Ralph's reaction

[emilyhadzalic]

Feb 18, 2015 5:37:27 GMT Hope15 said:

Feb 11, 2015 10:05:59 GMT MsElliott said:

What unusual thing happens to Ralph after Jack leaves and after he realizes most of the biguns have left? What is the significance of his reaction?

When the older boys leave with Jack, Ralph is upset and concerned for himself and the other younger boys. He feels that without the older boys and Jack, he won't be able to manage. He tries to reassure himself by saying that "they were always making trouble" and "we'll be better off without them". I think Ralph feels a little betrayed as many of the boys left him even though he has done so much to try and get everyone rescued. This is significant because even if Ralph thinks that Jack's ways aren't useful, he feels lost and scared without him. 

I think that Ralph found Jack's ways to be at least a little bit useful, because even Ralph ate the meat that Jack hunted for the boys. Ralph definitely feels scared without Jack or the other biguns because now it's just him and Piggy that have to organise everything and take care of a handful of littleuns, and Ralph is starting to really feel the pressures of being a leader.

[mackenzieg]

Feb 17, 2015 10:17:37 GMT isabelleewert said:

Feb 11, 2015 10:05:59 GMT MsElliott said:

What unusual thing happens to Ralph after Jack leaves and after he realizes most of the biguns have left? What is the significance of his reaction?

After Jack leaves followed by many of the biguns, Ralph feels abandoned and increasingly concerned that they won't be able to manage without them. Ralph quickly occupies himself with looking at his bleeding finger and then says that they were always making trouble and they can do without them. Ralph is almost reassuring himself as well as the remaining boys that they will be happier and can manage on there own. This is significant as Ralph initially feels very disheartened about having less biguns and despite him disapproving of Jack's ideas and ways, he feels concerned that without Jack, his sort of other half if you like, they may not be able to continue. Ralph quickly changes his mind uneasily and says they will be better on their own.

I feel it is very significant that he tried to reassure himself by saying that they would be better of without them because it really shows that he is concerned about the situation and tries to cover his initial feelings.