Piggy: Struggles with vision, moves glasses to see better.
Ralph: Injured, limping, and visibly distressed.
Sam and Eric: Collecting wood, part of the smaller group with Ralph and Piggy.
Roger: Joins the other tribe, encounters Robert.
Chief (Jack): Leading the opposing tribe, plans to hunt and attack.
Key Events
Ralph and Piggy's Conversation: Reflect on their actions and the consequences.
Ralph acknowledges Simon's death was murder.
Piggy tries to rationalize it as an accident.
They discuss the dwindling group and their fear of themselves.
Assembly Discussion: Ralph and Piggy consider calling an assembly but recognize its futility.
Sam and Eric's Arrival: Sam and Eric return with wood, surprised by Ralph's presence.
They discuss the feast and the events that transpired.
Roger and the Tribe: Roger integrates into the tribe, which is preparing for another hunt.
Discussion of Wilfred's punishment without reason.
Chief (Jack) plans to attack Ralph's group to steal fire.
Ralph's Group: Struggles to maintain the fire, recognizing its importance for rescue.
Discussion on the importance of smoke for signaling.
Difficulties in keeping the fire going due to exhaustion and limited resources.
Night Attack: Ralph's group is attacked by Jack's tribe at night.
Chaotic fight ensues, shelter is destroyed.
Piggy is hurt, but the conch remains untouched.
Realization that Jack's tribe came for Piggy's glasses, not the conch.
Piggy's Glasses Stolen: Jack's tribe successfully steals Piggy's glasses, emphasizing their need for fire.
Themes
Leadership and Authority: Ralph's struggle to maintain order versus Jack's tyrannical control.
Fear and Savagery: The boys' descent into savagery, fear of themselves, and the island's darkness.
Guilt and Rationalization: Rationalizing their actions to cope with guilt, particularly regarding Simon's death.
Survival and Rescue: The significance of the fire for rescue and the group's effort to maintain it.
Conflict and Power: Jack's use of fear and violence to control his tribe and assert power over Ralph's group.
Notable Quotes
Ralph: "Simon... that was murder." (Acknowledging their actions' gravity)
Piggy: "It was an accident." (Rationalizing Simon's death)
Chief (Jack): "We shall take the fire from the others." (Strategy to maintain power)
Important Symbols
Conch: Symbol of authority and order, remains untouched despite the chaos.
Piggy's Glasses: Represent knowledge and survival, crucial for making fire.
Fire: Dual function as a signal for rescue and a source of warmth and safety.
Conclusion
The chapter highlights the escalating conflict between Ralph and Jack's groups, the moral deterioration of the boys, and the struggle for survival and rescue. Piggy's glasses' theft symbolizes the shift in power and the critical need for resources like fire.