chapter 6 quotes

• A sign came down from the world of grown-ups…

  • A dead parachutist drifts down from the sky onto the island at night while the boys are asleep.
  • This happens after an aerial battle in the world of adults, showing that violence isn’t just among the boys.
  • ralph got the sign he asked for Ironically, this "sign" increases their fear rather than giving them wisdom or rescue.
• There was a sudden bright explosion and a corkscrew trail across the sky; then darkness again and stars.”

  violence in the adult world mirrors what happening on the island

  • the "explosion" and "darkness" reflect how destruction and war are constant.
  • The contrast between the "bright explosion" and the "stars" suggests that beauty and violence coexist.
• The creature lifted its head, holding toward them the ruin of a face..

  • The "creature" isn’t real—it’s a dead man. But fear distorts reality.
  • "The ruin of a face" creates a grotesque image, emphasizing death and decay.
• “We don’t need the conch anymore. We know who ought to say things.” (Jack)

  • Jack challenges Ralph’s authority by suggesting that the conch (a symbol of order and democracy) is useless.
  • Jack is rejecting rules and structure, signaling the group's shift toward savagery.
  • The conch, once powerful, is losing its influence.
  • This foreshadows Jack's eventual complete takeover and the destruction of the conch later in the novel.
• "I’m chief. I’ll go. Don’t argue." (Ralph)

  ralph asserts leadership skills when debating who should go look for the beast

  • Ralph is trying to hold onto his authority, but Jack’s influence is growing.
  • This moment shows Ralph’s courage, but also his frustration.
  • His short, commanding tone contrasts with his usual democratic approach, showing his shift toward more direct leadership.
• “We’ve got to talk about this fear and decide there’s nothing in it.” (Ralph)

  Ralph tries to reason with the boys, urging them to be logical rather than giving in to fear.

  • Ralph represents rationality, but fear is stronger than logic.
  • His words foreshadow that the "beast" isn’t real, but the boys will still let fear control them.
  • This moment highlights the struggle between order (Ralph) and chaos (Jack and fear).
• We don’t need the conch anymore. We know who ought to say things."

  Jack is rejecting the symbol of order, democracy, and rules.
• Course we have. ‘Cos the rules are the only thing we got!” (Ralph)

  • Shows that Ralph still believes in civilization, while the others are slipping into savagery.
  • The desperation in his tone suggests that order is fragile and slipping away.
  • This moment foreshadows the complete collapse of rules and order later in the book.
  • Ralph insists that the boys must continue following rules, despite Jack’s growing defiance.
• You’ll get hurt if you stand out of the way.” (Jack to Ralph)

  Jack subtly threatens Ralph, hinting that his leadership is being challenged.

  • Jack is becoming more aggressive, showing his ambition to take power.
  • The tone is threatening, foreshadowing later violence between Jack and Ralph.
  • This marks a turning point—Jack isn’t just questioning Ralph’s leadership; he’s starting to undermine it completely.