Summary
Highlights
The boys gather for a meeting where Ralph declares they are on an uninhabited island. He emphasizes the need for hunters and introduces the conch as a symbol of authority, dictating that only the person holding it can speak. The boys discuss the island's resources and the hope of being rescued.
A small boy with a birthmark hesitantly describes seeing a "snake-thing" or "beastie" in the woods. Ralph and Jack try to reassure the younger boys that there are no such creatures on the island, but the fear of the unknown lingers among the younger children.
Ralph articulates his plan to be rescued, explaining his father's naval background and the idea that all islands are known. He proposes building a signal fire on the mountain to attract passing ships. The boys are enthusiastic and rush to the mountain to gather wood, leaving Ralph and Piggy behind.
The boys struggle to start the fire. Jack eventually seizes Piggy's glasses to concentrate the sun's rays, successfully igniting the wood. The initial excitement turns into chaos as the fire quickly grows out of control due to the dry, rotten wood.
The fire rapidly spreads, engulfing a large section of the forest. The boys, initially excited by the flames, become exhausted and realize the destructive power of their actions. Piggy criticizes their impulsiveness, emphasizing the need for organized efforts and the depletion of their firewood.
As the fire rages, Piggy chastises the boys for their recklessness and brings up the younger children. He then points out that the little boy with the birthmark is missing, sparking fear and a somber realization among the boys that their uncontrolled fire has had a tragic consequence.