Eighth Grade Reading Blog

Explain the significance of the following passage that appears on page 91: “The world, that understandable and lawful world, was slipping away. Once there was this and that; and now–and the ship had gone.”

On page 89, regarding the beast, Simon says “maybe it’s only us.” What might he mean and do you think he’s right or wrong? Why?

Explain the scene on page 87 in which Percival weeps.

How does Ralph, on page 86, feel about the missing littlun and what does that say about Ralph?

How are Jack’s and Ralph’s philosophies different (p. 83)?

Starting on page 82, describe the role of fear in the deterioration of order.

What does Golding mean when he writes, “Ralph was a specialist in thought now [...]” (p. 78)?

Describe Ralph’s “new mood of comprehension.” (p. 76)

Jack behaves violently on the top of page 71 and, according to Golding, Piggy’s “advertising [Jack's] omission made more cruelty necessary” on page 73. Explain the motivation you see behind Jack’s actions in these two spots.

On page 73, Ralph is compared to a “wolf” and, on page 47, Jack is said to be “dog-like.” What is the effect of these comparisons (and others in the text) linking the boys to canine pack animals?

What happens–literally and metaphorically–when Jack puts on the “mask” on the top of page 63?

On page 61, what does Golding mean by this metaphor on the bottom of page 61: “a darker shadow crept beneath the swarthiness of [Roger's] skin…”?

Explain what Golding means by the following two statements from page 61:
“Here, invisible yet strong, was the taboo of the old life.”
“Roger’s arm was conditioned by a civilization that knew nothing of him and was in ruins.”

Describe the significance of Henry’s actions on page 60 as they relate to the island’s “society.”

Describe the life of a littlun on the island based on the passage that runs from p. 58-60. What, if anything, do you think the littluns represent?

Welcome back!
Instead of doing a reading journal for the week of May 12, we will blog on chapters 4 & 5. You must post TWO comments PER CHAPTER: ONE responding to me, ONE responding to a classmate FOR EACH CHAPTER. ALL FOUR BLOG ENTRIES ARE DUE WEDNESDAY, MAY 14 although you may post in advance of that date.

Things to keep in mind:
1. Since this is an assignment for school, please maintain a formal and professional tone at all times.
2. I will review each comment before “publishing” it on the site.
3. Do not use text messaging or IM abbreviations.
4. Your responses should be thoughtful and substantive.
5. Read the site thoroughly and on more than one occasion.

Ms. Gearen