Question

In Lord of the Flies, why does Jack see a “stranger” while looking at his reflection?

Answer 1

Jack sees a “stranger” when looking at his reflection because the paint on his face liberate him from his sense of self and excites him, it makes him feel powerful and bloodthirsty.
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Answer 2

In 'Lord of the Flies,' Jack sees a 'stranger' in his reflection, marking his transformation and loss of innocence as he descends into savagery and becomes alienated from his previous civilized self.

Step-by-step explanation:

In William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies, Jack sees a "stranger" in his reflection, symbolizing a moment of self-awareness and estrangement from his former civilized self. This encounter with his reflection represents a critical moment of transformation where the 'stranger' he sees is the savagery and loss of innocence within himself. It's an epitome of the descent into barbarism that the novel portrays.

The reflection serves as a powerful symbol for Jack's realization that he has changed, and the face staring back at him is one that he no longer recognizes; it's the face of a boy who has embraced the primal instincts that the island has brought out in him. This use of reflection is a common literary device to explore themes of identity, change, and inner conflict.