Lord of the Flies

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1. 
   missblimey Teacher
   High School - 12th Grade

   Ralph's initial attitude towards the island is one of delight and pleasure; something that seems ironic when you consider what happens to him on it later. The reason he is pleased is because he relishes the idea of being away from adult authority - a prospect which is described as being a "realized ambition" (chapter 1) for him. He quickly fits into the role of a 'savage', removing his clothes and ignoring Piggy's questions and attempts to bring order and sense to proceedings. Again this is an example of irony as later in the novel he opposes Jack's descent into savagery and is the only one to champion Piggy's point of view.

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   Posted by missblimey on Thursday August 14, 2008 at 9:17 PM
   
   

2. 
   reidalot Teacher
   College - Freshman

   Ralph is absolutely delighted to be on the island away from adult authority and it spurs on his ambition: When Piggy tells him there are no grown ups on the island, "The delight of a realized ambition overcame him" (Chap 1). Ralph strips off his clothes, "...pulled off his shirt...undid the snake-clasp of his belt, lugged off his shorts and pants, and stood there naked" (Chap 1). Thus, Golding sets the scene to turn the boys away from civilization, the metaphor of shedding the clothes, and turn toward the primitive. What Ralph doesn't realize in his joy at his newfound freedom without authority is the price of responsibility!

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   http://www.enotes.com/lordoftheflies

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   Posted by reidalot on Friday August 15, 2008 at 5:08 AM
   
   

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