Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/2-10-1-the-shell-and-the-glasses

[Revision notes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes.md) › [GCSE](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse.md) › [English Lit](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature.md) › [AQA](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa.md) › [English Lit: AQA GCSE Lord of the Flies](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies.md) › The Shell & the Glasses

# The Shell & the Glasses

English Lit: AQA GCSE Lord of the Flies, topic 2.10.1

## Simon's Death: Accident or Murder?

Ralph and Piggy discuss the previous night and Simon’s death. All the boys tell each other that they had left the event before the dance but they all know this is a lie.

### The loss of order

![The loss of order](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2019-01/fc1342fd-9373-4e22-97a1-37ce190cd3bd/conch-shell-beach-sand-.jpg)

- Ralph asks Piggy who remains in their group. Piggy says only the two of them, as well as Sam and Eric and some littleuns.
- They sit in the meeting circle and look at the conch, realising that it no longer has any power to bring civilised behaviour, rules or order.

### __“Murder”__

![__“Murder”__](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/631331f4-8b91-428c-80c7-d962f66887a8/cemetery-morbid-death-die-.jpg)

- Ralph and Piggy discuss the previous night and Simon’s death.
- Piggy tries to say that Simon’s death was not his or Ralph’s fault.
- Ralph says that Simon’s death was __“murder”.__

### __“An accident”__

![__“An accident”__](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/a224dad3-04d2-48e8-8119-8a0194e2bf7f/shutterstock_598439609.jpg)

- Piggy argues that he and Ralph had not attacked Simon, that they had been outside the circle.
- Piggy says that their fear and the storm, as well as Simon creeping up on them, had caused Simon’s death.
- Piggy keeps repeating that Simon’s death was __“an accident”.__

### Remorse

![Remorse](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/bd5d77cf-8f98-4ea2-8597-d0a636aacfd2/shutterstock_597947693.jpg)

- Piggy and Ralph go to talk to Sam and Eric. 
- They casually talk about the dance, but all boys tell each other that they had left the event before the dance.
- All of the boys know that they are all lying, that they all played a part in Simon’s death, but they do not want to openly admit it to the others.
- We do see some remorse here, as the boys feel ashamed of what they have done.

## Jack Misuses his Power

Jack starts misusing his power more and more. Roger recognises this but does not comment on it.

### The defensive mechanism

![The defensive mechanism](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/fcde5ba6-dc70-4abd-8bf9-2a84603e4f30/matterhorn-switzerland-altitude-mountain-.jpg)

- Roger goes to Castle Rock to find Jack.
- One of the boys (Robert) shows Roger his defensive mechanism: he has a rock balanced on a log, so he can move a lever and send the rock crashing down the hill onto the enemy.
- Robert also tells Roger that Jack is going to __“beat Wilfred”.__

### Wilfred

![Wilfred](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/22eda2dc-7f03-4516-8f42-10d0058d6c30/shutterstock_437224012.jpg)

- Roger questions why and Robert giggles as he explains: __“He didn't say. He got angry and made us tie Wilfred up”__ and that Wilfred has been __“tied for hours, waiting—"__. 
- Roger recognises this as Jack misusing his power, but does not comment on it.
- Roger knows that this behaviour is wrong, but does nothing to address it.

### Defending the rock

![Defending the rock](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/2c336c20-869e-4949-aec2-fe1bc587ca8b/half-dome-granite-moutain-rock-cliff-.jpg)

- Roger and Robert go to Jack. 
- Jack has ordered the boys to untie Wilfred (who is crying and has been beaten up).
- Jack says they will hunt again the next day but some boys need to stay behind to defend Castle Rock against Ralph’s group as he thinks Ralph will try to spoil things.

### Disguise

![Disguise](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/017e0f16-4adf-4d76-87b7-81a02e443667/knife-crime-murder-.jpg)

- He also tells the boys that they need to defend Castle Rock against the beast.
- Jack says that the beast can disguise itself.
- He says the beast had __“disguised”__ itself to look like Simon.
- He leads the boys to believe that they did not actually kill Simon.

### Fire

![Fire](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/chemistry/5.1.1-Exothermic%20and%20endothermic%20reactions/fire-2407674_640-min.jpg)

- Jack tells the boys that any hunters must leave a pig’s head as a gift for the beast, to help protect them.
- One of the boys asks Jack how they will start a fire to cook any pigs they kill.
- There is an uncomfortable silence, as Jack does not know how to start a fire.
- Finally, Jack says he will steal fire from Ralph’s group in the night.

## _The Shell and the Glasses_

Jack and his tribe attack Ralph and his boys in the night. Jack steals Piggy's glasses giving him the power to make fire.

### Loss of control

![Loss of control](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/dfbfe3a1-7aff-4ac5-9a76-3e6890d2fe3f/chopped-fire-wood.jpg)

- Ralph and Piggy struggle to light the fire because the storm soaked the wood.
  - This shows how hope and goodness (the light of the fire) are struggling to survive on the island, especially after the boys have lost control and turned more savage by killing Simon.
  - The metaphorical storm of their crazed lack of control has ruined anything that could fuel their goodness (the wood).

### The fire

![The fire](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-11/d59ac427-cb75-4915-9948-e5273365653e/ashes-fire-.jpg)

- Ralph is determined to keep the signal fire going as he knows this is their only hope of rescue.
- Ralph, Sam and Eric go and get more wood for the fire.
- When they return, the fire is almost out so they decide to just re-start it the next day.

### Symbolism

![Symbolism](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-10/f9ddfa09-7f3d-4ae6-bbf1-302ed42c2be5/skull-dead-.jpg)

- Eric says that it’s pointless to keep the fire going at all and Ralph is shocked at this.
- Piggy reminds Eric that the signal fire is their only hope of being rescued.
- The fire symbolises hope, civilisation, security and safety – Eric could be beginning to question whether there is any hope or civility left.
- If the fire gets out of control, it symbolises death and destruction.

### __“Piggy”__

![__“Piggy”__](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/physics/AQA%20New%20Modules/8.1.1/Moon.jpg)

- The boys lay in their shelter and talk quietly to each other.
- Piggy hears a noise and tells Ralph to be quiet.
- They hear whispering: __“Piggy”__ over and over.
- Piggy thinks the beast has come.
- Ralph hopes that the beast will go to the next shelter along and take one of the littleuns instead.

### The fight

![The fight](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/1b8ba991-4cf4-4345-97c2-aa53fc2c840a/secret-shh.jpg)

- Something touches the back of the shelter.
- Ralph tells Piggy to be silent.
- Piggy has an asthma attack and ends up making a lot of noise.
- Suddenly, the boys are fighting enemies they cannot see.
- After pulling Piggy free of the broken shelter at the end of the fight, Ralph tells them that the beast had not attacked – it had been Jack’s group.

### Piggy's glasses

![Piggy's glasses](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/afac5865-79f6-44bf-9f33-18985431cd9a/jandhquotes.jpg)

- The boys were all injured in the attack.
- Piggy thought that Jack would steal the conch, but he did not. Instead, Jack had stolen Piggy’s glasses.
- This symbolises that Jack is not interested in order and civilisation; he wants power and control and now he has the power to create fire.
- Jack now has the power to create hope and security, or destruction and death:  __“From his left hand dangled Piggy's broken glasses.”__

## Test yourself on The Shell & the Glasses

- Who does Piggy say remains in the group at the beginning of Chapter 10?
- What does Piggy blame Simon's death on in Chapter 10?
- Which character has Jack made the boys tie up?
- Who does Jack say the boys need to defend Castle Rock against?
- What is Jack unable to do?

[Practise this topic for free](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/08b7e84d-b410-4ab6-9d2b-0cecf0e200ed/section/3caf44f9-1eb2-416d-b2e0-9acfa1419147/session)

- Previous topic: [2.9.1 A View to a Death](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/2-9-1-a-view-to-a-death.md)
- Next topic: [2.11.1 Castle Rock](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/2-11-1-castle-rock.md)

## English Lit: AQA GCSE Lord of the Flies contents

### 1 Context
- 1.1 Context
  - [1.1.1 The Title](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/1-1-1-the-title.md)
  - [1.1.2 Historical Context](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/1-1-2-historical-context.md)
  - [1.1.3 End of Topic Test - Context](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/1-1-3-end-of-topic-test-context.md)

### 2 Story Analysis
- 2.1 Chapter 1
  - [2.1.1 The Sound of the Shell](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/2-1-1-the-sound-of-the-shell.md)
  - [2.1.2 The Sound of the Shell 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/2-1-2-the-sound-of-the-shell-2.md)
- 2.2 Chapter 2
  - [2.2.1 Fire on the Mountain](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/2-2-1-fire-on-the-mountain.md)
- 2.3 Chapter 3
  - [2.3.1 Huts on the Beach](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/2-3-1-huts-on-the-beach.md)
- 2.4 Chapter 4
  - [2.4.1 Painted Faces & Long Hair](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/2-4-1-painted-faces-and-long-hair.md)
- 2.5 Chapter 5
  - [2.5.1 Beast from the Water](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/2-5-1-beast-from-the-water.md)
  - [2.5.2 Beast from the Water 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/2-5-2-beast-from-the-water-2.md)
- 2.6 Chapter 6
  - [2.6.1 Beast From the Air](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/2-6-1-beast-from-the-air.md)
- 2.7 Chapter 7
  - [2.7.1 Shadows & Tall Trees](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/2-7-1-shadows-and-tall-trees.md)
- 2.8 Chapter 8
  - [2.8.1 Gift for the Darkness](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/2-8-1-gift-for-the-darkness.md)
  - [2.8.2 Gift for the Darkness 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/2-8-2-gift-for-the-darkness-2.md)
  - [2.8.3 Gift for the Darkness 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/2-8-3-gift-for-the-darkness-3.md)
- 2.9 Chapter 9
  - [2.9.1 A View to a Death](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/2-9-1-a-view-to-a-death.md)
- 2.10 Chapter 10
  - [2.10.1 The Shell & the Glasses](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/2-10-1-the-shell-and-the-glasses.md)
- 2.11 Chapter 11
  - [2.11.1 Castle Rock](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/2-11-1-castle-rock.md)
- 2.12 Chapter 12
  - [2.12.1 Cry of the Hunters](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/2-12-1-cry-of-the-hunters.md)

### 3 Key Characters
- 3.1 Profiles
  - [3.1.1 Ralph](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/3-1-1-ralph.md)
  - [3.1.2 Piggy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/3-1-2-piggy.md)
  - [3.1.3 Jack](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/3-1-3-jack.md)
  - [3.1.4 Exam-Style Questions - Jack](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/3-1-4-exam-style-questions-jack.md)
  - [3.1.5 Simon](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/3-1-5-simon.md)
  - [3.1.6 Roger](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/3-1-6-roger.md)
  - [3.1.7 End of Topic Test - Ralph, Piggy & Jack](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/3-1-7-end-of-topic-test-ralph-piggy-and-jack.md)
  - [3.1.8 End of Topic Test - Simon & Roger](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/3-1-8-end-of-topic-test-simon-and-roger.md)
  - [3.1.9 Grade 9 - Key Characters](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/3-1-9-grade-9-key-characters.md)

### 4 Key Concepts
- 4.1 Themes
  - [4.1.1 Human Nature](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/4-1-1-human-nature.md)
  - [4.1.2 The Beast](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/4-1-2-the-beast.md)
  - [4.1.3 Savagery](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/4-1-3-savagery.md)
  - [4.1.4 Location & Setting](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/4-1-4-location-and-setting.md)
  - [4.1.5 Democracy & Dictatorship](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/4-1-5-democracy-and-dictatorship.md)
  - [4.1.6 Power & Control](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/4-1-6-power-and-control.md)
  - [4.1.7 End of Topic Test - Themes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/4-1-7-end-of-topic-test-themes.md)

### 5 Writing Techniques
- 5.1 Writing Techniques
  - [5.1.1 Allegory](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/5-1-1-allegory.md)
  - [5.1.2 Foreshadowing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/5-1-2-foreshadowing.md)
  - [5.1.3 Pathetic Fallacy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/5-1-3-pathetic-fallacy.md)
  - [5.1.4 Naming](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/5-1-4-naming.md)
  - [5.1.5 End of Topic Test - Writing Techniques](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/5-1-5-end-of-topic-test-writing-techniques.md)

### 6 Recap: Main Quotes
- 6.1 Characters Quotes
  - [6.1.1 Ralph - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/6-1-1-ralph-quotations.md)
  - [6.1.2 Piggy - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/6-1-2-piggy-quotations.md)
  - [6.1.3 Jack - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/6-1-3-jack-quotations.md)
  - [6.1.4 Simon - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/6-1-4-simon-quotations.md)
  - [6.1.5 Roger - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/6-1-5-roger-quotations.md)
- 6.2 Text Structure - Quotes
  - [6.2.1 The Sound of the Shell - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/6-2-1-the-sound-of-the-shell-quotations.md)
  - [6.2.2 Fire on the Mountain - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/6-2-2-fire-on-the-mountain-quotations.md)
  - [6.2.3 Huts on the Beach - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/6-2-3-huts-on-the-beach-quotations.md)
  - [6.2.4 Painted Faces & Long Hair - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/6-2-4-painted-faces-and-long-hair-quotations.md)
  - [6.2.5 Beast from the Water - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/6-2-5-beast-from-the-water-quotations.md)
  - [6.2.6 Beast From the Air - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/6-2-6-beast-from-the-air-quotations.md)
  - [6.2.7 Shadows & Tall Trees - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/6-2-7-shadows-and-tall-trees-quotations.md)
  - [6.2.8 Gift for the Darkness - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/6-2-8-gift-for-the-darkness-quotations.md)
  - [6.2.9 Gift for the Darkness - Quotations 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/6-2-9-gift-for-the-darkness-quotations-2.md)
  - [6.2.10 A View to a Death - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/6-2-10-a-view-to-a-death-quotations.md)
  - [6.2.11 The Shell & the Glasses - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/6-2-11-the-shell-and-the-glasses-quotations.md)
  - [6.2.12 Castle Rock - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/6-2-12-castle-rock-quotations.md)
  - [6.2.13 Cry of the Hunters - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/lord-of-the-flies/6-2-13-cry-of-the-hunters-quotations.md)