Question 8

8. What is ironic about the fire the tribe creates to flush out Ralph?

The tribe creates a fire to flush out Ralph and to let the tribe find Ralph easily. Ralph’s chest feels as if it is on fire because of all the smoke from the fire. The tribe has set the island on fire. On p. 177 “They had smoked him out and set the island on fire.” Ralph is running around trying to hide but having a lot of trouble.

This part of the story is very ironic. First In one chapter Piggy runs to the conch and Ralph runs to the fire. He looks at the fire as a symbol of hope and civilization. He uses the fire for smoke and to get rescued. In this excerpt the tribe is using the smoke against him and the smoke is making everything hard for Ralph. The fire is no longer a symbol of civilization, warmth and light. It is now savagery and pain. The fire does get the attention of a naval officer but the fire also destroys the whole island. The symbol of fire and smoke, Ralph’s most useful tool turns against him at the end.