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About this quote

What does it mean?
Jack stands with a knife as two boys face off between the excitement of hunting and the need for common sense.
In plain terms
Jack represents hunting excitement while another boy represents common sense.
What can you take from it?
Conflicts often arise between passion and reason.

Where it applies

  • leadership disputes
  • decision making

Putting it to work

  • balance passion and reason
  • identify conflict sources

Questions to consider

  • When does excitement override common sense?

Another view

The quote contrasts abstract worlds without explicit dialogue.

More from William Golding

  1. His mind was crowded with memories; memories of the knowledge that had come to them when they closed in on the struggling pig, knowledge that they had outwitte…

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  2. 'The rules!' shouted Ralph, 'you're breaking the rules!' 'Who cares?' Ralph summoned his wits. 'Because the rules are the only thing we've got!' But Jack was s…

    Permalink to quote #20
  3. The chant was audible but at that distance still wordless. Behind Jack walked the twins, carrying a great stake on their shoulders. The gutted carcass of a pig…

    Permalink to quote #17

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