In Chapter 4 of "Lord of the Flies," titled "Painted Faces and Long Hair," the boys' society begins to show signs of deterioration as they become more primitive. Ralph and Piggy are concerned about the lack of order, while Jack becomes increasingly obsessed with hunting.
Jack and his hunters, now mostly painted to make them look more fearsome, successfully kill a pig, which gives them a sense of power. This hunting success fuels Jack's dominance and leads to his growing savagery. During this time, Ralph and Piggy feel marginalized and struggle to maintain the signal fire, which they see as crucial for rescue.
The chapter highlights the contrast between Ralph's desire for civilization and order, represented by the signal fire, and Jack's allure of savagery and primal instinct. The tension builds as the boys' priorities shift, foreshadowing deeper conflicts among them as the story progresses.
The chapter concludes with a sense of foreboding, emphasizing the loss of innocence and the tension between the boys' civilized instincts and their growing inclination towards chaos.
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