The beginning of Chapter 5 of this novel is key for a
number of reasons. At the end of Chapter 4 we have just encountered a serious crisis.
Because of the blood lust that Jack has unleashed with his pig hunting, the signal fire
was left to go out, and a ship that could have rescued the boys passed by. Having called
a meeting, Ralph therefore has to consider how he can address this vital issue with the
boys and make them see the disaster that has just occurred. As he ponders how to tackle
the meeting, he experiences a kind of epiphany which shows he is wise beyond his
years:
Suddenly, pacing by the water, he was overcome
with astonishment. He found himself understanding the wearisomeness of this life, where
every path was an improvisation and a considerable part of one's waking life was spent
watching one's feet. He stopped, facing the strip; and remembering that first
enthusiastic exploration as though it were part of a brighter childhood, he smiled
jeeringly.
Until this point,
there has been an element of which the whole island experience has been like some sort
of childish game - a fun field trip with various activities. However, now Ralph suddenly
realises the serious situation they are in and he begins to fear what might happen to
the boys if they are not able to attract a ship for help. He grows up, as is summed up
in a sentence so important that it is given a whole paragraph to
itself:
This
meeting must not be fun, but
business.
Ralph therefore
experiences a moment of sudden understanding about the situation he and the boys are in
and how serious it is. He recognises the responsibility that is placed upon him as
leader to impress upon the boys that this is not a game, and that this is (as it will
become) a struggle for survival.
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