'Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood! Do him in!'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A chant showing the boys' descent into savagery and mob mentality.
- In plain terms
- The boys are acting like animals and want to kill.
- What can you take from it?
- Mob mentality can strip away humanity quickly.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When have you felt carried away by a group?
- How do norms shift in crowds?
Another view
It oversimplifies individual responsibility in a group.
More from William Golding
Simon's head was tilted slightly up. His eyes could not break away and the Lord of the Flies hung in space before him. 'What are you doing out here all alone? …
Permalink to quote #26 His [Ralph's] temper broke. He screamed at Jack. 'You're a beast and a swine and a bloody, bloody, thief!' He charged. Jack, knowing this was the crisis, charg…
Permalink to quote #28 He paused and stood up, looking at the shadows under the trees. His voice was lower when he spoke again. 'But we'll leave part of the kill for :' He knelt down…
Permalink to quote #25
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