Lord Of The Flies Jack Face Paint Quote
Lord of the Flies is a novel by William Golding that explores the dark side of human nature. One of the most iconic scenes in the book is when Jack, one of the main characters, puts on face paint and declares himself the leader of the savage tribe. This moment is significant and has been quoted and referenced many times since the book's publication in 1954.
The Significance of Face Paint
When Jack puts on face paint, he is no longer the same person. The mask he wears allows him to shed his civilized persona and embrace his primal instincts. This is a turning point for Jack and the other boys on the island. They become savage and violent, hunting and killing animals and eventually each other. The face paint serves as a symbol of their descent into barbarism.
"We've got to have rules and obey them. After all, we're not savages. We're English."
This quote is spoken by Jack early in the book, before he puts on the face paint. At this point, he still believes in the importance of rules and order. However, as the story progresses and his obsession with hunting and killing grows, he becomes more and more savage. This quote is a poignant reminder of the boys' initial intentions and their eventual descent into savagery.
"Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood."
This chant is repeated by the boys when they hunt and kill a pig on the island. It is a disturbing and violent moment, and serves as a turning point in the story. The boys have now fully embraced their primal instincts and are no longer bound by the rules and order they initially set up. This quote is often cited as an example of the violence and brutality that can arise in the absence of civilization.
"Bollocks to the rules!"
This quote is spoken by Jack after he has put on the face paint and declared himself the leader of the savage tribe. It is a blatant rejection of the rules and order that the boys had established earlier in the book. This moment marks the beginning of the end for the boys on the island, as they become more and more savage and violent.
The Symbolism of the Conch
The conch shell is an important symbol in Lord of the Flies. It represents democracy and order, and is used by the boys to call meetings and establish rules. However, as the story progresses and the boys become more savage, the conch loses its power and is eventually destroyed. This symbolizes the breakdown of civilization and the triumph of primal instincts over reason and order.
"I'm not going to play any longer. Not with you."
This quote is spoken by Ralph, one of the main characters, towards the end of the book. He is addressing Jack and the other boys and declaring his refusal to continue playing their violent and savage games. This moment marks Ralph's rejection of the primal instincts that have taken over the other boys, and serves as a reminder of the importance of reason and order in society.
The Relevance of Lord of the Flies Today
Although Lord of the Flies was written over half a century ago, its themes and messages are still relevant today. The book serves as a warning of what can happen when civilization breaks down and primal instincts take over. It is a reminder of the importance of rules, order, and reason in society, and a cautionary tale about the dangers of violence and brutality.
Conclusion
The Lord of the Flies Jack face paint quote is a powerful and iconic moment in William Golding's classic novel. It symbolizes the descent into savagery that the boys on the island experience, and serves as a warning of the dangers of primal instincts and the breakdown of civilization. The book's themes and messages are still relevant today, making it a timeless and important work of literature.