Chapter 1 Summary
In the beginning, the novel introduces a group of boys who crash land on a deserted island. After the horrifying plane crash, the boys discover a Conch shell. The conch shell is used as a symbol of authority, and only the one who holds it is permitted to speak. the boys start out to appoint a new leader on the island. All of the Choir boys on the island vote for Jack, a vicious, self-centered boy, as their leader. All other boys, vote for Ralph, a caring, motivated boy, as their leader. Ralph gains a majority of votes, and he serves as the new leader. In the novel, Piggy is often ignored and he is denied permission to go explore the island. Instead Jack and Simon are chosen to explore the island, and find available resources. They discover that there is no one else on the island, and they find a pig and are exhilarated by the thrill of hunting it. The pig manages to escape because they hesitate to kill it. The boys promise that they will not let any other pig escape, and that they will not miss an opportunity to kill their prey.
"Aren't there any grownups at all?"
"I don't think so."
The fair boy said this solemnly; but then the delight of a realized ambition overcame him. In the middle of the scar he stood on his head and grinned at the reversed fat boy.
"No grownups!" (1.4)
"Aren't there any grownups at all?"
"I don't think so."
The fair boy said this solemnly; but then the delight of a realized ambition overcame him. In the middle of the scar he stood on his head and grinned at the reversed fat boy.
"No grownups!" (1.4)