In Chapter 7, the boys set out to hunt the beast but are unable to locate it. Towards the end of the day, Maurice suggests that they go back and tell Piggy where they are before it gets dark. Jack expresses his desire to continue up the mountain to hunt for the beast, and Ralph agrees with Maurice that they should go back and tell Piggy. Simon is quick to volunteer to walk across the island. When Simon turns to leave, Jack becomes angry with Ralph. Golding writes, "Ralph looked back at Jack, seeing him, infuriatingly, for the first time" (Golding 117). Jack begins to mock Ralph about his affinity for Piggy. Ralph senses Jack's contempt and asks him, "Why do you hate me?" (Golding 118). As the boys continue to walk through the forest, they pause before deciding to climb the mountain. Ralph suggests that they stop and climb the mountain the next day, and Jack says, "If you're frightened of course—" (Golding 119). Ralph responds by saying that he went first when they were at Castle Rock, but Jack arrogantly responds by saying he's going to climb to the top by himself. Golding writes,
"The words came from Jack viciously, as though they were a curse. He looked at Ralph, his thin body tensed, his spear held as if he threatened him" (Golding 119).
Jack then taunts Ralph by saying, "Coming?" (Golding 119). Jack not only mocks Ralph for considering Piggy and the littluns, but also challenges his masculinity in Chapter 7. Jack is annoyed with Ralph because their ideas and goals conflict. Ralph thinks it is important to let Piggy know where they are, while Jack thinks it is imperative to continue to hunt for the beast. Jack is impatient with Ralph and taunts Ralph by choosing to go up the mountain alone. Jack is attempting to make Ralph look weak and frightened in front of the other boys. Ralph notices Jack's indignance, and even questions Jack as to why he hates him so much.
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