Lord of the Flies Quotes Flashcards
(18 cards)
“We’ve got to have rules and obey them. After all, we’re not savages.”
Civilisation, irony (Jack eventually becomes savage)
“The conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist.”
Symbol of order and authority (foreshadowed)
“Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart.”
Foreshadowing the emotional cost of leadership and the fall from innocence
“He began to dance and his laughter became a bloodthirsty snarling.”
Savagery emerging early in Jack
“Maybe there is a beast… maybe it’s only us.”
Fear, inner darkness (Simon’s insight)
“The world, that understandable and lawful world, was slipping away.”
Civilisation breaking down
“The rules! You’re breaking the rules!” “Who cares?”
Collapse of order, loss of respect for structure
“Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood.”
Chant symbolising descent into barbarism
“The beast was harmless and horrible; and the news must reach the others as soon as possible.”
Simon’s tragic realisation, theme of fear and ignorance
“Bollocks to the rules! We’re strong—we hunt!”
Jack’s rejection of authority and embrace of primal instinct
“The thing is—fear can’t hurt you any more than a dream.”
Ralph attempting to rationalise fear
“I’m not going to play any longer. Not with you.”
Jack’s break from Ralph, beginning of power struggle
“The rock struck Piggy a glancing blow from chin to knee; the conch exploded.”
Final death of order and logic
“Which is better—to have rules and agree, or to hunt and kill?”
Piggy’s moral plea, ignored by others
“Simon’s dead body moved out towards the open sea.”
Nature purifying Simon, symbolic innocence
“Ralph launched himself like a cat; stabbed, snarling, with the spear.”
Ralph briefly succumbs to savagery
“They’re going to hunt you tomorrow.”
Samneric’s warning shows the complete loss of social bonds
“The officer… looked at the little boys… his eyes rested on the cruiser in the distance.”
Ironic return to civilisation, but with lingering trauma
