Chapter Two Lord Of The Flies

Chapter Two of Lord of the Flies: The Descent into Savagery Begins

Chapter Two of William Golding's Lord of the Flies marks a significant shift in the boys' precarious situation. While Chapter One established their initial hope and optimism, this chapter lays the groundwork for the descent into savagery that will dominate the rest of the novel. This analysis will delve into the key themes and events that shape this crucial chapter.

The chapter opens with the boys' attempts to establish order and civilization, a stark contrast to the chaos and fear that will soon follow. This initial sense of hope, however, is fragile and quickly eroded. The boys' attempts at building a fire, a symbol of hope and rescue, highlights both their cooperative spirit and their inherent flaws. Their failure to maintain the fire foreshadows their later struggles with maintaining civilization itself. This initial struggle with fire, and the ensuing frantic attempts to get it going again, sets the stage for the later more primal struggles for survival.

The Emergence of Jack's Influence

This chapter introduces a subtle but significant shift in power dynamics. Ralph, elected leader, attempts to maintain order and focus on rescue. However, Jack, with his charisma and hunting prowess, begins to exert his influence over the other boys, particularly through the appeal to their baser instincts. Jack's successful pig hunt, though ultimately unsuccessful in providing food, establishes him as a figure of authority, capable of providing tangible results—a stark contrast to Ralph's more idealistic and less immediately gratifying approach. The hunt itself signifies the boys' growing preoccupation with primal instincts and the allure of the wild. This marks a crucial step in the boys' transition from rational civilization to unrestrained savagery.

The Symbolism of the Fire and the Scar

The fire, as mentioned earlier, serves as a powerful symbol throughout the novel. Its initial failure foreshadows the boys' ultimate failure to maintain order and their subsequent descent into savagery. The scar, the cleared area caused by the plane crash, serves as both a symbol of destruction and a strangely confined space that both mirrors and limits the boys' confined situation. It is a symbol of the boys’ altered environment, a new world created from destruction. Their attempt to control nature – through building the fire and clearing the area – is a struggle they will eventually lose.

Fear and the Unknown

Underlying the events of this chapter is a pervasive sense of fear and the unknown. The boys are stranded, alone, and vulnerable. This fear is subtly manipulated by Jack, who exploits their anxieties to consolidate his power. The unknown lurking in the jungle, combined with the increasing darkness, amplifies their primal fears and anxieties. The unseen dangers of the island represent the unseen dangers of their own inner savagery. The creeping darkness becomes a powerful metaphor for the increasing darkness of their hearts.

The Seeds of Conflict

Chapter Two subtly plants the seeds of conflict that will explode in later chapters. The growing tension between Ralph and Jack, the boys' fascination with hunting, and their inability to maintain the fire all contribute to the escalating sense of chaos and impending doom. The chapter ends with the boys' excitement, not about being rescued, but about their hunt. This shift in focus highlights the growing influence of primal instincts over reason and cooperation.

In conclusion, Chapter Two of Lord of the Flies is a pivotal chapter that sets the stage for the unfolding tragedy. The boys' initial attempts at civilization are undermined by their inherent flaws, the manipulative influence of Jack, and their growing fear. The symbolism of the fire, the scar, and the encroaching darkness all contribute to the powerful and unsettling atmosphere of this chapter, foreshadowing the descent into savagery that lies ahead. The chapter effectively highlights the fragility of civilization and the powerful pull of primal instincts in a situation of extreme isolation and fear.