The twins holding tremendously to each other, dared the few yards to the next shelter and spread the dreadful news. Ralph stood up and walked for the sake of dignity, though with his back pricking, to the platform. Piggy and Simon followed him and other boys came sneaking after. Ralph handed the conch to Eric, the nearest of the twins.
"We have seen the beast with our own eyes. No-we weren't asleep-there was something moving behind its head-wings. The beast moved too. We ran as fast as we could-bashed into things-the beast followed us-nearly touched me- his face. "I am all rough. Am I bleeding?"
All the boys got horrified. Jack called them:
"This will be a real hunt! Who will come?"
Ralph moved impatiently. "These spears are made of wood. Don't be silly."
Jack sneered at him. "Frightened?"
"Course I am frightened. who wouldn't be?"
Piggy took the conch. "Couldn't we-kind of-stay here? Maybe the beast won't come
near us."
"Let's be moving "said Jack restlessly, "We are wasting time."
"No we aren't. What about the Littluns? Someone is got to look after them."
"Piggy'll look after them."
Question 1: What news do the twins bring, and how do they describe their encounter with the beast?
Answer: The twins bring the news that they have seen the beast with their own eyes. They describe the beast as having something moving behind its head like wings, and they recount how it followed them, nearly touching one of them.
Question 2: How does Ralph react to the news of the beast, and what concern does he express?
Answer: Ralph reacts with impatience, questioning the practicality of using wooden spears against the beast. He expresses concern about the safety of the littluns, suggesting someone needs to look after them.
Question 3: What does Jack propose in response to the news of the beast, and how does Ralph respond?
Answer: Jack proposes a real hunt for the beast and asks who will come. Ralph, feeling frightened like anyone would be, expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of wooden spears against the beast.
Question 4: What suggestion does Piggy make regarding the beast, and how does Jack react?
Answer: Piggy suggests staying put, reasoning that the beast might not come near them. However, Jack is restless and insists on moving, stating that they are wasting time.
Question 5: What does Ralph express concern about regarding the littluns, and how does Jack respond?
Answer: Ralph expresses concern about the safety of the littluns and suggests that someone needs to look after them. Jack dismisses the idea, saying that Piggy will look after them.
Question 6: How do the boys' reactions to the news of the beast reflect their different priorities and approaches to the situation?
Answer: The boys' reactions show a contrast in priorities: Ralph is concerned about practicality and safety, particularly for the littluns, while Jack is eager for action and hunting, prioritizing the pursuit of the beast over other considerations.