In Chapter 7, Golding writes about "the other side of the island." How does Ralph's different perspective of the sea impact his view of their...

On the opposite side of the island, there is no barrier reef or lagoon, and there are no mirages that disrupt the view of the horizon. In Chapter 7, while the hunters are eating fruit before continuing their search for the "beast," Ralph looks out to the sea. Golding writes,

"On the other side of the island, swathed at midday with mirage, defended by the shield of the quiet lagoon, one might dream of rescue; but here, faced by the brute obtuseness of the ocean, the miles of division, one was clamped own, one was helpless, one was condemned, one was---" (111).

Upon looking out at the vast ocean, Ralph realizes the harsh reality of their situation. He essentially feels hopeless and depressed when he thinks about their chances of being rescued. The ocean is a massive barrier separating them from civilization and Ralph desperately wishes to return home. Ralph also notices how the ceaseless waves crash and retreat in a cyclical manner slowly eroding the island. The waves eroding the island represent how civility is gradually declining among the boys. Ralph no longer has a positive outlook on creating a structured society or being rescued.