Lord of the Flies by William Golding chapter 3 - Audiobook

Summary

In this video script from 'Lord of the Flies,' Chapter Three, the characters Jack and Ralph navigate the challenges of survival on a deserted island. Jack, obsessed with hunting, leads a group of hunters while Ralph focuses on building shelters. Tensions rise between the two as they grapple with the island's inherent dangers and the boys' growing fears. The script vividly describes the tropical setting and the boys' struggle to maintain order amidst chaos.

Takeaways

• 📖 The script is from 'Lord of the Flies' by William Golding, a novel that explores the darker side of human nature through the lens of young boys stranded on an island.
• 🔍 Jack, one of the main characters, is depicted as a hunter, intensely focused on tracking and killing a pig, which symbolizes his emerging primal instincts and the struggle for dominance.
• 🌴 The setting is a tropical island with vivid descriptions of the lush forest, emphasizing the contrast between the paradise-like environment and the boys' descent into chaos.
• 🏹 Jack's hunting spear and his physical appearance, including longer hair and sunburn, illustrate his transformation from a civilized boy to a more feral state.
• 👦 The division of roles among the boys is evident, with Ralph taking on a leadership role and Jack leading the hunters, highlighting the emergence of social structures in the group.
• 🔥 The importance of the fire on the island is mentioned, serving as a signal for potential rescue and a symbol of civilization amidst the wilderness.
• 🏠 The need for shelters is discussed, reflecting the boys' struggle to maintain order and a sense of home in a hostile environment.
• 😨 The boys' fear of an unknown 'beast' or 'snake thing' is mentioned, indicating the psychological impact of isolation and the power of their imaginations running wild.
• 🤔 Jack's internal conflict is portrayed through his feelings of being hunted while hunting, suggesting a growing paranoia and the internalization of the boys' fears.
• 👥 The script mentions 'littluns' and older boys, indicating a range of ages and experiences among the stranded, which affects their ability to cooperate and survive.
• 🌅 Simon's character is introduced, showing his quiet observation and thoughtfulness, which contrasts with the more dominant personalities of Ralph and Jack.

Q & A

What is the setting of the 'Lord of the Flies' chapter three?

The setting is an island, specifically in a forested area with undergrowth, tree trunks, creepers, and a beach nearby.

Who is the main character in the provided script from 'Lord of the Flies'?

The main character in the script is Jack, who is portrayed as a hunter on the island.

What is Jack's physical appearance described as in the script?

Jack is described as having sandy hair that is considerably longer and lighter than when they first arrived on the island. His bare back is freckled, dark, and peeling from sunburn. He is mostly naked except for a pair of tattered shorts held up by a knee belt.

What is Jack's primary activity in the script?

Jack's primary activity is hunting for pigs in the forest, tracking them and trying to kill them with a sharpened stick that serves as a spear.

How does the script describe the atmosphere of the forest?

The atmosphere of the forest is described as very still, silent, and oppressive, with the silence being more noticeable than the heat of the day.

What is the relationship between Ralph and Jack as depicted in the script?

The relationship between Ralph and Jack is one of tension and disagreement. They have different priorities, with Ralph focusing on building shelters and maintaining the signal fire for rescue, while Jack is primarily concerned with hunting for meat.

What is the significance of the 'beastie' or 'snake thing' mentioned in the script?

The 'beastie' or 'snake thing' represents the boys' fears and the unknown dangers of the island. It is a source of nightmares and fear among the boys, contributing to the overall sense of unease and terror.

What is the role of the conch in the boys' society as suggested by the script?

The conch is a symbol of authority and order in the boys' society. When blown, it calls the boys to a meeting, indicating a gathering for discussion and decision-making.

How does the script describe the boys' attitudes towards work and responsibility?

The script describes the boys as being largely uncooperative and irresponsible. They prefer to play, bathe, or hunt rather than work on the shelters, leaving the bulk of the work to Ralph, Jack, and Simon.

What is the significance of the 'bathing pool' mentioned in the script?

The 'bathing pool' is a place where the boys gather to swim and play, representing a moment of respite and camaraderie amidst the challenges they face on the island.

Who is Simon in the script, and what is his role?

Simon is a small, skinny boy with bright eyes and coarse black hair. He is portrayed as helpful and caring, assisting Ralph with the shelters and finding fruit for the littluns. He also seems to have a deeper understanding of the boys' fears and the nature of the 'beastie'.

Outlines

00:00

🔍 Jack's Vigilant Hunting

In 'Lord of the Flies' chapter three, titled 'Putts on the Beach,' Jack is depicted as a determined hunter, deeply immersed in the pursuit of his prey. He is described as crouching low, studying the environment for signs of a trail, and moving stealthily through the undergrowth. His physical appearance has changed since their arrival on the island, with longer hair and a sunburnt back. Jack's focus is intense, as he uses all his senses to track the pigs, but he is also frustrated, as evidenced by his bright blue, nearly mad eyes. The forest setting is vividly portrayed as oppressively silent, and Jack's actions reveal his transformation from a civilized schoolboy to a more primal state, driven by the hunt.

05:01

🏕 Disagreement Over Priorities

This paragraph presents a conflict between Ralph and Jack regarding the priorities of the group on the island. Ralph is concerned with the construction of shelters and the need for organization, while Jack is solely focused on hunting for meat. Jack's hunters have returned from their hunt unsuccessful, and there is a palpable tension between the two boys. Ralph criticizes Jack for not contributing to the shelters, and Jack defends his hunting efforts. The conversation reveals the differing perspectives and the underlying tension between the need for immediate survival (hunting) and long-term stability (shelters). The paragraph ends with the boys acknowledging the fear that the other boys feel on the island, hinting at a deeper unease.

10:03

🌲 The Fear in the Forest

In this paragraph, the theme of fear and the unknown is explored. Ralph and Jack discuss the boys' nightmares and their irrational fears of a 'beastie' or 'snake thing,' which are not mentioned openly anymore. Simon suggests that the beast might be real, causing discomfort among the boys. The conversation shifts to the feeling of being hunted while hunting in the forest, a sensation that Jack has experienced and tries to explain to Ralph. The paragraph highlights the psychological impact of isolation and the boys' struggle with their own fears and the fear of the unknown in their environment.

15:03

🔥 The Importance of the Fire

The focus of this paragraph is on the importance of maintaining the signal fire for rescue and the responsibilities of the hunters. Ralph and Jack's conversation reveals their differing priorities, with Ralph emphasizing the need for the fire to signal any passing ships for rescue, while Jack is more concerned with hunting. The paragraph also shows the boys' frustration with the lack of help from the others and their inability to communicate effectively. The tension between Ralph and Jack escalates, reflecting the growing division among the boys on the island.

20:06

🌄 Simon's Solitary Journey

Simon embarks on a solitary journey into the forest, away from the bathing pool and the hunters. Described as a small, skinny boy with bright eyes, Simon is seen as somewhat of an enigma by Ralph and Jack. He is thoughtful and seems to have a deeper understanding of the boys' situation. As he walks through the fruit trees and helps the littluns find food, Simon's journey is portrayed as one of introspection and purpose. He eventually finds himself in a secluded, sunlit clearing in the jungle, a place of tranquility and natural beauty, which contrasts with the tension and chaos experienced by the other boys.

🌅 Simon's Encounter with the Island's Essence

In the final paragraph, Simon experiences a profound moment in the heart of the jungle. He finds a hidden space surrounded by aromatic bushes and observes a natural phenomenon as the candle buds open into wide white flowers, releasing their scent across the island. This moment is symbolic and spiritual, suggesting a deeper connection to the island and its natural rhythms. The paragraph concludes with a personal reflection from the narrator, who expresses enjoyment of the book and its vivid descriptions, and invites the audience to join in the continuation of the 'tropical adventure,' highlighting the contrast between the serene setting and the underlying tension among the boys.

Keywords

💡Lord of the Flies

This is the title of the novel by William Golding from which the script is taken. It refers to the central theme of the story, which explores the inherent savagery within human nature. In the script, the novel's title is not explicitly mentioned, but the narrative reflects its themes of survival, power, and the struggle between civilization and primal instincts.

💡Jack

Jack is a central character in the novel and represents the instinctual and savage side of humanity. In the script, Jack is depicted as a hunter, driven by a compulsion to kill, which is a manifestation of the 'beast' within him. His character is crucial to the story's exploration of the breakdown of societal norms when faced with a lack of civilization.

💡Hunting

Hunting is a recurring activity in the novel that symbolizes the boys' regression into savagery. In the script, Jack's hunting is not just for survival but also a pursuit that stirs his primal instincts. The act of hunting, particularly Jack's obsession with it, illustrates the boys' descent into chaos and the loss of their civilized selves.

💡Shelter

Shelter is a symbol of safety and civilization in the novel. The script mentions the construction of shelters as a task the boys are supposed to work on, reflecting the need for order and community. However, the shelters' shakiness and the boys' lack of commitment to building them underscore the disintegration of their civilized state.

💡Fear

Fear is a powerful emotion that drives many of the novel's events. In the script, the boys' fear of the unknown, symbolized by the 'beastie' or snake, leads to irrational behavior and nightmares. This fear is a key element in the story, as it reveals the boys' vulnerability and their struggle to maintain sanity in a hostile environment.

💡Civilization vs. Savagery

This is a central conflict in the novel, which the script touches upon through the characters' actions and dialogue. The struggle between maintaining order (civilization) and succumbing to primal instincts (savagery) is exemplified by the tension between Ralph's attempts to organize and Jack's desire to hunt. The script illustrates this conflict through the boys' inability to balance their need for survival with their desire for order.

💡Ralph

Ralph is another key character who represents the struggle to maintain order and civilization. In the script, Ralph is concerned with the practicalities of survival, such as building shelters and maintaining the signal fire. His character contrasts with Jack's, highlighting the internal conflict within the group and the broader theme of the novel.

💡Signal Fire

The signal fire is a symbol of the boys' hope for rescue and their connection to the civilized world. In the script, Ralph's concern about the fire's visibility reflects the boys' desire to be found and saved. The fire's importance also underscores the tension between the boys' immediate needs (hunting for food) and their long-term goal of survival (being rescued).

💡Island

The island is the setting of the novel and serves as a microcosm for the world at large. In the script, the island is described as a tropical paradise with an undercurrent of danger and chaos. The island's characteristics, such as its isolation and the presence of a 'beast,' contribute to the boys' psychological transformation and the unfolding of the novel's themes.

💡Beast

The 'beast' is a recurring element in the novel that represents the boys' fear and the unknown. In the script, the beast is mentioned indirectly through the boys' conversations about their nightmares and the 'snake thing.' The concept of the beast is integral to the novel's exploration of fear and the manifestation of evil within a seemingly idyllic setting.

💡Madness

Madness is a theme that emerges as the boys struggle to survive on the island. In the script, Jack's eyes are described as having a 'madness' in them, which suggests his increasing loss of control and descent into savagery. The theme of madness is used to illustrate the disintegration of the boys' mental state as they grapple with the challenges of their environment.

Highlights

Jack's intense focus on hunting, described through his posture and interaction with the environment.

The detailed depiction of the jungle's atmosphere, emphasizing the silence and the heat.

Jack's physical transformation, with his longer hair and sunburnt back, symbolizing his adaptation to the wild.

The use of a sharpened stick as a spear, illustrating the boys' primitive survival tactics.

Ralph's struggle with leadership and the lack of cooperation from the other boys in building shelters.

The contrast between the boys' desire for immediate needs like meat and the long-term necessity of shelter.

Jack's frustration with the lack of progress in hunting and his fixation on the hunt.

The boys' realization of the other boys' fear and the psychological impact of being on the island.

Simon's observation of the 'beastie' or snake thing being real in the minds of the boys, reflecting their growing paranoia.

The tension between Ralph and Jack regarding the priorities of survival and the role of hunting.

The description of the boys' bathing pool, providing a moment of levity and normalcy amidst their struggles.

Simon's solitary walk into the forest, indicating his introspective nature and potential insight into the situation.

The lush description of the fruit trees and the abundance of food on the island, contrasting with the boys' struggle to find meat.

Simon's interaction with the littluns, showing his compassionate side and his role as a caretaker.

The vivid imagery of the jungle's transition from day to evening, highlighting the passage of time and the boys' isolation.

Simon's discovery of a secluded area in the jungle, suggesting a place of reflection and potential significance.

The narrator's personal commentary on the book, providing insight into the reader's experience and expectations.

Transcripts

lord of the flies

a novel by william golding

chapter three

putts on the beach

jack was bent double

he was down like a sprinter his nose

only a few inches from the humid earth

the tree trunks and creepers that

festooned them

lost themselves in a green dusk 30 feet

above them and all about was the

undergrowth

there was only the faintest indication

of a trail here

a cracked twig that might be the

impression of one side of a hoof

he lowered his chin

and stared at the traces as though he

had forced them to speak to him

then doglike uncomfortably on all fours

yet unheeding his discomfort

he stole forward five yards and stopped

here was loop of creeper

with a tendril pendant from a node

the tendril was polished on the

underside

pigs

passing through the loop brushed it with

their bristly hide

jack crouched with his face a few inches

away from this clue

then stared forward into the

semi-darkness of the undergrowth

his sandy hair considerably longer than

it had been when they dropped in was

lighter now

and his bare back was a massive dark

freckles and peeling sunburn

a sharpened stick about five feet long

trailed from his right hand

and except for a pair of tattered shorts

held up by his knee belt

he was naked

he closed his eyes

raised his head

and breathed gently with flared nostrils

assessing the current warm air for

information

the forest and he

were very still

at length he let out his breath in a

long sigh

and opened his eyes

there were bright blue

eyes that in frustration seemed bolting

and nearly mad

he passed his tongue across dry lips and

scanned the young communicative forest

then again he stole forward and cast

this way and that over the ground

the silence of the forest was more

oppressive than the heat

and at this hour of day

there was not even a wine of insects

only when jack himself roused a gordy

bird from a primitive nest of sticks was

the silence shattered and echoes sent

ringing by a harsh cry that seemed to

come out of the abyss of ages

jack himself shrank at this cry with a

hiss of in-drawn breath

and for a minute became less a hunter

than a furtive thing

ape-like among the tangle of trees

then the trail

the frustration

claimed him again

and he searched the ground avidly

by the trunk of a vast tree that grew

pale flowers on its gray bark he checked

closed his eyes

and once more drew in the warm air

and this time his breath came short

there was even a passing power on his

face

and then the surge of blood again

he passed like a shadow under the

darkness of the tree and crouched

looking down at the trodden ground at

his feet

the droppings were warm

they lay piled among the tuned earth

they were olive green

smooth

and they steamed a little

jack lifted his head

and stared at the inscrutable masses of

creeper that lay across the trail

then he raised his spear

and sneaked forwards

beyond the creeper

the trail joined a pig run that was wide

enough and trodden enough to be a path

the ground was hardened by an accustomed

tread

and as jack rose to his full height he

heard something moving on it

he swung back his right arm and held the

spear with all his strength

from the pig run came the quick hard

patter of hooves

a casternet sound seductive

maddening

the promise of meat

he rushed out of the undergrowth and

snatched up his spear

the patterning of pig's trotters died

away in the distance

jack stood there

steaming with sweat

streaked with brown earth

stained by all the vicissitudes of a

day's hunting

swearing

he turned off the trail and pushed his

way through until the forest opened a

little

and instead of bald trunks supporting a

dark roof

there were light grey trunks and crowns

of feathery palm

beyond these was the glitter of the sea

and he could hear voices

ralph was standing by a contraption of

palm trunks and leaves

a rude shelter that faced the lagoon and

seemed very near to falling down

he did not notice when jack spoke

got any water

ralph looked up frowning from the

complication of leaves

he did not notice jack even when he saw

him

have you got any water i'm thirsty

ralph withdrew his attention from the

shelter and realized jack with a stars

oh

hello

water

there by the tree ought to be some

left jack took up a coconut shell that

brimmed with fresh water from among a

group that arranged in the shade

and drank

the water splashed over his chin and

neck and chest

he breathed noisily when he had finished

needed that

simon spoke up from inside the shelter

up a bit

ralph turned to the shelter and lifted a

branch with a hill tiling of leaves

the leaves came apart

and fluttered down

simon's contrite face appeared in the

hole

sorry

ralph surveyed the wreck with distaste

never get it done

he flung himself down at jack's feet

simon remained looking out of the hole

in the shelter

once down ruff explained

been working for days now and

look

two shelters were in position

but shaky

this one

was a ruin

and they keep running off

you remember the meeting everyone was

going to work hard until the shelters

were finished

except me and my hunters

except the hunters

well the littlins are

he gesticulated sought for a word

they're hopeless

the old ones aren't much better

do you see

all day i've been working with simon no

one else they're off bathing or eating

or playing

simon poked his head out carefully

you're chief you tell him off

ralph lay flat and looked up at the palm

trees and the sky

meetings

don't we love meetings

every day

twice a day

we talk

he got on one elbow

i bet if i blew the conch this minute

they'd come running

then we'd be

you know very solomon

someone would say we ought to build a

jet or a submarine or a tv set

when the meeting was over

they'd work for five minutes and then

wander off or go hunting

jack flushed

we want meat

well we haven't got any yet and we want

shelters

besides the rest of your hunters came

back hours ago

they've been swimming

i went on

said jack

i let them go

i had to go on

i

he tried to convey the compulsion to

track down and kill that was swallowing

him up

i went on i thought

by myself

the madness came into his eyes again

and i thought i might

kill

but you didn't

i thought i might

some hidden passion vibrated in ralph's

voice

but

you haven't yet

his invitation might have passed as

casual were it not for the undertone

you

wouldn't care to help with the shelters

i suppose

we want meat

and we don't get it

now the antagonism was audible but i

shall next time i've got a bob on this

spear we wounded a pig and the spear

fell out if we could only make barbs

we need shelters

suddenly jack shouted in rage are you

accusing

all i'm saying is that we've worked

dashed hard

that's all

they were both red in the face and found

looking at each other difficult

ralph rolled on his stomach and began to

play with the grass

if it rains like when we dropped in

we'll need shelters all right

and then another thing we need shelters

because of the

he paused for a moment and they both

pushed their anger away

then he went on with the safe changed

subject

you've noticed haven't you

jack put down his spear and squatted

noticed what

well they're frightened

he rolled over and peered into jack's

fierce dirty face

i mean the way things are

they dream

you can hear

them have you been awake at night

jack shook his head

they

talk and scream

the litlins

even some of the others as if as if it

wasn't a good

island astonished at the interruption

they looked up at simon's serious face

as if

said simon the beastie or

snake thing

was real

remember

the two older boys flinched when they

heard the shameful syllable

snakes were not mentioned now

they were not mentionable

as

if this island wasn't a good island

said ralph slowly

yes that's right

jack sat up and stretched out his legs

they're batty

crackers remember when we went exploring

they granted each other remembering the

glamour of the first day

ralph went on

so

we need

shelters as a sort of

home

that's right

jack dropped his legs

clothed his knees and frowned in an

effort to attain clarity

all the same

in the forest

i mean when you're hunting not when

you're getting fruit of course but when

you're on your own

he paused for a moment

not sure if ralph would take him

seriously

go on

if you're hunting

sometimes you catch yourself feelings if

he flushed suddenly

there's nothing in it of course just a

feeling but

you can feel as if you're not hunting

but

being hunted

as if something's behind you all the

time in the jungle

they were silent again

simon

intent ralph incredulous and faintly

indignant

he sat up rubbing one shoulder with a

dirty hand

well i don't know

jack leapt to his feet and spoke very

quickly

that's how it can feel in a forest of

course there's nothing in it only only

he took a few rapid steps towards the

beach then came back

only i know how they feel see

that's all

the best thing we can do is to get

ourselves rescued

jack had to think for a moment before he

could remember what rescue was

rescue

yes of course

all the same i'd like to catch a pig

he snatched up his spear

and dashed it into the ground

the opaque mad look came into his eyes

again

ralph looked at him critically through

his tangle of fair hair

so long as your hunters remember the

fire

even your fire

the two boys trotted down the beach

and turning at the water's edge looked

back at the pink mountain

the trickle of smoke sketched a chalky

line up the solid blue of the sky

wavered high up

and faded

ralph frowned

i wonder how off you could see that

miles

we don't make enough smoke

the bottom part of the trickle

as the conscious of their gaze thickened

to a creamy blur which crept up the

feeble column

they put on green branches

muttered ralph i wonder

he screwed up his eyes and swung round

to search the horizon

got it

jack shouted so loudly the ralph jumped

what where

is it a ship

but jack was pointing to the height of

clivities that led down from the

mountain to the flatter part of the

island

of course

they'll lie up there

they must

when the sun's too hot

ralph gazed in bewilderment at his

wrapped face

they got up high

high up and in the shade

resting during the heat like cows at

home

i thought you saw a ship

we could steal up on one paint our faces

so they wouldn't see

perhaps around them and then

indignation took away ralph's control i

was talking about smoke

don't you want to be rescued all we can

talk about is pig pig pig

but we want meat

i work all day

with nothing but simon and you come back

and don't even notice the huts

i was working too

but you like it

shouted ralph

you want to hunt while i

they faced each other on the bright

beach

astonished at the rubber feeling

ralph looked away first pretending

interest in a group of little ends on

the sand

from beyond the platform came the

shouting of the hunters in the swimming

pool on the end of the platform

piggy was lying flat looking down into

the brilliant water

people don't help much

he wanted to explain how people would

never quite like what you thought they

were

simon he helps

he pointed the shelters

all the rest rushed off

he's done as much as i have

only

simon's always about

ralph's stead back to the shelters with

jack by his side

do a bit for you muttered jack

before i have a bath

don't bother

but when they reach the shelters simon

was not to be seen

ralph put his head in the hole

withdrew it

and turned to jack

he's buzzed off

got fed up

said jack and gone for a bath

rough frowned

he's queer

he's funny

jack nodded as much for the sake of

agreeing as anything

and by tacit consent they left the

shelter and went towards the bathing

pool

and then

said jack

when i've had a bath and something to

eat i'll just trek over to the other

side of the mountain and see if i can

see any traces

coming but the sun's nearly set

i might have time

they walked along two continents of

experience and feeling

unable to communicate

if i could only get a pig i'll come back

and go on with the shelter

they looked at each other

baffled in love and hate

all the warm salt water of the bathing

pool and the shouting and splashing and

laughing

were only just sufficient to bring them

together again

simon was not in the bathing pool as

they had expected

when the other two had trotted down the

beach to look back at the mountain he

had followed them for a few yards

and then stopped

he stood

frowning down at a pile of sand on the

beach where somebody had been trying to

build a little house or hut

then he turned his back on this and

walked into the forest with an air of

purpose

he was a small skinny boy

and his chin pointed

and his eyes so bright that they had

deceived ralph into thinking him

delightfully gay and

wicked

the coarse mop of black hair was long

and swung down almost concealing a low

broad forehead

he wore the remains of shorts and his

feet were bare like jacks

darkish in color

simon was burned by the sun to a deep

tan that glistened with sweat

he picked his way up to the scar

passed to the great rock where ralph had

climbed on the first morning

then turned off to his right among the

trees

he walked within a custom tread through

acres of fruit trees where the least

energetic could find an easy if

unsatisfying meal

flour and fruit grew together on the

same tree

and everywhere was the scent of ripeness

and the booming of a million bees at

pasture

here the listelins who had run after him

caught up with him

they talked

cried out unintelligibly

locked him towards the trees

then amid the roar of bees in the

afternoon sunlight

simon found for them the fruit they

could not reach

pulled off the choicest from up in the

foliage

passed them back down to the endless

outstretched hands

when he had satisfied them he paused and

looked around

the litans watched him inscrutably over

double handfuls of ripe fruit

simon turned away from them and went

where the just perceptible path led him

soon high jungle closed

tall trunks bought unexpected pale

flowers all the way up to the dark

canopy where life went on glamorously

the air here was dark too

and the creepers dropped their ropes

like the rigging of founded ships

his feet left prince in the soft soil

and creepers shivered throughout their

lengths when he bumped them

he at last came to a place where more

sunshine fell

since they had not so far to go for

light the creepers had drove in a great

mat that hung at the side of an open

space in the jungle

for here a patch of rock came close to

the surface and would not allow more

than little plants and ferns to grow

the whole space was walled with dark

aromatic bushes

and there was a bowl of heat and light

a great tree fallen across the corner

leaned against the trees that stood

still

and a rapid climber flaunted red and

yellow sprays right to the top

simon paused

he looked over his shoulder as jack had

done at the close ways behind him

and glanced swiftly around to confirm

that he was utterly alone

for a moment his movements were almost

furtive

then he bent down

and wormed his way into the center of

the mat

the creepers and the bushes were so

close that he left his sweat on them

and they pulled together behind him

when he was secure in the middle

he was in a little cabin screened off

from the open space by a few leaves

he squashed down

passed the leaves and looked out into

the clearing

nothing moved but a pair of gaudy

butterflies that danced around each

other in the hot air

holding his breath

he cocked a critical ear at the sounds

of the island

evening was advancing towards the island

the sound of bright fantastic birds

the bee sounds

even the crying of gulls that were

returning to their roosts among the

square rocks were fainter

the deep sea breaking miles away on the

reef made an undertone less perceptible

than the recitation of the blood

simon dropped the screens of leaves back

into place

the slope of the bars of honey colored

sunlight decreased

they slid up the bushes

passed over the green candle like buds

moved up towards the canopy and darkness

thickened under trees

with the fading of the light

the righteous colors died

and the heat and urgency

cooled away

the candle buds stirred

their green sepals drew back a little

and the white tips of the flowers rose

delicately to meet the open air

now the sunlight had lifted clear of the

open space and withdrawn from the sky

darkness poured out submerging the waves

between the trees until they were dark

and strange as the bottom of the sea

the candle buds opened their wide white

flowers glimmering and the light that

picked down from the first stars

their scent spilled out into the air

and took possession of the island

thank you so very much for listening

if you enjoyed please

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because there's more to come

i'm really enjoying this book

um it's very different from the past two

that i've read

um

the grapes of wrath and uh of mice and

men

so that's nice just to have a change and

a different author

but i'm enjoying the description of the

island it feels very tropical and

apart from the um lack of food and lack

of shelter sounds really pleasant

so again please join me as we continue

this

little tropical adventure

once again thank you for listening

and until next time

bye