Common Core Questions Chapter 10

1. When Ralph and Piggy first talk about Simon's death, Piggy tries to convince Ralph (and himself, it seems) that it was an accident. He says, "He [Simon] hadn't no business crawling like that out of the dark...It was an accident" (Golding 157). Ralph, on the other hand, faces the cold, hard truth: it was murder. The boys had let their savage instincts take over. Piggy tells him that the death was due to the boys being scared, but Ralph says, "I wasn't scared...I was--I don't know what I was" (Golding 156). When Samneric join the discussion, they convince themselves that they had no idea what happened that night by simply repeating, "Yes. We were very tired...so we left early" (Golding 158). This statement becomes one that all four boys use to try and relieve themselves of the guilt they feel for killing Simon.

2. Ralph explained Simon's death as a murder committed by a group of savages that had been riled up by violent chants and the raging storm overhead. However, he seems to have mixed feelings about what happened. While describing what happened, "There was loathing, and at the same time a kind of feverish excitement, in his voice" (Golding 157). In contrast, Jack explained Simon's death as a precaution the boys had to take. He believed that the beast had taken form in Simon so it could take them. He says, "He [The Beast] came--disguised. He may come again..." (Golding 160).

3. Jack's order to have Wilfred beaten shows his absolute, unyielding power over the other boys. When Roger asks Robert why Wilfred needs to be beaten, Robert replies, "He didn't say. He got angry and made us tie Wilfred up" (Golding 159). The fact that the boys were willing to tie up one of their own to prepare him for a beating without a reason shows their absolute devotion to whatever Jack says. Also, after the beating, it says' "The chief was sitting there, naked to the waist, his face blocked out in white and red. The tribe lay in a semicircle before him" (Golding 160). He basically has them bowing at his feet at all times.

4. Jack is now the chief because he is the one with the ability to start fire, and the fire is the boys' symbol for rescue. Also, he is the one with the most "power." He is the one most of the boys listen to.
-Piggy: Avoids most of the action due to asthma attack, loses his glasses
-Ralph: Unknowingly punches Eric in the face until he bleeds, is hit in the "pills"
-Jack: Invades Ralph's camp, leads boys away, takes Piggy's glasses, hums and cartwheels
-Roger: Invades Ralph's camp, leaves after glasses are found, hums and cartwheels
-Sam: Got stuck in the corner of the wrecked huts by himself, didn't fight anyone
-Eric: Is unknowingly beat down by Ralph, knees him in the "pills