Chapters one and two: pages 7-47
But you know what let's just talk about Jack for a second. I really can't help but think of dictators when I think of this kid. First of all, he is in charge of the choir group, I have a feeling their skills are going to need some work if they are going to survive on the island. Plus, he treats his "subjects" like soldiers. At Jack's entrance, he made his clique wear their robes while marching around the island even though one of his boys was about to pass out. Granted, he may have done this in order to protect them from the sun, but I don't think that was his motive. Plus, when the boy passed out he basically said "Eh, don't worry about it he does it all the time" like don't you think that's something to be concerned about? Jack is power hungry and selfish; I think these traits are going to get in the way of the future rules of the island. Ralph is not going to be able to control Jack's influence and I think that the boys are all going to end up splitting up into different groups.
One thing that I could not get out of my head these entire two chapters is something really dumb. I could NOT get over the fact that Ralph kept calling Piggy, "Piggy". Plus, I don't like how Ralph told all the other boy's this unfortunate nickname; although I think that Ralph may be a nice guy hiding under his intimidation. I think this because after Piggy yelled at Ralph for this betrayal, Ralph replied:
" ' I got the conch! Just you listen! The first thing we ought to have made was shelters down there by the beach. It wasn't half as cold down there in the night. But the first time Ralph says 'fire' you goes howling and screaming up this here mountain. Like a pack of kids!' " (Golding 45)
But, this text is making me have A LOT of questions. First of all, what is the deal about these mysterious snakes that the little boys noticed? Is this book going to turn out like the popular TV show, Lost (especially since the plane seems to be no where in sight)? Is the novel going to turn into a story similar to those of the theatre of the absurd? Finally is the conch, the symbol of power, going to become a battle pawn between the boys?
And most of all, is that episode of Spongebob based on this book?
" 'Better Piggy than Fatty,' he said at last, with the directness of genuine leadership.." (Golding 25)