Lord of the Flies Rules and Order Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #10

The world, that understandable and lawful world, was slipping away. (5.227)

"Lawful" sounds good, but check out how it seems to just mean "understandable." It's not that the civilized world has all the answers (it obviously doesn't), but at least there's a system of actions and consequences. A lot of driving rules might be arbitrary, but that doesn't mean you can do whatever you want.

Quote #11

"I'm chief. We've got to make certain [that there is no beast]. Can't you see the mountain? There's no signal showing. There may be a ship out there. Are you all off your rockers?" (6.238)

Poor Ralph. He's learning that just saying "I'm chief" isn't enough; you have to have people to enforce your system of laws and order—like a police force, or Roger.

Quote #12

“[Ralph is] like Piggy. He says things like Piggy. He isn't a proper chief.” (8. 50)

To Jack, intelligence is incompatible with strength, and the latter is necessary for chiefdom. Because Ralph uses logic and reasoning like Piggy does, according to Jack, he can’t be fit to be the boys’ leader.