"Now think, Jack. Is there anywhere on the island you haven't been?"
Unwillingly, Jack answered,
"There is only the tail-end part where the rocks are piled up. And the thing might live there."
All the Assembly talked at once.
"Quite! All right. That's where we will look. If the beast isn't there we will go up the mountain and look; and light the fire."
After they had eaten, Ralph and the Bigguns set out along the beach. They left Piggy popped up on the platform. Under Ralph's direction they picked a careful way along the palm terrace, rather than dare the hot sand down by the water. He let Jack lead the way; and jack trod with theatrical caution though they could have seen an enemy twenty yards away. Ralph walked in the rear thankful to have escaped responsibility for a time.
Jack came trotting back.
"We are in sight now."
"All right. We will get as close as we can", said Ralph.
He followed Jack towards the castle where the ground rose slightly. On their left was an impenetrable tangle of creepers and trees. Behind Ralph, the tall grass had filled with silent hunters. He turned to the others,
"You. Hide here. Wait for me."
He forced his feet until they had carried him out on to the neck of the land. There was nowhere to hide, even if one did not have to go. Ralph turned away to the red cliff. The others were waiting behind him in the long grass, waiting to see what he would do. He realised with surprise that he did not really expect to meet any beast and didn't know what he would do about it if he did. A sound behind him made him turn. Jack was edging along the ledge.
Question 1: What decision does Ralph make about where to search for the beast, and why?
Answer: Ralph decides to search the tail-end part of the island where rocks are piled up because Jack mentioned it as an area he hadn't explored yet, suggesting that the beast might live there.
Quetion 2: How does Ralph organize the search party, and what instructions does he give?
Answer: Ralph organizes the search party by letting Jack lead the way while he walks in the rear. He instructs some of the boys to hide and wait while he and Jack approach the castle where the ground rises slightly.
Question 3: How does Ralph feel about temporarily escaping responsibility during the search?
Answer: Ralph feels thankful to have escaped responsibility for a time as he walks behind Jack, letting him lead the way.
Question 4: What does Ralph instruct the boys to do when they reach the castle area, and why?
Answer: Ralph instructs some of the boys to hide and wait while he approaches the castle because there's nowhere to hide on the neck of the land and he wants to assess the situation before making any decisions.
Question 5: What realization does Ralph have about his expectations regarding encountering the beast?
Answer: Ralph realizes with surprise that he doesn't really expect to meet any beast and doesn't know what he would do about it if he did.
Question 6: How does Jack's behavior contribute to the tension and uncertainty during the search?
Answer: Jack's behavior, such as edging along the ledge, adds to the tension and uncertainty during the search as he appears cautious and vigilant, suggesting that there might indeed be a threat present.
