lord of the flies chapter 8 summary
Lord of the Flies Chapter 8 Summary
In chapter 8 of the novel “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding, titled “Gift for the Darkness,” the boys continue to struggle with their fear and the growing tension on the island. Here is a summary of the key events in this chapter:
- The chapter begins with Simon waking up after passing out in the previous chapter. He finds himself in the midst of a glade, surrounded by flies and a severed pig’s head, which he dubs “The Lord of the Flies.”
- The Lord of the Flies speaks to Simon, revealing itself as the embodiment of the evil and darkness within each individual. The conversation is symbolic and highlights the theme of the inherent evil that exists within human nature.
- Meanwhile, the boys, driven by fear and paranoia, mistake Simon for the Beast and brutally kill him in a frenzied attack. The scene is chaotic and filled with hysteria as the boys succumb to their primal instincts and lose touch with their humanity.
- Later, Jack leads a group of hunters to the mountain to find the Beast and fortifies the area with a makeshift fort. Ralph, Piggy, and Samneric also head to the mountain to confront the Beast. They witness the hunters reenacting a violent dance and chanting, further displaying the descent of the boys into savagery.
- Simon’s lifeless body is carried out to sea by the tide, symbolizing the loss of reason and morality on the island.
- The chapter ends with Ralph and Piggy expressing their disapproval of the violent and chaotic behavior, while Jack revels in the power and fear he wields over the boys.
Overall, chapter 8 of “Lord of the Flies” delves deeper into the darkness that resides within the boys and explores the destructive consequences of fear, paranoia, and the loss of civilization. It further emphasizes the growing divide between Ralph and Jack as their leadership styles clash and the struggle for power intensifies.