Lord of the Flies Chapter 1 & 2

Setting

A deserted tropical island where a group of British boys are stranded after a plane crash.

Plane Crash

The event that strands the boys on the island and separates them from adult authority.

Ralph

A confident, attractive boy elected leader who represents order, leadership, and civilization.

Piggy

An intelligent but physically weak boy who represents logic, reason, and intellectual authority.

Conch Shell

A shell used to call meetings and establish the rule that only the holder may speak; symbolizes order and democracy.

Election of Ralph

The boys choose Ralph as leader, showing an early preference for order and fairness.

Jack Merridew

The aggressive leader of the choirboys; represents savagery, power, and desire for control.

Choirboys

A group of boys led by Jack who later become hunters; represent discipline turning into violence.

Conflict Between Ralph and Jack

A power struggle that begins early and foreshadows future divisions on the island.

Signal Fire

A fire meant to attract rescue ships; symbolizes hope and the boys' connection to civilization.

Piggy's Glasses

Used to start the fire; symbolize science, intelligence, and human ingenuity.

Failure of the First Fire

The fire grows out of control, showing the boys' lack of responsibility and experience.

The 'Beastie'

A boy's fear of a snake-like creature; represents fear of the unknown.

Fear

An emotion that begins to dominate the boys and threatens their sense of order and logic.

Littleuns

The younger boys who are fearful and dependent; symbolize innocence and vulnerability.

Lack of Adult Supervision

The absence of adults allows chaos and primitive behavior to emerge.

Rules

Established by Ralph using the conch; represent attempts to maintain civilization.

Jack's Obsession with Hunting

Shows Jack's growing interest in violence and dominance over survival priorities.

Loss of Innocence

The uncontrolled fire and fear of the beast hint at the boys' moral decline.

Narrative Focus

Introduces the boys, establishes leadership, reveals central conflicts, and sets up themes of civilization vs. savagery.