lord of the flies quotes

Question 1

‘Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood’

Answer 1

The boys repeatedly chant this mantra using imperative, graphic and violent imagery, which highlights their descent into savagery and bloodlust- they are no longer hunting for survival, but for violence itself. It symbolises their growing obsession with violence as it is their way of asserting dominance and power but also how the conditioning of their old life has no ceased to exist.

Question 2

“the desire to squeeze and hurt was over-mastering’’

Answer 2

Here, it is heavily suggested that violence has become instinctual. The noun “desire” implies that they want to, and that it is a supressed emotion. Furthermore, the phrase ‘‘overmastering’’ highlights that violence is now in control, not the boys.

Question 3

'’That was Simon…That was murder’’

Answer 3

This moment of realisation and moral reckoning highlights how the boys are still internally conflicted about their actions. They are now starting to fully comprehend the extent and consequences (‘‘murder’’) of their actions, yet the use of ellipses indicates that they are still shocked- almost as if they are trying to justify or supress their guilt.

Question 4

'’Roger sharpened a stick at both ends’’

Answer 4

Here, it is suggested that he has fully embraced his violent and savage human nature, which contrasts to the beginning of the book. The fact that it was ‘‘sharpened’’ at ‘‘both’’ ends, is very sadistic, but also that this violent act was planned and deliberate. Not only does this symbolise physical violence, but also psychological destruction too.

Question 5

'’Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy’’

Answer 5

This quote highlights how violence has destroyed actual lives and their morals. The ‘‘end of innocence’’ infers that nothing will ever be as it was (like their childhood) and that there is ‘‘darkness” and evil in everyone. Ralph is grieving, and in reflective despair even though he was just rescued and saved.

Question 6

'’We can use this to call the others. Have a meeting. They’ll come when they hear us’’

Answer 6

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