Instructions
Read the instructions for each section carefully. Answer the questions based on your understanding of Chapter 6, "Beast from Air," of Lord of the Flies. Think critically about the characters' actions and the important symbols in the chapter.
Section 1: Vocabulary Builder
Match the vocabulary word from Chapter 6 to its correct definition by writing the correct letter in the blank.
- ____ Leviathan
- ____ Chasms
- ____ Mutinously
- ____ Interminable
- ____ Constrained
Definitions:
- A. Deep fissures or gorges in the earth, rock, or another surface.
- B. In a way that shows a desire to rebel against authority.
- C. Appearing forced or unnatural; restricted.
- D. Something very large and powerful, especially a sea monster.
- E. Endless or apparently endless.
Section 2: Comprehension Check
Answer the following questions to check your understanding of the chapter's key events.
- What is the "beast from air" in reality?
- When Sam and Eric tell the others about the beast, their story becomes more and more frightening. Why do you think they exaggerate what they saw?
- Who is left behind to look after the littluns while the older boys go hunting for the beast?
Section 3: Leaders in Conflict
This chapter highlights the growing conflict between Ralph and Jack. As they explore the new rock formation, their different priorities become very clear. Fill in the table below to compare their perspectives.
| Topic | Ralph's View | Jack's View |
| The Main Goal of the Expedition | ||
| The New Rock Formation (Castle Rock) |
Section 4: Thinking Deeper
Consider the symbolic meaning behind the events in this chapter.
- The "beast" is a dead man in a parachute, a soldier from the war in the adult world. What might this symbolize? What message could the author be sending by having the boys' "monster" be a dead adult from the outside world?
- While the others are terrified, Simon is skeptical. He thinks to himself, "however Simon thought of the beast, there rose before his inward sight the picture of a human at once heroic and sick." What do you think Simon is beginning to realize about the true nature of the "beast"?
Section 5: Your Perspective
At the end of the chapter, Ralph desperately tries to get the boys to focus on the signal fire again, but they are distracted by rolling rocks and the idea of a new fort. In 3-5 sentences, describe the feeling of frustration Ralph must be experiencing. What is he afraid is happening to the group?
Answer Key
Section 1: Vocabulary Builder
- D Leviathan
- A Chasms
- B Mutinously
- E Interminable
- C Constrained
Section 2: Comprehension Check
- The "beast from air" is the corpse of a dead pilot (or parachutist) who was shot down. The wind catching in his parachute makes his body move, creating the illusion that he is alive.
- They exaggerate because they are genuinely terrified and their fear makes them imagine things. They also get caught up in the drama of telling the story and want to seem brave for having faced such a creature.
- Piggy is left behind with the littluns.
Section 3: Leaders in Conflict
| Topic | Ralph's View | Jack's View |
| The Main Goal of the Expedition | To find and kill the beast, but more importantly, to relight the signal fire on the mountain and ensure they can be rescued. | To hunt and kill the beast. He is excited by the danger and the thrill of the hunt. |
| The New Rock Formation (Castle Rock) | He sees it as a "rotten place" with no food, water, or shelter. It is a useless distraction from the signal fire. | He thinks it's a "wizard" or "smashing" place for a fort where they can defend themselves. |
Section 4: Thinking Deeper
(Note: Answers may vary but should be similar to the examples below.)
- The dead parachutist could symbolize that the adult world, which the boys believe is civilized and ordered, is actually just as savage and destructive as what is happening on the island. The "beast" they fear comes from the very world they want to be rescued by, suggesting that evil and chaos are not just confined to the island.
- Simon is beginning to realize that the beast is not a physical creature they can hunt and kill. He understands that the real "beast"—the real evil—is something inside human beings themselves. The "human at once heroic and sick" represents the capacity for both good and evil that exists within everyone.
Section 5: Your Perspective
(Note: Answers will vary. A good answer will capture Ralph's sense of isolation and fear.)
Example Answer: Ralph likely feels incredibly frustrated and alone. He is the only one who seems to remember that their primary goal is survival and rescue. He is probably terrified that the boys are losing their grip on civilization and responsibility, preferring to play dangerous games rather than do the hard work needed to get home. He is watching his authority slip away as the boys are drawn to Jack's fun and savagery.