction is due to the fact that evberyone is looking up to him. so his actions are due to what he feels he should do being the 'Chief'
    this means that he's actually not to blame but the people who has given him the opportunity to be chief are to blame. They gave him power that he is unable to handle and only because of them were there any spears left in the 1st place.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Jack is to primarily goign to be blame fo rwhaty goes wrong on the isaldn because of his selfish and manioukatuin way. everythign he does is for himself and for recognition he disregards everythign and everyonmr thats around him completely due to this you can say he is to blame because he doesnt care for others. he takes the role of dictatorship getting things done without the help of other which make the littluns look uo to him more seeing as he does more tahn ralph, little do they know his leading them to the point of irreversible savagery which they may unfortuantely be trapped in.
    " the chief snapped some of the few spears that was left and oked sam in the rib" the fact that theirs only a few spears means that the ones that were there before have been used either bneen put to good use or bad. jack plays a major role in what bad goes on in the novel because he can be deemed as vinmdictive and self absorbed. the fact that he pokes sam a littlun in the rib shows that he has the air of authroity.' hje cant do nothing to the older ones so his malicous actions are aimed at the young ones who are unable to defend and protect themselves so they find them selves in Jacks aid.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I do not believe that Jack is to blame for what goes wrong in the book although he does play a rather important role.
    ("The Chief snatched one of the few spears that were left and poked Sam in the ribs.") The phrase ''Chief snatched one of the few spears that were left'' shows that Jack is more of a defensive character with regards to the word''snatched'' in particular which suggests that he is only trying to hold on to what makes him feel safe - like a baby snatching up their blanket before their parents can take it away. However, the fact that it was a ''spear'' that he snatched up does imply that he his a rather violent character because spears are weapons commonly used in centries before the 20th to show valor, bravery and in some cases to ignite wars between tribes. This underlying connontation of a tribal war makes him seem even more in the wrong because it portrays him in a rather savage light.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Jack is not be blamed for what goes wrong on the island simply due to the fact that his actions are the result of how other people on the island treat him and respond to him. Also because he is the last one to pick up a spear and he "snached" it . This suggest that Jack was influenced by everyone else who already picked up a spear; just like teh littleuns he is easily influenced. Because he snached it also shows how desperate he is to feel apart of this .
    On the other hand, you can interpret it as Jack is the one to blame as he is the character that encouraged the others to be savage through his manipulation. The fact that he is the one to "poke" Sam , shows even the though he was the last to pick up a spear he has enough power over all the other characters that they waited for his reaction.This explains why nothing happened until Jack reacted.
    Overall, Jack has manipulated people to join his seperatew tribe by making hunting seem "fun" and by being indifferent to Ralph's actions and decisions. The fact that he can hunt encouraged the littleuns to join the tribe as he can provide for them. However, the savagery has taken over all the characters which explains why they were the firsts ones to pick up a spear (while they are unaware of that fact).

    ReplyDelete
  21. Jack could be solely to blame for what goes wrong on the island. The quote "The Chief snatched one of the few spears that were left and poked Sam in the ribs." implies that this particular wrongdoing (among others of his actions) epitomizes his authority as here, he is portrayed to be "pok[ing] Sam in the ribs". This one violent 'poke' proves to the boys just how much command he has as he's successfully taunting half of a represenatitve of civilization (the other half being Eric, as the twins together symbolize unity and formality). Jack constantly proving to the boys just how much of a tyrant he is shows that he could be to blame for what goes wrong, as another one way he confirms his authority is by getting Roger to brutally murder Piggy.
    On the other hand, Jack could be considered to be partly innocent with relevance to what goes wrong on the island. The words "few spears that were left" indicates that the other boys have perhaps used weapons themselves which could show that they're disobeying their savage president. This therefore exhibits that Jack is not solely to blame, but the disobedience of the other boys is partly responsible.

    (Sorry if this makes no sense...)

    ReplyDelete
  22. An interpretation could be that Jack is to blame for what goes wrong throughout the novel. "The Chief snatched one of the few spears that were left and poked Sam in the ribs." This quotation identifies Jack starting to provoke the situation using an act of violence shown by the way he 'snatched' the spear. This action was clearly deliberate meaning he was concious of what he was doing. Some may say that because he got 'one of the few spears left' that he wasn't the only one involved; this is correct. However there are only few sears left because throughout the novel he has always tried to manipulate the littluns into making him 'chief'. The littluns shows Goldings idea of vulnerability and innocence being manipulated by characters like Jack to build up the novel.

    On the other hand he may not be to blame for everything that goes wrong. Jack does orders Roger to throw stones causing Piggys death. However since the beggining of the book there has been a situation where Rogers inate evil side has shown by throwing stones at a littlun. This expresses Goldings idea of evil being inside all of us. Now that a tribe has joined Roggers inate evil is beggining to show more.
    :)

    ReplyDelete