The boy with fair hair lowered himself down the last few feet of rock and began to pick his way toward the lagoon.
-- Ralph (Chapter 1 paragraph 1)

Importance: This is one of the first lines of the novel. This line introduces Ralph, the main character.

This is our island. It’s a good island. Until the growups come to fetch us we’ll have fun.
-- Ralph (Chapter 2 paragraph 60)

Importance: This quote helps to illustrate the conflict of the novel, underscoring the fact that there are no grownups on the island and the children's attitude toward the situation.

Then we’d be, you know, very solemn, and 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, then wander off or go hunting.
-- Ralph (Chapter 3 paragraph 32)

Importance: This quote shows Ralph's growing frustration with the lack of support he is receiving from the other children when it...