Blog #7 (LOTF)

Chapter Seven: Shadows and Tall Trees
"The Game"
Perspective: Simon

What is the game the boys play after spearing the pig? Who spears the pig? Describe the mood of the boys afterwards.

After spearing the pig, the boys pretend a boy named Robert was the pig and "hunt" him. They circled around him the same way they do to a pig, and charged at him as if they were playing rugger. They started poking him with the blunt end of their spears. Ralph was the one that speared the pig, but he didn't kill it since the spear only hit the boar in the mouth. After playing this game, the boys have a sense of bravado about hunting now, and even Ralph started liking how it feels to spear a pig.

What does Jack suggest as a substitute for a pig? What does this foreshadow?
Jack suggests using a littlun as a substitute for a pig, since he doesn't like the littluns very much and often thinks of them as useless and stupid. He is always impervious to their cries or requests, even if he should help them. I think this means he's willing to kill anything as long as he gets some fun out of it.

What evidence did the boys find that proves there is a beast? Why are they so gullible?

When Jack climbs the mountain to check on the fire, he returns with a dun, scared look on his face. He told us that he saw some kind of shadow in the dark, and he was sure it was the beast. I think the boys believe there is a beast because they're all afraid of what might be in the island. They probably think there are animals other than the pigs here and are windy in the dark.

What do you think of the game the boys played after spearing the pig?

I don't think Ralph should have played that game with the hunters, since they could have hurt Robert or someone could have gotten too excited and accidentally poked him with the sharp end of the spear. Also, if Ralph starts playing games with the hunters, Jack might think Ralph's joined his tribe and could think he's more powerful than he really is.