Chapter 10: The Shell and the Glasses Practice Quiz — Lord of the Flies
by William Golding — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: Chapter 10: The Shell and the Glasses
Who remains loyal to Ralph at the beginning of Chapter 10?
Piggy, Samneric (Sam and Eric), and a few littluns.
How does Ralph describe what happened to Simon?
Ralph openly calls it murder, saying 'That was murder.'
How does Piggy respond to Ralph calling Simon's death murder?
Piggy denies it was murder, insisting it was an accident caused by fear and darkness.
Where has Jack established his new headquarters?
At Castle Rock, a rocky outcrop at the far end of the island.
How does Jack explain Simon's death to his tribe?
He says the beast came disguised as Simon and that they cannot truly kill it.
What does Jack do to maintain control over his tribe?
He uses fear of the beast, provides meat, enforces rules through punishment, and has boys beaten for disobedience.
What do Jack's raiders steal from Ralph's camp?
Piggy's glasses, which are the only means of starting fire on the island.
What does Ralph initially think the raiders came to steal?
The conch shell.
Why is it significant that the raiders ignored the conch?
It shows that the conch's symbolic authority—representing democracy and civil order—has become meaningless to Jack's tribe.
What do Piggy's glasses symbolize in the novel?
Intellectual power, reason, clear-sightedness, and the practical ability to make fire (technology).
What does the conch shell symbolize?
Democratic authority, civilized order, and the right to speak and be heard.
How does the theft of the glasses affect Piggy?
It leaves him virtually blind and completely dependent on others, symbolizing the powerlessness of intellect without protection.
What happens when Ralph's group is attacked at night?
A confused fight breaks out in darkness; Ralph and Eric accidentally fight each other, unable to tell friend from foe.
What role does Roger play in Chapter 10?
He serves as Jack's enforcer, acting with open cruelty and participating eagerly in the night raid.
What theme does the boys' differing reactions to Simon's death illustrate?
The theme of guilt and denial—each boy copes differently with their participation in the killing.
How many boys can tend Ralph's signal fire?
Only four: Ralph, Piggy, Sam, and Eric.
What is the central irony of the chapter title 'The Shell and the Glasses'?
The shell (conch) is ignored as worthless while the glasses are stolen—showing brute force values practical power over democratic symbols.
How do Samneric respond when Ralph tries to discuss Simon's death?
They claim they left the feast early and were not part of the circle, avoiding the truth of their participation.
What does Jack's ability to rewrite the narrative of Simon's death demonstrate?
It demonstrates how totalitarian leaders manipulate truth to maintain power and absolve followers of guilt.
What literary device is at work when Ralph and Eric fight each other in the dark?
Dramatic irony and symbolism—allies attacking each other in darkness mirrors the boys' moral blindness.