Chapter 2: Fire on the Mountain
This chapter delves deeper into the boys' attempts to establish order and their first major setback. Ralph calls a meeting using the conch shell, demonstrating its importance as a tool for civilization. The group establishes rules, including that only the person holding the conch may speak during meetings.
Definition: The conch shell serves as a symbol of democracy and civilized discourse in the novel.
The boys decide to build a signal fire to attract potential rescuers. They use Piggy's glasses to start the fire, introducing another important symbol:
Highlight: Piggy's glasses represent intellect and the scientific approach to problem-solving.
However, their excitement leads to disaster when the fire spreads out of control, burning part of the forest. This incident foreshadows the chaos to come and highlights the boys' lack of foresight and responsibility.
Quote: "The fire was a big one and the drum-roll that had been roaring along the ridge for hours was dying away."
The chapter ends with the first signs of conflict between Ralph and Jack, setting the stage for the power struggle that will drive much of the novel's plot.
