The Flies Transformation Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Act.Scene.Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue. We used the translation by S. Gilbert found in No Exit and Three Other Plays, published by Vintage Books in 1989.

Quote #1

THE TUTOR
I can't think how you bear it – this emptiness, the shimmering air, that fierce sun overhead. What's deadlier than the sun? (1.1.2)

Look at the different mentions of sun in The Flies and the various ways the sun is interpreted. This description here forms a bookend with the final speech of the play, when Orestes walks happily out into the sunshine. How do the various interpretations of the sun change throughout the play?

Quote #2

ORESTES
I was born here – and yet I have to ask my way, like any stranger. Knock at that door. (1.1.5)

Sartre makes it very clear that Orestes hasn't returned to Argos specifically looking for vengeance. Rather, he's looking for a personal connection with the home and the people to which he belongs.

Quote #3

THE TUTOR
There's someone here. [He goes up to the idiot boy.] Excuse me, sir…
THE IDIOT
Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!
[…]
THE TUTOR
We're out of luck. The only one who doesn't run away is a half-wit. (1.1.10-18)

What purpose does this minor character serve in this opening scene of The Flies?