Purnell,+Matthew

Matt Purnell 3/15/13 Chapter 1 Civilization  The boys had a tough time remaining civilized, but were trying to work to maintain it. An example of this is “Let’s have a vote. Yes! Vote for chief!”(Golding 22). The boys decided to elect a leader for the group. They were practicing democracy. Ralph was elected and played a very important role for the boys. He set up order, jobs and rules for the boys to follow. Civilization begins to functions on the island with the boys. This quote shows success because the boys had an election, and followed their leader in how to survive and get off of the island.  Current modern civilization has a little good and bad. An example of the good is the advances in The United States. There are new ways for transportation, energy, entertainment and technology. Advances in technology have helped to further develop this nation. Examples of the bad in modern civilization include the economy and jobless rate, violence, and global unrest. Working together, like the boys, is the only way to tackle modern day problems.

Chapter 2 Nyctophobia In this chapter, one of the younger boys mentions that they saw a snake beast in the woods. The boys’ reaction to the news was fear. Nyctophobia caused them to be especially scared during the night. An example of this is “Either the wandering breezes or perhaps the decline of the sun allowed a little coolness to lie under the trees. The boys felt it and stirred restlessly. You couldn’t have a beastie, a snake-thing, on an island this size, Ralph explained kindly. You only get them in big countries, like Africa, or India. Murmur; and the grave nodding of heads. He says the beastie came in the dark.”(Golding 36). They were scared on what kind of creature is on the island. The older boys told them to stay claim it was just their imagination or a bad dream. They also told the younger boys to not to think about it. This has helped the younger kids to move forward and remain calm. Peers, friends, or a family member help you get past fears by distraction, disproving the fear, and reinforcing that there is no real reason to have the fear. Everyone has some kind of fear. My fear is public speaking in front of a large crowd. I am nervous at first, but get more comfortable as I speak. What frightens me the most is making a mistake when I am presenting. Mistakes are frustrating when I know I can do it. Many mistakes are embarrassing. I just want things to be perfect and to feel good about myself and my effort I put in the presentation. Practicing with peers or a family member increases confidence. Confidence in presenting is important. This gives me the courage to do anything, and even conquer my fear of public speaking.

Chapter 3 and 4 Good andEvil  Good and evil has made a strong impact in this novel. Simon represents good and Jack represents evil. An example of good is “They talked, cried out unintelligibly, lugged him toward the trees. Then, amid the roar of bees in the afternoon sunlight, Simon found for them the fruit they could not reach, pulled off the choicest from up in the foliage, passed them back down to the endless, outstretched hands”(Golding 56). Simon helps the younger children, the littlun to get fruit hanging from the branch. This quote shows that he is dedicated to help for the common good, kind and has a generous nature towards people. He represents someone who is on the spiritual side and has innocence. An example of evil is “His mind was crowded with memories; memories of the knowledge that had come to them when they closed in on the struggling pig, knowledge that they had outwitted a living thing, imposed their will upon it, taken away its life like a long satisfying drink”(Golding 70). This is explaining Jack’s mental state after he killed his first pig. The killing has caused the other boys to have a savage behavior. His actions have helped him by giving him pride in the kill. He is unable to think about anything else because his mind is “crowded with memories” of the hunt. Jack plays a bad character that wanted power, attention and declared that he was right. Earlier in the novel, Jack claims that hunting is important to provide meat for the group. Now this has become clear that Jack's obsession with hunting is for his own satisfaction. Hunting is for his own primal instincts and has nothing to do with contributing to the common good.  There are many numerous things that help determine what is good and evil. A good person is a person who is good to other people. A bad person is a person who does harm to others. Good and bad are negative and positive forces that exist in the world. A person determines which action or side they will take based on consequences, self-gratification, morals, or judgment. Simon seems to base his actions on his personal morals or values. Jack seems to base his actions on self-gratification, regardless of consequences or values.

Chapter 5 Beelzebub  An example of this is "Maybe.... maybe, there is a beast….I don't know... What I mean is maybe it's only us. Simon became inarticulate in his effort to express mankind’s essential illness. Inspiration came to him” (Golding 89). Simon is saying that he believes that the beast emerging might be themselves. The beast would actually be the other boys and the hunters. They are now splitting up as a group. Some are followers of Jack and some are following Ralph. They are became more savage and uncivilized because they were killing pigs without hesitation. The other boys laugh at Simon’s suggestion that the beast is really a reflection of themselves. His words are central to the author’s point of view that human evil exists. He is the first character in the novel to see the beast is not as an external force but as a piece of human nature. Simon does not yet fully understand his own idea. The boys used laughter and ignored the presence of evil. People also use these techniques so they do not have to deal with the situation.  Materialization of evil his been in this world for many years. An example of this is 9/11. Many people were killed, the Pentagon was attacked, and the U.S. trade center was destroyed. This attack was led by Osama Bin Laden, the founder and leader of the international terrorist Al Qaeda. He believed that Americans and their allies should be killed. He had many followers who did horrible things that they believed was for the good of their nation. But in reality it was pure evil and hatred.

Chapter 6 Groupthink Groupthink has become a powerful idea for the boys. There are some advantages and disadvantages. An example of this is “This’ll be a real hunt! Who’ll come” (Golding 100). Ralph, Jack and the boys work together to find the beast. Ralph allows Jack to lead the search as the group of boys set out. The boys are afraid to go across the walkway and around the ledge of the hill. Ralph goes to investigate alone. Although he was frightened when he was with the other boys, he quickly regains his confidence when he explores on his own. Soon, Jack joins Ralph in the cave. The group climbs the hill, and Ralph and Jack feel the old bond between them restored. An example of this is “The clamor broke out. Some of the boys wanted to go back to the beach. Some wanted to roll more rocks. The sun was bright and danger had faded with the darkness” (Golding 108).Chaos starts to happen. The other boys begin to play games by pushing rocks into the sea. Many of them begin to lose sight of the purpose of their expedition. Ralph was angry and reminds them that they are looking for the beast. He says that they must return to the other mountain so that they can rebuild a fire for a signal. Some boys did not have faith in Ralph’s plan to get off the island. They felt that it was impossible. They wanted to build a fort and do other things to protect themselves in their environment. They are displeased by Ralph’s commands to stay near the fire, but unwillingly obey. The positive of this is that if a rescuer comes, they are close enough to signal using the fire. They must work as a team. The negative is that they are fighting among themselves which keeps them from working as a good team. When you enter high school as a new freshman, you are not aware of what is going on. You must learn where things are and how to handle being on this new environment. In order to feel not as lost and alone, it is best to get involved in clubs and sports. There you are able to develop a strong connection with friends, teacher and your community. When you are more involved, you will have a feeling of belonging. As a member of a club or sport, you are part of a team and develop relationships with your team mates. These experiences help you grow as a person. You will be able to relay on your friends for help or advice. Groupthink helps you feel like you are a contributing member in high school.

**Journal Evaluation**

Name ____Matt Purnell______________________________________________


 * **Criteria** || **Point Values** ||  ||   ||   ||   ||
 * Overall **focus** and flow and use of transitions to make the piece **cohesive** || **5** || 4 || 3 || 2 || 1 ||
 * **Content** & textual evidence reflect the appropriate themes in the journal options || **15**-13 || 12 || 11 || 10-9 || 8-0 ||
 * **Analysis** of quotes are accurate and thorough || 15-**13** || 12-10 || 11 || 10-9 || 8-0 ||
 * Personal **connection** responses are articulate and thought-provoking || **10**-8 || 7-6 || 5-4 || 3-2 || 1 ||
 * **Mechanics**, Spelling and Grammar || 5 || **4** || 3 || 2 || 1 ||


 * Total ____48__/50**


 * Feedback**:

_$__ Provides unique and insightful perspective on the reading

_$__ Uses effective verbs and word choice to create strong sense of voice

___ Content is simplified or too general

___ Proofread more closely

___ Elaboration needed

Chapter 7

Dear Diary,  I am Peter and I am ten years old. Civilization is starting to fail on this island. Today we were trying to hunt a real boar for dinner. Ralph failed to capture it. We got disappointed and started to play a game called hunting the boar. A boy named Robert was the pretend boar. We were having fun. We danced, chanted, and eventually one of the boys got carried away and almost stabbed Robert. This shocked me and made me think that being on this island is somehow making us become progressively more savage like. Ralph reminded everyone that it was just a game and that we should all calm down. This is the reason why I choose to follow Ralph. He is more mature and able to control his own behavior. He has the best judgment and good decision making. He is a good leader, has good ideas of how to survive and leave the island. He still thinks about getting off of the island. The other boys are only thinking about hunting and the beastie. I have been constantly afraid of the beastie and of staying on this island forever. I want to go home to my family. The worse part is that I know that Ralph and Jack also have fear on this island. This worries me because we need a fearless leader. We will never survive like this. As the balance between civilization and savagery on the island shifts, Ralph’s control over the group will diminishes soon. We need to leave this place as soon as possible!

Until next time, Peter

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Chapter 8 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5;">Dear Diary, <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Civilization on the island is still on the road to failure. The news of the beastie monster has made me and the other boys in a state of uproar. We gathered on the beach. Jack was fighting to be the leader. He wanted to have power. He left the group because he was tired of Ralph’s leadership. Ralph has begun to lose hope, become depressed, and begins to feel like a coward when he knows the beast is real. Unfortunately, Ralph has lost his power over us. I decided to follow Jack. He was acting like a leader. He was able to get food for the other boys. He is not afraid of the beast and knows what to do. Jack and his group of boys have everything they need in their camp to survive. There are many hunters and a supply of food. His camp is definitely able to fight the beast and provide a safe place for us to be. Our attempts at a rescue are not working. We are losing are primary objective to build a fire and get rescued. The boys are starting to divide into two groups. They are beginning to fight among themselves about the beast they fear. If the boys continue to do this they will never be rescued. There's a lot of fear on the island. The fear of the beast is very powerful for the boys. I think it is the reason why we are having so many problems. Even Ralph was scared. This has made an impact on me, the other boys, and the littluns. This fear will change us and our civilized values will fall. We are not focused and our chances of rescue and getting off of this island are poor.

Until next time, Peter

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Chapter 9 & 10 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; line-height: 24px;">Dear Diary, I tried to find Simon to see what he was up to. I found Simon passed out. I decided to wake him up. Simon and I both began to explore and discover the truth about the beast. We needed to go there immediately to the beach to tell the others. I went to Ralph’s camp. I noticed that all the boys had left their original camp and joined Jack's hunters. Even Ralph and Piggy went. I tried to tell Ralph and Piggy the truth about the beast. They were not listening. I could not help them. There was a dispute and it started to rain. Jack and his hunters begin their chant. I saw Simon appear from the forest. They killed him on the beach. I think that in their eyes, Simon was the beast. I think that these boys are the ones who are the beast. An odd thing happened just after Simon was killed. The dead parachutist that Simon and I saw earlier, was driven by the wind, over the boys, and out to the sea. A storm hit the island right after that. It was chaotic just like the days events. After the storm ended, the boys gathered around Simon’s body as it washed out to sea. Ralph, Piggy, Sam, Eric, and I are the only ones left in the original tribe. Ralph and Piggy expressed their horror over witnessing and participating in Simon's murder. Jack and his crew took up residence at the fort. Jack and his tribe have been transformed into savages. They raid Ralph and Piggy's camp and steal Piggy's glasses. His glasses are what we use to make a fire. Civilization has fallen and the other boys have fallen into darkness. If only the boys would listened to me. If they would believe that the beastie is real, our situation on the island would be a lot different. We would be working as a team, without any violence or tension.

Until next time, Peter

Chapter 11 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; line-height: 24px;"> Dear Diary, Today, Piggy decided to confront Jack and demand his glasses back. I chose to follow Piggy for leadership. He is determined and reliable. He has never given up on being rescued and he also believes in Ralph. I feel that there is still some hope for being rescued because of Piggy’s encouragement. He was able to convinced Ralph to develop a plan. Piggy symbolizes hope and a second chance for all of us boys. The four boys and I went to go to castle rock with the conch. The conch is our symbol for law and order. Ralph blows the conch at the forts entrance. Ralph demands that Piggy’s glasses be returned. Ralph and Jack fight. Jack's crew of savages tied up Sam and Eric. I was also captured. They were trying to force us to join their crew. I was scared speechless. Piggy tries to talk some sense into the savages. Roger wedges the giant rock loose. It smashes the conch and knocks Piggy off the cliff. Jack and the others throw spears at Ralph, who runs away. There is fear throughout this island. Fear has transformed the boys into the beast itself. This fear is powerful because they killed Simon and Piggy. The boys are capable of any violent act. This day is the day where civilization has totally fallen into darkness.

Until next time, Peter

Chapter 12 <span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;">Dear Diary, <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> After Ralph ran away and the rest of us were captured, we were given a place to stay for the night. The next night, I say Ralph return to speak with Sam and Eric. They were our new guards. They warn Ralph to go away. Ralph learns the tribe will hunt him the next day like a pig. Roger is sharpening a stick at both ends. Ralph hides in the thicket. One of the twins gives away Ralph's location to Jack. They eventually fill the thicket with smoke. Ralph charges out and runs for his life. The hunters pursue and told all of us to follow. Ralph notices the island has caught fire. The hunters chase Ralph down to the beach where he finds a naval officer there to rescue us. Ralph told the officer everything that has happen in the island. The officer decided that Ralph will be the only one that is not punished. Ralph vouched for me, Sam and Eric. He explained that we were forced to follow Jack. The Officer agrees with Ralph’s decision. I was relieved. The Officer was a fair man and knows how to fix this situation. The officer took us to his crew and we traveled in their helicopter. Ralph, Sam, Eric and I were sent home. The other boys were sent to a military school. Jack and the boys with the more serious crimes were sent to the detention center. I was happy to be home with my family. My parents hug me often. My mother sometimes cries when she looks at me. I did have nightmares for awhile. I kept thinking I would be hunted. My parents reassured me and they soon went away. I felt sorry that Simon and Piggy were not there with their parents. It was a sad time for their families. Those who were responsible were brought to justice. Everything was going to be back to normal in a civilized society. It amazed me that we were only on the island for a few days. Many things happened during that short period of time. Our lives were changed forever. I learned that people can go crazy in a short period of time. Fear, stress, and the struggle for power can change people. I am very happy that I kept my values and beliefs. I am reassured that I can survive anything. Ralph, Sam, Eric, and I have a special bond and remain friends.

This is goodbye, Peter