Question

Read the passage from Lord of the Flies by William Golding.

"I’m scared of him,” said Piggy, "and that’s why I know him. If you’re scared of someone you hate him but you can’t stop thinking about him. You kid yourself he’s all right really, an’ then when you see him again, it’s like asthma an’ you can’t breathe. I tell you what. He hates you too, Ralph—”

"Me? Why me?”

"I dunno. You got him over the fire; an’ you’re chief an’ he isn’t.”

"But he’s, he’s, Jack Merridew!”

"I been in bed so much I done some thinking. I know about people. I know about me. And him. He can’t hurt you: but if you stand out of the way he’d hurt the next thing. And that’s me.”

How are the universal themes "the wisdom gained from experience” and "the relationship between violence and human nature” best developed in this passage?

Golding uses dialogue to reveal Piggy’s understanding of human nature.
Golding uses conflict to highlight the tension between Jack and Ralph.
Golding uses description to show how Piggy’s experience is connected to Jack’s violence.
Golding uses characterization to explain why Jack hates Piggy and Ralph.

Answer 1

Golding uses dialogue to reveal Piggy's understanding of human nature and conflict to highlight the tension between Jack and Ralph. These develop the themes of 'the wisdom gained from experience' and 'the relationship between violence and human nature' in the passage.

Step-by-step explanation:

Golding uses dialogue to reveal Piggy's understanding of human nature. In the passage, Piggy expresses his fear of Jack and his insight into the relationship between fear, hatred, and obsession. By stating that if you're scared of someone, you hate them but can't stop thinking about them, Piggy demonstrates his understanding of the psychological impact of fear and the way it can consume a person. This dialogue develops the universal theme of 'the wisdom gained from experience' by showing how Piggy's own experiences have shaped his understanding of human nature.

Golding also uses conflict to highlight the tension between Jack and Ralph. Throughout the passage, Piggy mentions the conflict between the two boys, particularly their roles as chief and subordinate. This conflict represents a power struggle and reveals the darker side of human nature, as it leads to violence and aggression. The tension between Jack and Ralph contributes to the theme of 'the relationship between violence and human nature,' illustrating how power dynamics can influence and corrupt individuals.