What is taken short in Lord of the Flies? If you’ve come across the phrase “taken short” while reading Lord of the Flies, you might be wondering what it actually means. This British expression pops up in Chapter 5 when Ralph is trying to talk to the boys about their bathroom habits on the island. In this article, we’ll explore what “taken short” means in the novel and why it’s important for understanding the characters’ behavior and the challenges they face living without adult supervision.
What is taken short in Lord of the Flies?
In Lord of the Flies Chapter 5, the phrase “taken short” means to suddenly and unexpectedly need to relieve oneself, usually because of diarrhea. This is a British expression that Ralph uses when talking to the boys about their bathroom habits on the island. He says, “We have lots of assemblies. Everybody enjoys speaking and being together. We decide things. But they don’t get done. We were taken short at the assembly.” Ralph uses “taken short” not only to address how the boys are handling their toilet needs but also to explain Simon’s strange behavior when he wanders off alone. The phrase highlights both the urgency and unpredictability of their situation as they struggle to maintain order on the island.
Who was humiliated about being taken short at night in Lord of the Flies?
In Lord of the Flies, it was Simon who felt humiliated about being taken short at night. This detail highlights Simon’s vulnerability and how even basic needs can become a source of embarrassment among the boys on the island.
What is the short theme of Lord of the Flies?
The themes in Lord of the Flies have been widely debated, but two main ideas are commonly accepted: the struggle between humanity’s urge for savagery and the need for civilization, and the loss of innocence as the boys’ time on the island changes them.
Lord of the Flies Chapter 5 summary
In Chapter 5 of Lord of the Flies, Ralph calls a meeting to address some important issues about life on the island. He talks about how the boys aren’t following the rules, like keeping clean and using the designated bathroom area. Ralph also stresses how crucial it is to keep the signal fire going if they want to be rescued. The meeting grows tense as fear of the “beast” spreads among the boys, causing more arguments and anxiety. By the end of the chapter, it’s clear that order is starting to break down, and Ralph feels more isolated in his efforts to keep everyone working together.
What does Ralph think they ought to do before they let the fire go out?
Ralph believes that keeping the fire going is their top priority for rescue, and he feels very strongly about it. He even says, “We ought to die before we let the fire out!” This shows just how important the signal fire is to him and how desperate he is for the boys to be rescued.
What is Simon saying when the thinks the beast may be inside the boys themselves?
When Simon suggests that the beast may be inside the boys themselves, he’s trying to say that the real danger isn’t an outside monster, but the dark side of human nature. He believes that this inner darkness, which is the capacity for evil and savagery, can destroy mankind if it’s not controlled.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the phrase “taken short” in Lord of the Flies means to unexpectedly need to relieve oneself, often because of sudden bouts of diarrhea. This small but realistic detail shows some of the practical challenges the boys face as they try to live without adult supervision. By including moments like this, Golding gives us a more authentic look at what survival on the island is really like.