He spread his arms wide and turned to the whole triangle.
"We've got to smoke up there or die. And another thing. We nearly set the whole island on fire. And we waste time rolling rocks, and making little cooking fires. Now I say this and make it a rule because I am chief. We won't have a fire anywhere but on the mountain. Ever."
Boys stood up and shouted and Ralph shouted back.
"Because if you want a fire to cook fish or crab, you can jolly well go up the mountain. That way we'll be certain. All this I meant to say. Now, I have said it. You voted me for chief. Now you do what I say."
Ceremonially, Ralph laid the conch on the trunk beside him as a sign that the speech was over. Jack stood up took the conch and yelled at the Littluns for screaming like babies and not hunting or building or helping. He told them that there was no beast on the island. Piggy also discarded the idea of the presence of any beast or ghost, and so there was nothing to take fear of but people.
"Life," said Piggy expansively, "is scientific. That's what it is. In a year or two when the war is over, they will be travelling to Mars and back."
Question 1: What decision does Ralph make regarding the fire, and why does he assert this rule?
Answer: Ralph decides that the fire will only be allowed on the mountain. He asserts this rule because he believes it is crucial for their survival to maintain a fire on the mountain, as it ensures visibility for potential rescuers.
Question 2: How does Ralph use his position as chief to enforce his rule about the fire?
Answer: Ralph uses his authority as chief to make the rule about the fire, reminding the boys that they voted him as their leader, and now they must follow his instructions.
Question 3: What reaction does Ralph elicit from the boys after delivering his speech about the fire?
Answer: After Ralph's speech about the fire, the boys stood up and shouted in agreement, showing their support for his decision.
Question 4: What does Jack do after Ralph finishes speaking, and what message does he convey to the Littluns?
Answer: After Ralph finishes speaking, Jack takes the conch and yells at the Littluns for screaming like babies instead of hunting or helping. He tells them that there is no beast on the island.
Question 5: How does Piggy contribute to the discussion about fear and the beast?
Answer: Piggy dismisses the idea of the presence of any beast or ghost on the island, asserting that there is nothing to fear except other people. He emphasizes that life is scientific and mentions advancements like space travel after the war.
Question 6: What does Ralph's ceremonial action with the conch symbolize?
Answer: Ralph's ceremonial action of laying the conch on the trunk beside him signifies the end of his speech and his relinquishment of the floor, allowing Jack to speak next. It symbolizes a formal transfer of authority during their meetings.