english blog week three

This past week in english we've discussed characterization in Lord of the Flies with the main characters of Jack, Ralph, Piggy and Simon. The boys' characters are deepened through an assembly that Ralph calls to order, and the problem of the "beast" on the island is discussed. The angry and agitated nature of Jack is developed further when he tells the littluns that there is absolutely no beast on the island, and he approaches the situation by castigating the boys with jeers and rude comments, making them feel stupid for ever believing in a so-called beast. Jack's rough explanation of the beast is due to his avarice to prove he's not afraid and that he's fearless, which are characteristics of a leader-- the one thing Jack wants to be most. Ralph, however takes a different approach by empathizing with the littluns and telling them he too feels afraid, and he reassures them that they're isn't a beast on the island, and that they're just letting their nightmares get the best of them. Ralph and Jack's differing explanations illustrate the prominent contrasts between the two characters, on top of their disagreements with the importance of being rescued and hunting, therefore adding to the resentment Jack feels toward Ralph and his role of leader.

Simon's character also grows deeper throughout these chapters, giving readers a glimpse at his compassionate nature. Simon finds a spot in the middle of the jungle where he goes when seeking peace and relief from the stressful situations among the boys. Simon's ability to recognize the need for "peace and quiet" and "alone time" demonstrates his maturity and calm nature. When the boys are in the assembly discussing the beast, Simon takes a different approach than Ralph and Jack, saying that there possibly could be a beast on the island. When Simon reveals this thought to the rest of the boys, he is met with harsh banter and is left feeling defenseless against the boys, none of which he seems to identify with. 

Piggy's character also develops as the novel progresses, and a new characteristic of Piggy is identified. Before Ralph calls the boys to assembly and he is assessing the situations on the islands, he comes to the conclusion that Piggy is indeed valuable; even though he lacks the qualities of a leader, he possesses one attribute most of the boys on the island don't: a brain. Piggy's intelligence is noted when he gives his input on the matter of the "island beast", plainly stating that there is simply no beast, for what would it eat? If they've traveled the whole island, wouldn't they have spotted a beast? And if there were something dangerous on the island, wouldn't someone be there for fix it and make everything alright? Piggy's logic and reasoning of the situation is a clear example of his intellect. 

The boys' fear of the beast on the island is a classic example of people's "fear of the unknown". Because the littluns-- and biguns as well-- are alone on an island without any adults, there's bound to be a certain amount of fear and perhaps the boys dreamt of the idea of a beast in order to place their fear on a specific idea that seems plausible to them, instead of constantly feeling scared without any rhyme or reason. Situations like this are evident in today's world, an example being the ever popular talk of 2012-- "Doomsday", or the end of the world. 

http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/05/21/doomsday/index.html

I myself don't believe in the end of the world coming any time soon, but I know many people do and it may be because we all know death will come, but we don't know when or if the world will ever end and this "Doomsday" may be a way of reassuring people that there's a set date of the end of the world, similar to the boys' reasoning of a furtive beast and where it lives and when they hear it at night.