Chapter 2 - Fire on the Mountain

I blew into the conch to get the attention of the other boys.  We all gathered around for a meeting on the platform by the beach.  I told the boys about what had happened while exploring the island.  Jack, Simon, and I had determined we all were on an island and so I told the other boys that.  I also said that we had seen a wild pig so there is food on the island that we would just have to hunt for.  I came up with the idea that whoever wanted to talk would have to be holding the conch so we would have order.  A little boy had stepped forward to speak to the group so I gave him the conch.  He was physically distressed and I could tell something was bothering him.  He said there was a beastie, some kind of snake thing.  I didn't believe him.  There is no beastie.  I moved on to the next order of business instead, how we will signal our rescue.  I determined we needed a fire to allow passing ships or planes to know we were stranded.  Immediately when I said it, all the boys except Piggy ran up the mountain to start building it.  I didn't know how to light the fire and I could tell neither did Jack.  But we got the bright idea to use Piggy's glasses.  I feel bad for taking them off him but it was for the good of the group.  He even went off on a rant and told us how savage we all were and I felt kind of bad because I knew he was right.

Personal Connection:  This chapter relates to me because like Ralph, I also have a fear of the unknown.  Whenever I don't know what something is, I like to pretend it doesn't happen or that there is some logical reason even when I can't think of it right away.  This means that I can understand why Ralph denied that there may be a beastie when the little boy with the scar brought it to the attention of the group.

Quote: "'A fire! Make a fire!'  At once half the boys were on their feet. Jack clamored among them, the conch forgotten.  'Come on! Follow me!'  The space under the palm trees was full of noise and movement. Ralph was on his feet too, shouting for quiet, but no one heard him. All at once the crowd swayed toward the island and was gone—following Jack.(pg 38)"  This quote is important because it foreshadows the struggles Ralph will have at controlling all of the boys.  It also foreshadows that Jack will steal some of the boys' loyalties and cause problems for Ralph and his group.