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Lord Of The Flies

CHAPTER 7 - SHADOWS AND THE TREES

The boys continue their search of the island and moves towards the
mountaintop. When they stop to eat, Ralph's mind wanders to other
things. He observes the boys and again realizes they have become
dirty and unkempt, a state of their freedom which he accepts as
normal. Ralph then looks at the vast ocean. It seems as if the sea
acts like a barrier, preventing their rescue, keeping them from
civilization, and condemning them. Simon joins him and interrupts
Ralph's thoughts of home. He tries to calm the leader by assuring
him that they will certainly be rescued soon.

Later in the day, the hunters are delighted to discover fresh pig
droppings. They decide to hunt the pig while searching for the
beast. Soon everyone spies the wild boar and wildly gives chase.
Ralph joins the madness, excited by the thrill of the adventure, and
throws a wooden spear, which hits the boar's snout. Since it is his
first hunt, he is delighted at his accuracy and tries to gain the
respect and appreciation of the boys. Jack draws the attention away
from Ralph by displaying his bloodied arm, wounded by the tusks
of the boar. Although the hunt ends with the wild animal escaping,
the boys are still filled with excitement. They have a mock play
with Robert at the center representing the pig. Jack, Ralph, and the
boys perform a savage dance and jab at Robert with the spears
almost injuring him seriously. As Robert struggles to get free, the
boys chant frenziedly. The desire to hunt and draw blood almost
overpowers them, but they manage to bring themselves under
control. Ralph uneasily reminds everyone that it has only been a
game; but the leader now understands the exhilaration of
participating in a hunt.

Since it is growing dark, there is a discussion among the boys as to
whether they should stay on this side of the mountain and hunt the
beast or return to Piggy and the "littluns". They decide to...