Chapter 2 of Lord of the Flies, aptly titled “Fire on the Mountain,” marks a significant turning point in the boys’ descent into savagery. Following the initial establishment of a rudimentary social structure in the first chapter, this chapter witnesses the first cracks in their civilized facade, driven by fear, miscommunication, and the allure of primal instincts. Let’s delve into the key events and unfolding drama of this pivotal chapter.
The Island Meeting and the Conch’s Authority
Upon returning from their exploratory trek, Ralph, Jack, and Simon convene another assembly, aiming to solidify their leadership and share crucial information about the island. Ralph, assuming the role of chief, utilizes the conch shell to institute a system for orderly discourse. This symbolizes his commitment to structure and democratic principles, borrowing from the societal norms they were accustomed to before their plane crash. The conch, in this early stage, effectively grants the holder the power to speak and be heard, a vital tool for maintaining order amidst a group of young, impressionable boys. Piggy, ever the pragmatist, grasps the conch and reminds everyone of their precarious situation: they are stranded, isolated, and desperately in need of rescue. This stark reminder injects a dose of reality into the boys’ initial excitement and adventure-seeking mindset.
The Beastie and the Seeds of Fear
Ralph attempts to uplift the group by painting their predicament as an exciting escapade akin to classic adventure novels like Treasure Island and The Coral Island. However, this optimistic outlook is quickly challenged when a small boy with a distinctive mulberry-colored birthmark timidly speaks up. He introduces a terrifying element into their idyllic island setting – a “beastie,” a snake-like creature he claims to have seen slithering through the dense woods. This marks the genesis of fear and the unknown, a primal dread that preys on the boys’ anxieties and imaginations. While Ralph attempts to dismiss it as childish fantasy, Jack, sensing an opportunity to assert his dominance and appeal to the more primal instincts within the group, eagerly embraces the idea of hunting and conquering this imagined beast. This moment highlights the contrasting leadership styles of Ralph, who prioritizes reason and order, and Jack, who is drawn to excitement, power, and the thrill of the hunt.
The Signal Fire: Hope and Hasty Action
Seeking to instill hope and a sense of agency, Ralph proposes a plan to create a signal fire on the mountaintop. He leverages the authority of his father, a naval commander, and his supposed knowledge of the British government’s mapping of all islands, assuring the boys of their eventual rescue. This promise of rescue, fueled by the signal fire, ignites immediate enthusiasm and action. The boys, energized by a common purpose, rush towards the mountain, their initial unity momentarily restored. Piggy, however, remains skeptical, his mature perspective clashing with the boys’ impulsive fervor. Ralph, caught up in the collective enthusiasm, leaves Piggy behind, foreshadowing the growing divide between reason and instinct, and the marginalization of Piggy’s voice of caution.
Glasses, Flames, and Forest Fire: The Descent into Chaos
The boys, in their haste, gather dry wood and ascend the mountain, their initial excitement quickly morphing into uncontrolled chaos. When Piggy finally catches up, his glasses, symbols of intellect and clear-sightedness, are snatched away without ceremony to ignite the fire. This act, though seemingly pragmatic in the moment, represents a disregard for Piggy’s person and the intellectual values he embodies. The fire, initially intended as a beacon of hope, quickly escalates into a raging inferno. It burns intensely but briefly, highlighting their lack of planning and foresight. Realizing the need for a sustained fire, Jack, ever eager to take charge, volunteers his “hunters” to maintain it, further solidifying his group’s identity and influence.
The chapter culminates in disaster as the uncontrolled flames from the signal fire spread to the surrounding jungle, triggering a massive forest fire. Piggy, observing the billowing smoke, criticizes the boys’ recklessness and neglect of the younger children. His plea for responsibility and adherence to rules falls on largely deaf ears, as the boys are consumed by the spectacle of the fire and the unfolding chaos. The horrifying realization dawns upon them that the small boy with the mulberry birthmark, the one who first spoke of the “beastie,” is now missing and likely perished in the fire they ignited. This tragic event serves as a stark consequence of their impulsivity and lack of responsibility, marking a significant loss of innocence and a grim foreshadowing of future tragedies.
Analysis: Order Lost, Savagery Ignited
Chapter 2 of Lord of the Flies starkly contrasts the initial attempts at establishing order with the rapid emergence of chaos and destructive tendencies. Ralph’s efforts to create a structured society, symbolized by the conch and the rules of discourse, are undermined by the boys’ primal fears and impulsive actions. The introduction of the “beastie” plants the seeds of irrational fear, which Jack skillfully manipulates to gain influence. The signal fire, intended as a symbol of hope and rescue, becomes an emblem of their destructive potential and lack of foresight.
Golding’s vivid description of the fire as “wild life,” a “jaguar,” and “savage” emphasizes the untamed and destructive force that has been unleashed, mirroring the burgeoning savagery within the boys themselves. The fire, initially meant to connect them to civilization and rescue, ironically becomes an agent of destruction and isolation, consuming both the island’s resources and potentially, the life of one of the littlest boys.
Piggy’s pronouncements about English superiority and the need for “rules” highlight the inherent irony of their situation. While they cling to the notion of civilized English behavior, their actions increasingly demonstrate a descent into primal chaos. Piggy’s perspective serves as a crucial counterpoint to the growing savagery, reminding the reader of the rational and moral values being eroded.
In conclusion, “Fire on the Mountain” is a pivotal chapter in Lord of the Flies. It depicts the swift disintegration of order, the rise of fear and primal instincts, and the tragic consequences of unchecked impulsivity. The chapter ends on a somber note, with the boys facing the grim reality of their actions and the potential loss of innocent life, signaling a dark turn in their island adventure and foreshadowing the deeper descent into savagery that awaits them.
