#13- Interpret the title of the chapter, “Gift for the Darkness,” in two ways.

I think that this is the pig head on the stick for the beastie. The gift is the head and the darkness is the beastie. I think Jack does this so that the beastie will not hurt the group of savages. Also jack says earlier in the chapter to forget the beast. Giving a gift to the beast, Jack hopes will prevent bad dreams and bad things to happen for the hunters.

The Darkness is the night. During the night everyone gets scared and needs the fire. Therefore the beast could be the night and this is a symbol like the fire. It is a symbol of security. Since they look at the beastie only in the night that is the reason why it is called a gift for the darkness.

I also think that the Darkness symbolizes nature and everyday life. Already the beastie has been seen in the trees and the sea, which are both part of nature. The beastie is internal and they only see it in nature. Giving the gift to the darkness could also symbolize giving the gift to nature. Jack just wants to be secure from the beast and is even using his pig to help it.