Keyword Guide · chapter-summary
Chapter 6 of William Golding's classic novel introduces a physical manifestation of the boys' fears. As a dead parachutist lands on the island, the line between reality and imagination blurs, leading to a shift in the island's power dynamics.
While the boys sleep, a military dogfight occurs high above the island. A parachutist is shot down and drifts to the mountain top, becoming entangled in the trees. This 'sign' from the world of grown-ups is ironic; rather than bringing rescue or wisdom, it brings the grim reality of war and death to the boys' doorstep. The corpse's movement in the wind creates the illusion of a living creature, setting the stage for the chapter's terror.
The twins, Sam and Eric, are the first to encounter the figure while tending the signal fire. In their terror, they exaggerate the details, claiming they were chased by a creature with claws and teeth. This report causes a panic at the assembly. While Ralph wants to focus on maintaining the fire for rescue, Jack uses the fear of the 'beast' to justify a hunt, further undermining Ralph's authority and the importance of civilization.
The older boys set out to find the beast, eventually reaching a part of the island they haven't explored—a rocky formation later known as Castle Rock. Ralph takes the lead, showing his bravery despite his fear, while Jack is more interested in the tactical advantages of the area. Jack views the rocky outcrop as a perfect 'fort,' highlighting his shift away from rescue and toward a permanent, militant stay on the island.
As the chapter concludes, the tension between Ralph and Jack reaches a breaking point. Ralph is frustrated that the boys are distracted by playing and rolling rocks instead of rebuilding the signal fire on the mountain. Jack and many of the other boys grow resentful of Ralph's insistence on rules. This conflict illustrates the core theme of the novel: the struggle between the instinct for order and the impulse toward savagery.
The 'Beast' is actually the corpse of a dead parachutist who landed on the mountain after a mid-air battle. The boys mistakenly believe it is a living monster.
It represents the irony of the boys' situation. They look to adults for help, but the adult world is currently engaged in its own destructive war, showing that the 'beast' exists in all levels of humanity.
Jack becomes more focused on the thrill of the hunt and the power of finding a 'fort' at Castle Rock, openly challenging Ralph's leadership and the necessity of the signal fire.
Continue in App
Struggling to keep track of the symbols and themes in Lord of the Flies? Download Readi.AI on the App Store (id6758831794) to get personalized study guides, deep character analysis, and expert summaries that help you ace your English assignments.
