Chapter 4

Lord of the Flies

Chapter 4: Painted Faces and Long Hair
"Jack and the Hunters"
Perspective: Ralph

Dear Diary,

Jack is really starting to get on my nerves. Him and his pack of psycho followers let the fire go out the one time that we needed it. We saw smoke from a ship and looked to see if the signal fire was burning and it wasn't. We could've been rescued but Jack and the Hunters were on a crazed pig chase. They caught a pig and I have to admit that it did taste good eating meat. In order to fool the pig, the boys painted their faces, half red and half white. When they paint their faces, they turn into savages, true killing machines. I don't know if this will become a habit but once they paint their faces, they are insane. It's like all the good blood in their body is replaced with the red clay of a savage. I hope that the other boys don't pressure me or Piggy into going on their horrible hunting run.

Recently, Piggy has really gotten some guts. He has given Jack back everything that Jack gave him. I hate to say this but I am actually proud of Piggy. I think he realized that it would be better to try to contribute then just be the quiet one. I hope that Jack starts realizing that Piggy can give it right back to him. Piggy might not be the best looking boy on this island, but he is actually looking out for himself and not letting Jack or any of the other boys in that case, treat him with disrespect.

I like being on the island because of the adventure feeling and I like being the leader. I like it because we get to decide what happens here not the adults. The only thing that all of us are just starting to realize is that we have no idea how long it will be until we are rescued. It could be tomorrow or in 10 years.

The boys or the little ones on the island are so easily persuaded. They will do anything but only if you bribe them. Instead of using like money, which we don’t have on this island, Jack uses meat. The little ones need to realize that if they are going to get along with everyone, they need to think for themselves and not be bribed by things. They will get them whether Jack promises it or not. I am the leader of this island so I decide what happens. That’s fair enough.

~Ralph