Question

question 9 (1 point)
refer to the following passage from chapter 12. what is the meaning of the phrase fatal unreasoning knowledge as used in the passage?
he argued unconvincingly that they would let him alone, perhaps even make an outlaw of him. but then the fatal unreasoning knowledge came to him again. the breaking of the conch and the deaths of piggy and simon lay over the island like a vapor. these painted savages would go furthers and further. then there was that indefinable connection between himself and jack; who therefore would never let him alone, never
o a it refers to ralphs knowledge of his own mortality; now, more than ever, he is thinking about the end of life and what it means
o b it means that ralph understands that the tribe will hunt him down and try to kill him, just as theyve killed simon and piggy
o c it signifies that ralph fails to think like piggy. ralph is never able to logically size up his situation and understand the gravity of it
o d it refers to ralphs fatal flaw: ralphs inability to comprehend just how evil jack and his tribe have become

Explanation:

In the passage, after the conch is broken and Piggy and Simon are dead, Ralph realizes the savages (Jack's tribe) will not stop. The "fatal unreasoning knowledge" comes when he understands their threat. Option b aligns as it shows Ralph's understanding of being hunted like Simon and Piggy. Option a about mortality is not in context. Option c - Ralph does understand the gravity (as he knows the danger). Option d - he does understand their evil (as he knows they won't leave him alone).

Answer:

b. It means that Ralph understands that the tribe will hunt him down and try to kill him, just as they've killed Simon and Piggy.