Schagrin,K

====1. After arriving on the island, Ralf quickly realizes that getting the group together should be a priority. The idea of law and order is shown through the conch shell. When the fascination of the shell subsides, From Piggy’s suggestion, Ralf decides he will blow into the shell, creating a deep, bass tone, in hopes that the other boys will gather. “We can use this to call the others. Have a meeting. They’ll comes when they hear us-“(Golding. 16). It has only been a few minutes after waking up, and already the boys are slowing starting their own civilization. Lucky for them, the idea of the conch has worked. A system of assembling the boys together has emerged. In order for their society to function, a leader had to be selected. This is another sign of civilization. For the better or the group, a leader was necessary to maintain law and order. All of these early actions by the boys are signs of civilization and their efforts to start and maintain them.====

====2. The current civilization of 2012 is active. Depending on who is asked, our society could be a success or a failure. Most would like to blame the President for failures, but rarely for success. When something goes wrong, everyone searches for a scapegoat. However, when something great happens, many seek to take credit. Our society is active, lively, and ever-changing. I think the best times are yet to come. If compared to a less fortunate part of the world, it could be said that we are spoiled. The people of America do not understand the power that we have. We are all under the umbrella of the government, but the public does not realize that the real power lies in our hands. As the election is approaching, we are essentially selecting a leader, like in //Lord of the Flies//. However, unlike the book, we have the chance to hear what each leader has to offer. We can vote based on what us as individuals want in a chief. I think we are lucky as Americans and should be proud of the society that has been created for us. I believe anyone who says our country is failing is looking at the glass half empty. We are the land of opportunity, and the land of the free. Yes, there are rules, but nothing the civilized human should have a problem with. There are aspects of our country that could be better, such as the economic state, but we need to be grateful for what we have in comparison to other countries. We are truly lucky to live in the United States.====

**Chapter 2: Groupthink**
====1.The concept of groupthink does not work without a leader. In this case it would be Ralph and Jack. The leaders get everyone to work towards a mutual goal. Jack leads everyone to the mountain intending to start a fire. However, he needs all the boys help with collecting wood, dead leaves, and materials. In this scene, the boys are working together to achieve a predetermined goal of starting a fire.====

====//“Life became a race with the fire and the boys scattered through the upper forest. To keep a clean flag of flame flying on the mountain was the immediate end and no one looked further. Even the smallest boys, unless fruit claimed them, brought little pieces of wood and threw them in” (Golding 41).//==== ====Golding describes how all the boys, even if they are small and weaker than the rest of the boys. This scene shows how groupthink is used by the boys. It works in Jacks benefit that the boys listened to him because in order for groupthink to work, there has to be a high level of followers, which Jack has. The outcome of the boys hard work is positive. They all found a way to work together under a common goal. Unfortunately for Ralf, the boys respect and listen Jack too.====

====2. Groupthink has a common presence in everyday high school. Personally, in my group of friends, there is no “Jack” or “Ralf.” We all equally have opinions. However, when there is planning to do, someone usually takes charge. A leader will emerge, and delegate specific things for everyone to do. In hopes of ensuring that the plans go well, we all do what we are assigned. Whether it be finding rides, or deciding where we will go on a weekend, we all work towards a common goal. In events like this, groupthink is positive, and rarely works in a negative way. The practice of groupthink is also developing in school. For a group project, where multiple members are instructed to work together, groupthink is necessary. It usually works better when a leader becomes evident, assigned or unassigned. They listen to everyone’s suggestions and work together to brainstorm ideas. If there is tension, and the leader feels like they cannot fail, it becomes very difficult. They become bossy, and self-centered. It is important for groupthink to occur in a teenager’s life. If done the right way, it can lead to success.====

**Chapter 3&4: Beelzebub **
====1. The boys are constantly getting weird, and uncomfortable vibes throughout the duration of their time on the island. A representation of a “Satan-like” character is Jack. His actions and words resemble that of a evil person. When Jack has finally captured the pig, he is ecstatic to come back and brag of his accomplishments. However, when he starts explain how he killed the pig, this is the words he uses, //“Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood” (Golding 69). // This is an obscure way of describing a happy moment. His vivid and gory details are glorifying a horrible act. He excites the boys, because it is in their human instinct to enjoy violent stories, as most boys do. However, as a reader, one may find it to be an painful way to describe his actions. ====

====2. An example of materialization of evil can be found in today’s media. Throughout the last few years, the media has done a great job of glorifying the horrible actions of people. One recent example is of the five girls who beat up and attacked a special needs woman in her own home. No one can explain why they did it, but now these girls are social media celebrities. It would be a disgrace to society if that was their ultimate goal. By posting horrifying actions on YouTube and other sites, they gain national recognition. Another example from a few years ago is about a family from Colorado who told the police that their son was trapped in a dangerous hot air balloon and was flying across the mountains. It was on every news station, and viewers were riveted. Police spent their time trying to figure out a safe way to rescue the young boy. In the end, it was found out that the family had lied about everything and just seeking attention. They succeeded in getting their 15 minutes of fame. With all this said, media has taken over our world. Because the majority of our society turns to social media sights for their news, it is easy get wrapped up in the evils of our society. We need to not give into tricks that attention-seekers want. That is the only way they will stop. ====


 * Chapter 5: Good and Evil **

1. In chapter 5, it is obvious that a divide is becoming more defined. Since the beginning, Ralf and Jack have been in a subtle power struggle. As their disagreements about what is truly important in surviving grow, so do their arguments. As a leader, the amount of followers one has is crucial. Jack is starting to sway and manipulate some of the littluns and begins acquiring the majority of the boys as his followers. This emerging divide become evident in the scene during an assembly that Ralf has called. As he is trying to get his point across, it is quickly dismissed by Jack. He believes differently from Ralf and gets the boys to follow him. Ralf notices this and does not know what to do. He says, //“If I blow the conch and they don’t come back; then we’ve had it. We shan’t keep the fire going. We’ll be like animals. We’ll never be rescued” (Golding 92).// Ralf knows that if he blows the conch, which is supposed to be highly respected, the boys will not come to him. He knows the Jack has won this round. Ralf even considers giving up his title as leader of the island. Jack clearly represents evil, as Ralf represents good. Ralf has a fringe group of himself, Piggy, and Simon. They all have good intentions and the group would benefit from their knowledge. However, the boys are young and easily respond to Jack. He simplifies things, and tells the boys what they want to hear, and the littluns do not know any better. Unfortunately, I believe that Jack, and the evil side is winning. He has gained the majority of the group and that is all that matters. Ralf still has respect, but not as much as before. It is a tough situation, and Ralf will have to step up, because there can realistically be one leader if they want success.

2. I have been fortunate enough to be raised in a family where determining something good from something evil was taught at a very young age. For example, when I was in kindergarten I was taught not to hit other students. This lesson evolved to not using violence to solve problems. Small lessons learned at a young age stuck with me throughout my life. In a present day situation, I would determine good from evil by the outcome. I think what the result will be after a situation. I try not to make impulse decisions and really consider what the effect of my actions will be. If it is something that is questionable, then it is not worth it. If the outcome benefits myself, and others, then it is good. It is important for moral growth to be introduced at a young age. I believe it was because of that structure that I continue to build on throughout my life.


 * Chapter 6: Nyctophobia **

1. A fear of the dark is not uncommon for many children to have. In fact, 90% of kids live with this fear. Along with the dark, the boys are afraid of the unknown. Ironically, this fear occurs during the night. They have a normal routine they follow throughout the day; the little boys will play, and the older boys will hunt, or built shelters. But, when nighttime takes over, emotions shift. The littuns become afraid of the dark. They cry themselves to sleep, while having nightmares. In chapter 6, SamnEric are watching the fire on the mountain alone. Golding describes the scene, //“The twins shared their identical laughter, and then remembered the darkness and other things and glanced round uneasily” (Golding 97).// The reader gets a glimpse into the boys fear. They are laughing one minute, and then suddenly remember its dark and stop laughing. Darkness is a symbol of evil. Bad things happen when it is dark. During the night, it is a whole different island. The boys do not deal with it well. For example, SamnEric think they have seen the beastie, and exaggerate the story to the rest of the boys. This fear is foreshadowed in this scene.

2. My biggest fear is of confrontation. I may come off as an outgoing, sociable person, however, when conflict arises, I stray away. It happens in my school life, home life, and work life. I could be considered one of those people who are “all bark, and no bite.” I can talk a lot of about doing something, but then when the situation arises, I cannot go through with it. For example, I recently quit my job. I knew there was no way I could do it in person because I just could not face my intimidating boss. I am not proud of how I quit, but it happened over the phone, and I had my friend pretend to be me. That is how scared I am of confronting someone. I had my friend call my boss and quit for me. I know this fear will continue to pose as a problem as I go to college and I need to get over it. Hopefully, slowly I will be able to do so.


 * Chap 7-12 Diary Entries **

To anyone who finds this diary, may they know the struggles we are going through. I decided today that I am going to keep a journal. When I was in school we were practicing writing so I want to make sure not to forget how. If anyone finds this, I am Finn. It sounds like a fish but I swear I am just a 12 year old boy. Today was a fun day! Jack, Ralph, and a bunch of us Biguns went on a wild chase for a big, fat, pig. Ralph almost got em’ but the sucker got away. I was kind of mad because I am very hungry. My mum says a growing boy needs his meat. I wonder if I am still growing. All this fruit seems to go right through me. I miss my mum. Dad was always working, so I never saw him much. Mum says he is busy because he makes machines for the war going on. Anyway, back to today. Us boys went out hunting and climbing this mountain. Jack really knows what he is doing. He acts like he lived here all his life. Jack is very brave. Ralph and him were fighting about the mountain but Jack said, “I’m going up the mountain to look for the beast-now” (Golding 119). I wish I could have gone with him, but I was too scared to ask. Sometimes Jack can be scary. He bosses Ralph around a lot. If I were Ralph, I would yell at him to stop. A few minutes later the boys came running down. They said they saw the Beastie! I knew it was real! I was excited at first, but then scared. I hope the Beastie doesn’t eat us. I’m going to sleep with one eye open tonight. I know Jack would kill it if it comes down to us though. It has been a long day. I will write soon.
 * Chap 7: **

**Chap 8**

I woke up this morning to the familiar sound of the conch. Man, that thing is loud. I wondered what Ralph wanted today. But Jack was the one holding the conch. That was weird. I was tired and barely listening but I remember they were fighting about the beast. The thing was real! What didn’t the others understand? Jack got mad at Ralph and stormed off. He said if anyone wanted to follow him, we can. I knew I wanted too, but I didn’t want to be the only one. I guess Ralph and Jack were not friends anymore. I hope this meant we will still be rescued. I knew I was going to be part of Jacks group because he will get us food. When he was leaving he yelled, “I’m going off by myself, he can catch his own pigs. Anyone who wants to hunt when I do can come too” (Golding 127). And he promised if the Beastie gets us, Jack said he will kill it. Food is all I think about these days. I don’t care about getting rescued anymore. I am always hungry. I do miss my family. When it gets dark, I think about my mum. I sometimes pretend I am in my own bed, that helps me fall asleep. I really hope we find another pig soon. I am getting slower without meat. I think the other boys feel the same way. I think Ralph, Piggy and Simon just care about being rescued. But, if we caught a pig, they would probably want some of it. I haven’t seen Simon in a while. Some of the littluns said he ran away alone. I hope he comes back. Simon is nice. I am going to bed, hungry again. Goodnight.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 14pt;">**Chap 9&10**

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 14pt;">It is the morning now, and last night was a crazy one. Jack and a few boys went over to Ralph and Piggy’s area. We had to get Piggy’s glasses so we could start our own fire. How else were we supposed to do it? Jack was so smart for suggesting stealing Piggy’s specks. I wish I could have gone with the boys, but Jack was in a bossy mood and I was afraid to ask him. I guess they got the glasses. They came running back and were very loud and happy. This made me happy too. When the yelling settled down, I went back to sleep. I had trouble falling asleep last night, because some bad had happened. Simon is gone. Jack and the boys killed him. I don’t talk to anyone about it because we are trying to forget it. I barely remember anything except yelling, “Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!” (Golding 152). We didn’t know it was Simon. He looked just like a pig, sort of. I am sad he is gone, he was really nice. But he shouldn’t have been walking around in the dark, that’s what Jack says. Jack says it was Simon’s own fault and he is right. I am not scared of Jack because I know he will protect us. He is always looking out for us. He tells us what to do, and when to do it. Sometimes he is angry, actually, a lot of the time he is angry. I just want him to like me. I want to be a hunter with him. We used to be friends when we were home in England in the choir. Ever since we got to the island, he never talks to me. Maybe it is because I am a little like Piggy. Me and Piggy look alike, and Jack does not like Piggy. I am going to work hard to look different and maybe Jack will like me more. Also, a storm came, that was very scary. I wish Jack would have talked to us through the storm, but I was alone. I hope no more storms come. I have been very scared to sleep lately, because bad things happen in the dark. I wish there didn’t have to be nighttime, just daytime. It is time to start my day, Jack is yelling at us. I will write again when I can.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 14pt;">Chap 11 **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 14pt;">Today was filled with craziness! I love my tribe! It was so exciting because Ralph came to our new area today. Roger, who I think is a little scary, was watching guard. Ralph was whining about how he wanted his fire back. He can be so immature sometimes. Then Piggy, who always has something to say spoke up as usual. I was barely listening but I think he was yelling something and calling us savages. Us? Savages? We all looked like we belonged, they looked like the outsiders. Piggy would not stop talking, so Roger finally shut him up. That was really scary to watch, so I closed my eyes. All I heard was the conch shatter. After that, it was dead quiet. Ralph and Jack were fighting. I tried to watch, but all the boys were crowding and screaming like a bunch of animals. Ralph is sneaky and was able to escape from us. Oh well, we will get him tomorrow. On the bright side, we got two new members! Samneric! They are weak so it was easy for us to get them on our side. The right side. Roger was going to whip those boys into shape. “The yelling ceased, and Samneric lay looking up in quiet terror. Roger advanced upon them as one wielding a nameless authority” (Golding 182). They would quickly learn that they made a good decision to stay. I am going to go enjoy the pig that Jack killed now. I am so hungry. I hope we can find Ralph tomorrow. Goodnight.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 14pt;">Epilogue **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 14pt;">Wow! I cannot believe I just unearthed this diary. The time I spent on that island was one I never wanted to relive. I might as well finish my journey for anyone that may find this diary and wonder the ending. It has been about 10 years since we were rescued on that fateful day. I just turned 22 actually, right in the middle of year 3 at college in England. But, back to that day. We were finally rescued. I couldn’t even tell you how long we were on the island from hell because the concept of anything modern or civilized went out the window, including time. I have tried to erase this all from my memory, but from what I can recall, I was in the middle of a wild goose chase after Ralph. Something bigger than me had overtaken my mind and body. Savagery. I was no longer a human. The actual rescue was like a blur, but I remember, as if I was dying, that the whole time flashed before my eyes. The hope of law and order of the conch from the first assembly, to the first pig we all hunted. All these events started playing out in my mind. It occurred to me that is had all be one big downward spiral. Ralph and Jack started to argue subtly, and then they were split. Before I knew it, Simon was killed, then Piggy, and almost Ralph. The haunting song started playing on repeat in my mind. “Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood! (Golding 152). I have paid too much money for therapy to rid my brain of this broken record, pretend it didn’t happen, but it did.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 14pt;"> When we finally made it back home, it barely felt like that. The idea of civilization became a foreign concept. It was like all us boys had been brainwashed. No one spoke of a single event from the island. Our family, the police, and doctors would ask. But no one said a word. Years went by and we all went to different schools. I haven’t seen any of the boys since weeks after our rescue. No one tried to keep in contact, thank god. I did hear a rumor that Jack had been arrested and is in jail for something, but I am not sure what. I ran into a girl at the bar that said she dated him, and he used to hurt her. Guess some things never change. I also passed Ralph in the quad at school. Yes, we go to the same school. Not once has that ever been acknowledged. We both know each other, but we are complete strangers.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 14pt;"> It took a few years for me to transition back into society. We were all treated like mental patients as we walked around town. The only ones who’s transition was seamless was the littluns. Those little guys were happy to see their Mums and Dads and get back to normal life. Every day I think of Piggy and Simon and the Mulberry face boy. We were beasts. I wish to never remember anything from my time on that island, but I can never escape it. It follows me wherever I go. People think I am normal now. The funny looks to me have stopped. But a part of me still wishes to hunt, to dance, and to kill. No one will ever know that though. Ever.