LoF-Ralph

Ralph

 Ralph, the protagonist of the novel, is among the oldest boys that are marooned on the island. Voted chief of the island, Ralph is the symbolic representation of civilization and order. He is described as “the boy with fair hair” (7), emphasizing his role as a just character in the novel. The manner in which he delegates responsibility, especially in his assignment of Piggy’s role as the taker of names, is with the “genuineness of natural leadership” (25). Ralph’s leadership demonstrates the innocence that accompanies civility, and does not change Ralph's character. However, Ralph is not free from the influence of evil on the island. He begins to realize his deterioration when he seems to become aware of his appearance and those of the boys, for the first time. Ralph’s “filthy hair” (109), clothes caked with filth, and nails “bitten down to the quick” (109) initiate his lapse into savagery on the island, and is a major change in how he views himself and his place on the island. When he goes hunting with Jack, he is free from the bonds of society, and Ralph experiences bloodlust for the first time. Spilling the pig’s blood makes Ralph “full of fright and apprehension and pride” (113) at his accomplishment. Later, when Simon accidentally wanders into the circle of dancing savages celebrating their kill of the pig, he is slaughtered by the boys, and Ralph takes part in this murder. Ralph later wants to deny his participation, but is fully aware of the evil of his actions. These two slaughters act as the most dramatic change that signifies that even Ralph, the island’s great chief, is not free from evil. This change has a major impact on the meaning of the novel, exhibiting that evil is found in all mankind in the absence of order and civilization. However, before Ralph and Piggy leave to confront Jack and his savage tribe, Ralph takes the conch “caressingly with both hands” (156), signifying his last attempt to cling to civilization. Even in what he believes to be his last moments, Ralph makes his last stand against the savages “trying to cry for mercy” (200), further displaying his belief in a system of order where pleas for pity would be understood. Ralph remains a character symbolizing leadership and humanity in the novel, but is not free from corruption and evil intent. Ralph’s character development is evidence that in the loss of innocence takes place in the absence of civilization.

Monica and Samantha

#1. “Ralph used one hand as a __fulcrum__ and pressed down with the other till the shell rose, dripping, and Piggy could make a grab” (16). -point of support about which a lever turns. #2. “..Smiled __pallidly__ at Ralph and said that his name was Simon” (22). -sickly pale #3. “The __suffusion__ drained away from Jack’s face.” (23). -coloring #4 “__Immured__ in these tangles, at perhaps their most difficult moment” (27). -imprisoned, secluded, and confined #5 “There came a pause, a __hiatus__, the pig continued to scream and the creeps to jerk, and the pig continued to scream and the creepers began to jerk” (31). -stop, pause, or gap #6 “The senseless __ebullience__ of the children” (38). -cheerfulness, excitement and enthusiasm #7“But Jack was pointing to the high __declivities__ that led down from the mountain...” -downward slope #8 “They alighted by his __runnels__ of sweat and drank.” (138) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">-streams

Quotes:3

Presentation:3

Defining moments:3

This was very well written with great defining moments and quotes. There was great transition and support and you get an A+.

Chaz, Owen, Raul