Lord of the Flies“An attempt to trace the defects of

society back to the defects of human nature”- Author william golding

Background:

To understand the context of Lord of the Flies you need some background on the writer himself and his experiences during World War Two.

William Golding and WWII

Golding was born in 1911 Taught in a boy's public school before and after

war for 20 years During WWII, Golding was lieutenant in

Royal Navy and commanded small rocket ship

He ordered the destruction of German ships and submarines and shelled German troops from sea during the D-Day landings. Later regretted it.

In 1983 won Nobel Prize in Literature for illuminating the condition of society & humanity

Golding, War, & HumanityGolding was horrified by war and people's

capacity to harm fellow human beings

Appalled by Nazi concentration camps & how Japanese mistreated their prisoners.

Conflicted by the consequences of British and American mass bombing against civilians & by what he himself did as a naval officer

Golding, War, and Humanity…

During WWII, British justified destruction saying they had 'right' on their side, but Golding wasn’t convinced

He saw all human nature as savage and unforgiving and felt that even good people can become bad

*Golding wanted to warn others of the dangers of human nature and how people can ruin society

Post WWII and the novel… After WWII ended in 1945, The United

Nations was set up to ensure that a global conflict never happened again

When Lord of the Flies was published in 1954, the threat of a nuclear war was still real.

Readers at the time believed that an atom bomb really could destroy civilization, so the book was very realistic

Novel’s Background Starts with school boys being evacuated

via airplane due to an atomic bomb that would destroy civilization (novel set sometime in the future)

They crash land on a Pacific island after plane is bombed

There are no adults- only young boys: a boy’s choir and a mix of little kids between the ages of 6-12

Novel’s Background…

Lack of adults & rules leads boys to establish democracy and order on their own (shows that civilized people prefer order over chaos)

The island starts off as a paradise and later becomes a dangerous place of evil and chaos

Themes & Golding’s Beliefs

No man is entirely innocent Human beings are capable of unthinkable

evil The human condition is predisposed to

violence and inhumane acts in times of war/stress

Difficult situations bring about people’s dark side and true evil nature

Our society’s problems are a result of our imperfect humanity and flaws

Chaos and lack of order leads to savagery and inhumanity

4 Studies & Interpretations of the Novel

I. Social: Study of natural man’s behavior

II. Political: Critique of Western Governments

III. Psychological: The power of human insticts

IV. Moral: Modern version of the biblical downfall

Allegory: Symbolic Meaning

The story examines truths about human nature through symbolic characters, objects, and events

Conch shell: Used to call meetings to order- symbolic of order and democracy

Ralph: (voted Chief of the boys) Represents democracy and order

Jack: (leader of the hunters) Represents savagery, anarchy, and dictatorship

Ch. 1: Lord of the Flies

Are children innately innocent or are some children just born “bad”?

What elements impact a child’s level of innocence? Give examples in your answer.

Ch. 1 and Ch. 2

1. What kind of leadership skills do the following characters demonstrate? Give 3 examples from the text for each character : Ralph, Piggy, & Jack

2. Find one quotation that demonstrates each of the character’s leadership style.

(3 quotes total) and cite properly Ex: (Golding 10)

Ch. 1 & Ch. 2: Chaos vs. Order

1. Find FIVE examples that demonstrate the boys’ tendencies towards order, structure, and rules (civilized behavior)

2. Find THREE examples of chaos, violent behavior, or lawlessness that foreshadow later acts of violence. Ex: Jack threatens to punish anyone

who doesn’t follow the rules on the island

Do-Now: Ch. 1 & Ch. 2

If you were stranded on the island with the boys, who would you want to be your leader? Explain why.

Compare/contrast the leadership style of Ralph compared with Jack. How do people respond to Jack vs. Ralph?

Do-Now: Ch. 1 & 2

Describe the symbolism of: A. The conch:

B. Piggy’s glasses:

C. Fire:

D. The scar:

The Eye of the Storm http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bWlTZZN3DY

Respond to the following in journal: What is your reaction to the experiment?

What did it prove about children, human nature, and the repercussions of giving too much power to several people in a group?

On the island, who are the “inferior” ones? Give some examples of how they are mistreated by those who are more “powerful”. Describe the downside of “power” on the island in LOTF and any violent or cruel behavior that you notice.

The Setting Find THREE quotes that demonstrate the mood

of the environment on the island. Focus on the imagery as well.

Explain each quote in several sentences. Is there any symbolism in the lines you’ve chosen? Is it foreshadowing evil? Is it a symbol of peace, beauty, serenity? Etc. (Notice the temperature, weather conditions, climate, atmosphere, etc.)

Ex: The heat is a symbol of tension on the island.

Setting/Mood: Jack and the Forest

Do a Close-Reading of p. 53. (Especially towards the top of the page)

What do you notice about Jack’s feelings towards the “forest” when he’s alone hunting? What does this foreshadow about the island itself?

Lack of Unity and Harmony 1.) Do a Close-Reading of p. 50-51

and analyze the dynamics between Jack and Ralph. What do you observe? Be specific and explain how the unity on the island is coming undone. Why do you think this is happening? What evidence is there of this?

Every Man is an Island…

Simon seems to be at peace when he is alone and far from the disorder, chaos, and violence of the world around him.

Every Man is an Island…. 1. )If you were stranded on any remote piece

of land or island, where would it be and why? Where would you feel the most at peace?

2.) What would you take with you to feel most at peace? List 3 objects that you would bring with you.

3.) Would you prefer to be alone or with others to feel the most serene? Who would you want to be with you? (It could be a friend, family member, pet, etc.)

4.) What would your island symbolize or represent? (Fun, rules/order, peace, competition, sports/games, etc.) What object/symbol would you use to represent your island?

Symbolism: Mask What is the symbolism of the mask that Jack

wears when he goes hunting?

How does it change his behavior and the mentality of his group of hunters? Give examples from Ch. 4

Why do you think people wear “masks” in life? (Metaphorically) Do you sometimes wear a mask? Describe. Why do you think it’s necessary to wear one? How does it protect you?

EX: Being a jokester and laughing a lot to cover up sadness or insecurities from others

Masks: What’s underneath it all 1. List THREE celebrities or well-

known people, characters from fictional stories, etc. who wear masks.

2. Describe what their “mask” looks like on the outside.

3. What are they covering up? What is “underneath” the mask?

Violence and Savagery Do a close reading of p. 71. What

violent, savage behavior do you notice? Why do you think Jack is getting more aggressive towards Piggy?

Make a list of “savage” and “violent” acts or behavior in Ch. 4 from….▪Maurice▪Roger▪ Jack ▪Henry

Fear

1.) What are some of the biggest fears that people have in life? Are some of them irrational? Explain

2.) What are the biggest fears that the boys have on the island?

3.) In your opinion, what should they be afraid of most?

4.) Do you agree with Simon that maybe the biggest problem or fear is “humanity” itself? Why/why not.

Do-Now: Fear & Mankind’s Essential Illness

In your opinion, what is “mankind’s essential illness”? Are we our own worst enemies? Should our biggest fears be other people or ourselves? Explain using examples from everyday life and the novel.

Fear & Loss of ControlGroup 1: Focus on Ralph’s fears (losing

power/control) in Ch. 5. Make a list of 3 quotes and explain them. Also Consider how he and others react to these fears.

Group 2: Focus on Piggy’s fears in Ch. 5. Make a list of 3 quotes and explain. Consider how he and others react to these fears.

Group 3: Focus on the littluns’ fears (Percival and Phil). Make a list of 3 quotes and explain them. Consider how they and others react to these fears.

Lack of Order & Loss of Control

Group 1: Make a list of examples showing how Ralph has lost control and order on the island in Ch. 5 & 6. Describe/explain each example.

Group 2: Make a list of examples proving how Ralph has attempted to maintain order in Ch. 5 & Ch. 6. Describe/explain each example.

Group 3: Make a list of examples proving how Piggy has attempted to maintain order in Ch. 5 & Ch. 6. Describe/explain each example.

Ch. 7: Do-Now- Simon the Optimist A. ) Focus on p. 111 where Simon

tells Ralph that he will make it back home again. What is the impact of Simon’s optimism? If you were Ralph, would you believe him? Why/why not?

B. ) Think about times when you need encouragement or something to life your spirit. What are some thoughts, words, or memories that easily make you feel better? List some examples.

Primitive Behavior Give some examples of times in

history, everyday society, or your own life of people reverting to “primitive behavior” and “forgetting who they are”.

Consider perhaps examples of people watching or participating in a fight/act of violence for entertainment or sport.

What do these examples tell you about humanity? Is the core of mankind violent? Explain.

Ch. 7: Longing for Home… Write a letter from the perspective of one

of the boys on the island describing how homesick you are and how much you miss your old life in comparison to this new life on the island.

You must write about your experiences so far and what you have learned or struggled with.

Write a warning to others of what dangers are present when living far away from society with no authority figures to guide the way. Give some advice for others to learn from your experience.

Ch. 7: The Thrill of the Hunt

Find TWO quotes that reveal Ralph’s change in heart about hunting and/or the hunters in Ch. 7.

Briefly describe each quote and what it reveals about Ralph’s evolving attitude towards hunting and/or the hunters.

Find ONE quote that reveals how Ralph and Jack are struggling for power over the hunting/hunters.

Ch. 8: Piggy Finds his Voice

Find 2 quotations that demonstrate how Piggy has found his voice & strength in the absence of Jack. What kind of ideas has Piggy brought forth in Ch. 8?

Make sure to analyze/explain the quotes that you find in several sentences. (Consider why Piggy has gotten more confident and bold)

Ch. 8: Symbolism of Evil: 1. How is the Lord of the Flies a symbol of evil,

like the devil itself, in the novel?

2. What does it mean that the devil is lord over the flies in the novel? Who/what is the devil? Who do the flies represent?

3. Find a quote that to you, symbolizes the inner workings of evil on the island.

4. What other symbols in the novel represent evil? Draw a depiction of each.

5. What are some other symbols in our society that you would use to depict/represent evil? Why? (Draw an image of those objects)

Is Mankind Innately Evil?

Pretend that you are a doctor, psychiatrist, or expert on human behavior. How can you classify and explain the behavior of the boys on the island in Ch. 8 & Ch. 9 (focusing on Simon’s murder). What does their behavior tell you about the true nature of evil? Are these boys innately evil? (1/2 page reaction using examples from the novel & 1 quotation)

What is “Evil”? Think back to the “evil test” we

took in the lab. According to that test, what traits are signs of a “bad” person?

In your opinion, what makes a person “evil”? (*Is it true that a person can be evil, or is it more accurate to say a person’s actions are evil?)

The End of Innocence…and the novel

1. Focus on the last page of the novel. Why do you think Ralph cries? Think about what he is REALLY crying for/about. Explain.

2. What has Ralph lost during this unfortunate experience? What have all the boys lost? Explain using examples.

3. THEMES: What life lessons have come from the novel? List at least THREE truths about mankind and humanity we get from LOTF.

Final AnalysisReaders of LOTF have argued that

each one of the boys’ actions is nothing more than an attempt to survive in difficult conditions. Think about the mounting of the sow’s head, Simon’s ascent up the mountain, and the murder of Piggy in particular, as well as any other key scenes. Is it fair to say that the boys’ actions were merely the result of the human survival instinct? Why or why not? Use the examples above to draw some general conclusions about the human instinct to survive.

Themes & Life Lessons- Block 5

1. People have a tendency to let power take over their lives and others’ lives

2. Fear will control you and make you act irrationally

3. The defects of society as seen through the defects in human nature

4. Humanity is its own worst enemy 5. Lack of authority and discipline leads to

chaos 6. Working together is crucial to survival and to

the survival of civilization 7. Without civilization humans will resort to a

savage or primitive state 8. Without the rules of society, mankind and

civilization will fall into a state of ruin

Themes & Life Lessons- Block 2 1. There is a potential evil inside

everyone 2. The world is not an inherently

good place 3. The fear of the unknown is a large

cause of bad actions/deeds 4. Everyone has a thirst for power 5. Circumstances can bring out the

worst in people 6. A world without order and rules

leads to chaos and violence 7. Children are not always innocent-

they are victims of their environment

THEMES and LIFE LESSONS- B2 1. Aggression towards minorities equals

genocide and chaos 2. Human morals and standards crumble

when there is no civilization to uphold them

3. Trials and tests of the human heart can destroy innocence

4. Hardships have the ability to make you lose yourself

5. People are not innately evil, but our environment can bring about bad behavior

6. An abuse of power can lead to corrupt behavior

7. We turn primitive in survival situations

8. Without working together, a group cannot survive

9. True evil resides in the heart of an individual who maliciously tries to harm others