In Lord of the Flies: Why are the twins "examining Ralph curiously, as though they were seeing him for the first time"? (Page 192)

In Chapter Eleven of Golding's "Lord of the Flies," Piggy plans to talk to Jack while holding the conch in an effort to appeal to any vestige of civilization left in Jack so that he may get his glasses back.  Moved by the emotion of Piggy's appeal, Jack suggests that they clean up to look more civilized, also.  However, Eric makes a "detaining gesture," and says that the hunters will be painted; their faces will, thus, be masked and hide their emotions, mking them less vulnerable than than they.  Golding writes,

They understood only too well the liberation into savagery that the concealing paint brought.

When Ralph insists that they not be painted because they are not savages, Samneric look at each other.  Ralph shouts and turns upon them "fiercely."  And, as Piggy reminds Ralph that they cannot be rescued without smoke and the fire, Ralph snaps at Piggy, telling him, "I knew that!"

Piggy nodded propitiatingly.

'You're chief, Ralph.  You remember everything.'

'I hadn't forgotten.'

' 'Course not.'

The twins were examining Ralph curously, as though they were seeing him for the first time.

For the first time, Samneric realize that Ralph is flawed; he is breaking and losing his confidence and leadership role.  The twins later betray Ralph because they are tortured and succumb to "the liberation of savagery" and because they have lost some respect for Ralph