I really love this small part of chapter 2 and how it summarizes Ralph, Jack, and Simon through what they mention about the island
I’m sure this wasn’t meant to be this deep but I want to rant about how I interpret it ok……
Ralph focuses on the island’s beauty, as well as the necessities it provides. Initially, Ralph saw the island as an adventure, a perfect paradise with it’s layout and materials. This contrasts his mindset by the end, where he loses everything and becomes a witness to the evils the island uncovered.
Rocks themselves symbolize violence and Jack’s future takeover of castle rock. Another thing I’ve noticed is when they saw rock during the exploration it was usually high up, closer to the cliff or in castle rock. Similarly Jack wants to be above everyone else, he wants power. That’s what he sees in the island, a place to conquer.
The blue flowers represent Simon’s connection with nature and search for the truth. The flowers are ignored by the other two during the adventure, and Jack slashes them carelessly. Simon is interested in them though they aren’t immediately struck as useful. This same awareness and connection to nature leads to Simon’s fate.
