One way this scene contributes to the meaning of the book is by representing the gateway to savagery. In other words, this scene is the point of the book where all of the boys collectively step foot into the savage world for the first time. Prior to this event, a discussion took place that indicates the fact that some sort of civilization was still in place: “‘I’m chief. We’ve got to make certain. Can’t you see the mountain? There’s no signal showing. There may be a ship out there. Are you all off your rockers?’ Mutinously, the boys fell silent or muttering” (108). By thinking about the signal fire and rescue, Ralph demonstrates that the boys still hold on to the virtues of reason, logic, and values. Additionally, the combination of Ralph clarifying …show more content…
When the boys were reenacting their pig hunt, they started off as just pretending to hurt the boy acting as the pig, but then they started to inflict actual pain onto him: “The circle moved in and round. Robert squealed in mock terror, then in real pain. ‘Ow! Stop it! You’re hurting!’ The butt end of a spear fell on his back as he blundered among them” (114). The fact that Robert is being hurt by these boys clearly shows that this is no longer a game and instead something dangerous. Also, since the boys don’t stop or show any acknowledgment when Robert requests for them to stop, it shows that they aren’t thinking clearly and that they don’t realize what they are doing. This almost seems as if some inner savage instinct is taking over the boys and they can’t quite seem to be able to control it. After this “game” ended, the boys seemed a little rattled after realizing what they had just done: “‘Just a game,’ said Ralph uneasily. ‘I got jolly badly hurt at rugger once’” (115). In this instance, Ralph seems to be a bit scared of what just happened and to make himself feel better he tried to convince himself that it was all just a game. Also, this quote demonstrates how some of the boys, Ralph included, seem to regret their actions, and if they had been in the right mindset at the time, probably wouldn’t have participated in them at all. Collectively, these two quotes explain how the boys switched between playing a game and participating in violence without realizing