Lord of the Flies: Key Quotations

Below is a list of all of the quotations we have covered organised by character and theme:

Human Nature and the Descent into Savagery

1. Ralph: "The fire is the most important thing on the island, because, because—"
2. Jack: "The mask was a thing on its own, behind which Jack hid, liberated from shame and self-consciousness."
3. Roger: "Roger sharpened a stick at both ends."
4. Roger: "He began to dance and his laughter became a bloodthirsty snarling."

The Loss of Innocence

1. Ralph: "I'm frightened. Of us. I want to go home. Oh God, I want to go home."
2. Simon: "Maybe there is a beast... maybe it's only us."
3. Simon: "The water rose further and dressed Simon's coarse hair with brightness."
4. Sam and Eric (Samneric): "They're going to hunt you tomorrow."

The Nature of Evil

1. Simon: "Maybe there is a beast... maybe it's only us."
2. The Lord of the Flies (the Beast): "Fancy thinking the Beast was something you could hunt and kill!... You knew, didn't you? I'm part of you?"
3. The Lord of the Flies (the Beast): "The half-shut eyes were dim with the infinite cynicism of adult life. They assured Simon that everything was a bad business."
4. Roger: "He began to dance and his laughter became a bloodthirsty snarling."

Leadership and Power

1. Ralph: "The fire is the most important thing on the island, because, because—"
2. Jack: "I ought to be chief... because I'm chapter chorister and head boy. I can sing C sharp."
3. Piggy: "What are we? Humans? Or animals? Or savages? What's grownups going to think?"
4. Sam and Eric (Samneric): "They're going to hunt you tomorrow."