Chapter 10 Summary

7)Chapter 10 summary

     In chapter 10, it starts off with Ralph and Piggy meeting each other on the beach the next morning. Piggy then tells him that the only ones left on Ralph's side was himself, the little'uns and the twins Sam and Eric. Ralph felt guilty and depressed that he was involved the killing of Simon, while Piggy states that they were not part of it. This shows how both of them still have the morality and some bit of civilization in them. This also shows the point of view by the two boys, where Ralph thinks that 'that was murder' while Piggy feels that 'it was an accident'. This goes on for awhile as Piggy tries to reassure Ralph that it was not murder while Ralph thinks he was slightly involved in the murder.

    Meanwhile, Jack has a new territory at Castle Rock and had set up traps such as having a log 'jammed under the topmost rock and another lever under that' and that 'a full effort would send the rock thundering down the neck of land'. Also, it was revealed that a boy named Wilfred was tied up for no apparent reason and was about to get beaten. This shows Jack being merciless and is prepared to kill anyone that he does not approve of that tries to enter his territory, showing how Jack has no sense of civilization as compared to his old, well-behaved self. Jack then appears and told them that they would be hunting the next day. He also warned them to be careful of trespassers such as Ralph and his gang and the beast, stating that the beast 'came--- disguised' as Simon and that it was not fully dead. This shows how the Jack and the boys were not guilty about killing Simon, unlike Ralph and Piggy, and believed that it was a disguise by the beast. This also shows that they are evading reality and does not want to face up to it. Also, it was shown that Jack and his gang was planning to go to Ralph's side to steal Piggy's spectacles as it was often used to start a fire.

    That night, Ralph and his gang were still trying to keep the fire alive. They went around collecting wood until the twins complained about it being too tiring. When the twins asked 'what's the good' of the fire, Ralph could not remember. He only remembered that it was 'something overwhelmingly good'. This shows how Ralph has also forgotten what the fire and smoke was for after all that has happened on the island, and has nearly forgotten his purpose to escape the island and return home. Then, they decided that they would only light the fire in the day as it was useless in the night. 
     Just when they were getting ready to sleep, they heard a noise. They initially thought that it was the beast coming to get them, and Ralph 'prayed that the beast would prefer littleuns'. This shows how Ralph would not care about others if it meant for his own survival. It also shows how fear can actually change someone drastically, from being caring and thoughtful to a selfish and uncompassionate person.
  In truth, it was Jack, Roger and Maurice that were lurking around their camp, hoping to get Piggy's spectacles. Then, they beat Ralph and Piggy up and stole his spectacles, which Ralph did not realize until Piggy spoke up. With this, Jack and his tribe had the possession of Piggy's spectacles and the power to start a fire, giving them an advantage over Ralph and his gang.