Chapter 10: Summary and Analysis

The Shell and the Glasses

Only Piggy, Samneric, and a few littluns remain in Ralph’s crew. Ralph is ravaged by guilt for his part in Simon’s murder and wishes to discuss the gruesome act with Piggy, but Piggy refuses to be involved in the discussion. Piggy suggests that the group cannot be held responsible for Simon’s death; he argues that it was the rain, thunder, and the frenzy that killed Simon. Piggy then urges Ralph to not tell Samneric that they had taken part in the frenzied dance. Piggy and Ralph then console themselves by claiming that they were not all that involved in the dance. However, Samneric, too, had taken part in the dance, and the twins also conceal their involvement. However, all four boys are deeply ashamed.

Jack’s tribe have now assembled in the castle-like structure. Robert stands guard and examines all visitors before letting them in. He has also put together a deadly trap to discourage unwelcome visitors. When Roger arrives at the castle, he is questioned at length by Robert. He then tells Roger that Wilfred has been tied up for hours and is now being prepared to be flogged.

Inside, Jack urges his tribe to remain cautious about intruders and the beast. He adds that the beast can take any form and can appear in any disguise. He also reminds his tribe to decapitate every animal they kill and offer the severed head to the beast.

Meanwhile, Ralph and his crew try to keep the fire on the beach burning. They collect as much wood as they can from the forest, but they are unable to keep the fire going, and Ralph reluctantly decides to let the fire die for the night.

Samneric, Piggy, and Ralph retire to a hut for the night. In the hut, Ralph finds himself yearning for home and civilization. His reverie is interrupted by Piggy, who claims that he can hear signs of suspicious movement outside the hut. The sounds are caused by Jack’s hunters, who soon attack the four. Ralph and Samneric manage to fight them away, but the hunters snare Piggy’s glasses on their way out.

Toward the end of the chapter, it is revealed that the hunters were tasked with stealing Piggy’s glasses in order to prevent Ralph’s crew from building a fire. Without his glasses, Piggy is rendered incapable of spotting and picking up wood for the fire. It is telling that Ralph and Piggy protect the conch when the hunters ambush them; they believe Jack’s hunters are there to steal the conch. They are unable to recognize that Jack and his crew do not see the conch as a symbol of power and authority. Ralph and Piggy display a naïve allegiance to the conch,