Summary for what I've read this week:
At this moment, the readers would have known that the beast is actually a fallen paratrooper who is now hung on a tree by his parachute, which is showed two chapters before. But in the kids' eyes, the human transforms into an ape-like beast under the influence of dark surroundings and fear rooted in their hearts. Returning to where Ralph stands, Jack shows rare hesitation when Ralph suggested going to take a closer look himself. Confirming the existence of the beast, Ralph and the boys was told to retreat by their subconsciousness. Even the brave Jack who stands for "growing in adversities" sees slight, almost no chance of fighting the beast with merely sticks they have in a deserted island.
Back to where they camp, Jack decides to overthrow Ralph's rule for the leader's lack of courage on the mountain top, but none of the other 10 boys agrees with him after his emotional speech. However, four of the boys go with Jack furtively after Jack's lone departure. They hunt down a boar as they are the only ones who have experience hunting while Team Ralph have only fruit to eat. Team Jack later raids Team Ralph and takes their fire which Team Jack don't know how to make, inviting other boys to join them for a feast. This invitation makes the heart of some littler boys tilt towards Jack, for all they think is nothing more than having fun.
My reflection:
As there are more serious tensions between the character, the story gets deeper. Not only do the boys have to survive and fight the threat from the island, they have to fight each other. The author gave the characters childish thoughts and lines, but I feel like they are adults fighting, because after all, that is actually how some adults fight: like kids, speaking the ill of each other to get more supporters for their party instead of recognizing each other's advantages and rationally communicate. In the middle of crisis, if people still fight like this and don't work as one, they will be doomed eventually.
And as always, the descriptive writing of the author pictures every detail of the settings and every motion of characters, making me feel like I'm actually stand there, seeing what they see, hearing them fighting.
Hello, Zack.
ReplyDeleteIn the fatal environment, it is the moment to reveal humanity's ugly and natural aspects. If every creature used to live in the wild forest, then this adventure just put the modern child back to the ancient lifestyle. At first, it will be too tough to adapt to this horrible situation. However, they could deeper observe their soul and ability, such as friendship, wisdom, and strength. As you mentioned, these children's solution as an adult basically, adults cover the emotional and irrational in their mind. Sometimes, this strategy is worse than straightforward communication. An adult seems to hide malicious intent under the guise of kindliness. In my view, this is rational that the author chooses children who struggle with this adventure rather than adults. It comes out that socialization sometimes has the disadvantage of losing the pure in your life. All in all, I love your description of the story. I would love to read this book on my own next time.
Thanks for sharing this appealing story.
-Joyceline
I've watch the film of Lord of the Flies but I don't read the book. However, I think the story is basically the same! (after read your summary) This is the begin of the child's separation. The kids start thinking about standing on which side. In such tough situation, I think the kids should be in the same team rather than split up to two groups.
ReplyDeleteAnd I like your reflection and idea of this book. Thanks for the sharing!