Jack satirized,
"That's right. Keep Piggy out of danger."
"Have some sense. What can Piggy do with only one eye?", explained Ralph,"And another thing. You can't have an ordinary hunt because the beast doesn't leave tracks. If it did, you would have seen them. For all we know, the beast may swing through the trees like whats its name."
They nodded. Piggy took off his damaged glasses and cleaned the remaining lens.
"How about us, Ralph? I mean-suppose the beast comes when you're all away. I can't see properly, and if I get scared-"
Jack broke in contemptuously. "You're always scared.
" Piggy said, "I got the conch-"
"Conch! Conch" shouted Jack, "We don't need the conch anymore. We know who's to
say things. What good did Simon do speaking or Bill or Walter? It is time some people knew they have got to keep quiet and leave deciding things to the rest of us-
" Ralph could no longer ignore his speech. The blood was hot in his cheeks.
"You haven't got the conch, sit down."
Jack licked his lips and remained standing.
"This is hunters' job."
The rest of the boys watched intently. The silence grew oppressive.
"This is more than Hunters' job," said Ralph at last, "Because you can't track the beast. And don't you want to be rescued?"
He turned to the Assembly." Don't you all want to be rescued?"
Yes, they wanted to be rescued, there was no doubt about that.
Question 1: What concern does Ralph express regarding Piggy's safety, and how does he justify it?
Answer: Ralph expresses concern about Piggy's safety due to his impaired vision and inability to see properly. He justifies it by highlighting Piggy's vulnerability if the beast were to attack while they were away.
Question 2: How does Jack respond to Ralph's concern about Piggy, and what does he emphasize?
Answer: Jack responds contemptuously, dismissing Piggy's fear and emphasizing that Piggy is always scared. He suggests that Piggy should not have a say in decisions because he is fearful.
Question 3: Why does Jack argue that they no longer need the conch, and what point is he trying to make?
Answer: Jack argues that they no longer need the conch because certain people, like himself, should have the authority to speak without it. He believes that decisions should be left to those who are capable and confident, implying that the conch is unnecessary for determining leadership.
Question 4: How does Ralph react to Jack's assertion about the conch, and what action does he take?
Answer: Ralph reacts by reminding Jack that he does not have the conch and instructs him to sit down. Despite Jack's defiance, Ralph asserts his authority by insisting on the rules of order and decorum.
Question 5: What does Ralph emphasize to the assembly, and how do they respond?
Answer: Ralph emphasizes the importance of being rescued, asking the assembly if they all want to be rescued. The assembly responds affirmatively, indicating their desire to be rescued without a doubt.
Question 6: How does this passage demonstrate the conflict between Ralph's emphasis on order and Jack's focus on hunting and power?
Answer: This passage shows Ralph's commitment to maintaining order and following rules, as seen in his insistence on the conch and his reminder about the importance of being rescued. In contrast, Jack prioritizes hunting and exerting power, disregarding the rules and authority symbolized by the conch. The conflict between their approaches intensifies as Jack challenges Ralph's leadership and attempts to assert his dominance.
