Chapter 7 Shadows and Tall Trees

1. Chapter 7 Shadows and Tall Trees By: Carleyschaefer

2. Symbolism • The uncleanliness of the boys symbolizes their savagery and blindness. Their hair was long and tangled, their clothes were threadbare, and their skin had saltwater on it. However, Ralph yearns to be civilized again.” He would like to have a pair of scissors and cut this hair – he flung the mass back - cut this filthy hair right back to half an inch”. (p. 109) He also wants to have a proper bath with soap. • Piggy’s glasses represent innovation and intelligence. “You haven’t got Piggy’s specs” (p. 115), therefore they can’t light the fire. • Simon’s statement to Ralph, “All the same. You’ll get back all right. I think so, anyway.” (p. 111) signifies hope. Simon also doesn’t state that the others will return home, this may be because they are barbaric. • The endless ocean symbolizes the separation from civilization. “This was the divider, the barrier.” (p. 110) Ralph reminisces about his life back home.

3. Symbolism Cont. • The hunters circle around Robert, and they jab him with a spear. Jack has a knife and Ralph wants to join in too. They chant “Kill the pig! Cut his throat! Kill the pig! Bash him in!” (p. 114) Maurice suggests that they have a drum and a fire. Robert says “You want a real pig... because you’ve got to kill him.” (p. 114) Jack replies to use a littlun. The group of hunters laugh at what Jack said. This symbolizes a sacrifice and foreshadows violence. • The stain symbolizes Jack. “A stain in the darkness, a stain that was Jack, detached itself and began to draw away.” (p. 121) Jack is becoming more savage.

4. Themes- The weak and the strong • Chapter 7 portrays the power dynamics between Ralph and Jack. Jack picks on, mocks, and fights with Ralph about his courage. He does this so he gains power and respect. Ralph, the leader of the group, says that the hunters should continue the next day. Jack wants to go on and suggests that Ralph is frightened. Ralph decides to go up the mountain to show his courage. Jack antagonizes Ralph about the darkness. Ralph states, “The word was too good, too bitter, too successfully daunting to be repeated.” (p. 119) –in reference to Jack’s response “coming”. • The clan of hunters circle around Robert and almost kill him. They pick him off the ground, jab him with a spear, and had a knife to him. Robert is frightened by this and he exclaims, “Ow! Stop it! You’re hurting!” (p. 114) The hunters are vulnerable, but they feel strong by picking on the weaker ones. The hunters also target the littluns.

5. Themes- civilization • The boys were shaped by civil, British society, but are corrupted by savagery. The ocean separates them with civilization. The superstition of the beast is the reason for their savagery. The boys pick on, mock, and ignore each other. Jack is becoming more savage when he antagonizes Ralph. He disregards civility and is succumb to evil. The hunters almost kill They are subconsciously evil even though they have rules. The civilization on the island fears the beast.

6. Conflict- Man vs. Nature • The heat restricts the hunters and causes fatigue. The ocean is the divider between savagery and civility. It is difficult to traverse across the mountainous landscape of the island. The terrain is rocky by the water. “Robert cut his knee quite badly and they had to recognize that this path must be taken slowly if they were to be safe.” (p. 116) The boys are scared of the jungle, because the beast resides in it. The littluns have nightmares and hear the beast at night. The darkness limits most of the boys from continuing further up the mountain. They believe that the beast lurks in the jungle at night. The boys are blind in the darkness.

7. Conflict- Man vs. Man • Ralph and Jack have an altercation on the hunting expedition. Jack wants to control the boys, so he fights with Ralph about his courage. Both of them exchange unkind words. They eventually find a parachute on the mountain. • The hunting clan gangs up on Robert and almost kill him. The threaten him with a spear and a knife. The hunters think that it is a game.

8. Character analysis- Ralph • Ralph threw the spear at the boar’s snout. He becomes savage when he says, “I hit him all right. The spear stuck in. I wounded him!” (p. 113). Ralph repeats this statement to desperately get the boy’s attention. He feels powerful and experiences the exhilaration of hunting. Ralph also joins in with the hunting clan’s chant. “ Ralph too was fighting to get near, to get a handful of that brown, vulnerable flesh. The desire to squeeze and hurt was over mastering.” (p. 115) In this chapter, Ralph disregards civility and is corrupted by savagery. The savagery is caused by desire, fear, and suspicion of the beast. Ralph’s savagery is more repressed than the other boys.

9. Character analysis- Jack • In chapter 7, Jack tries to control the group of hunters, by deciding to go on up the mountain. He resorts to savagery and violence. He antagonizes Jack about continuing on and almost kills Robert. He suggests killing one of the littluns. He is obsessed with hunting the pigs. Jack doesn’t fear the beast. He wants authority over the boys, and he will take down Ralph to do so. Jack ignores and mocks the other boys on the island. He wants to be powerful.

10. Character analysis- simon • Simon volunteers to let Piggy know that the hunters won’t be back the next day. He says, “I’ll go if you like. I don’t mind, honestly.” (p. 117) The others are scared of the beast lurking in the jungle at night. He doesn’t fear the jungle because there is no beast. • Simon also predicts Ralph’s safe return home. This is a symbol of hope for him. But, he doesn’t include himself or the others, because they are corrupted by savagery.