Name: _______________________ Period: _____ Date: __________

Lord of the Flies Reader’s Guide

Pre-Reading1. Before beginning Lord of the Flies, brainstorm the possible meanings of the title.

What synonyms/meanings can you think of for the word lord? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What words/images pop into your mind when you think of flies? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Predict who or what the lord of the flies might be. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Read the short article by David Garmston titled “The Bristol Evacuees” and answer the following questions:a. The caption under the photo lets the reader know that Bristol is in ______________, England, and

that the children of Bristol were evacuated around the year 19_____.b. How old was Ray Chaffey when he was sent away from his family as an evacuee? ____________c. What final instructions did Ray receive from his father? __________________________________d. Why was Bristol a key target for bombings during World War II? __________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________e. Adults thought they were acting in the children’s best interests by sending them away from Bristol,

often for years. In hindsight, what were some of the problems the young children faced? ______________________________________________________________________________________

f. In what year did the children return home after the WWII conflict ended? ____________________g. What do you think was the “mood of the times” for British families in the years immediately after

World War II? ___________________________________________________________________

3. About the author: William Golding was born in 1911 in Cornwall, England. His father was a schoolteacher who pressured him to major in science at Oxford College. In his third year of college, Golding switched his major to English literature. He published a book of poems the year before he received his college degree. After graduation, he worked as a writer, actor, and producer at a small theatre in London. When he married in 1932, he began teaching English and philosophy at a private school in Salisbury. When World War II broke out, he joined the Royal Navy and served for six years, so he had first-hand knowledge of the atrocities of war. After the war, he returned to teaching for another twenty years, affording him much insight into the behaviors of school-aged children. He combined these two areas of knowledge into his first major novel, Lord of the Flies, which became a best seller and was twice made into a film—once in 1963 and again in 1990. Golding won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1983, ten years before he died in 1993.

About the novel: Lord of the Flies was written in the post-WWII period and published in 1954. It is about a group of private school boys, aged five to twelve, whom are being evacuated from an anticipated nuclear bombing when their plane crashes during a storm. No adults survive the crash. Although the island where the plane crashes is remote and uninhabited, it has fresh water and fruit. Keeping in mind the title of the novel, predict what conflicts the characters might encounter. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. If you and a dozen friends were going to participate in a survival experiment (think Survivor without cameras) on a remote tropical island for ninety days and could take only six items with you, what would you take? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. On the back of this sheet, explain how you would choose a leader and what rules you would make--and why.

Lord of the Flies Reader’s Guide Chapter OneThe first chapter of any novel is called the _________________________. It establishes the point of view, the setting, and the main characters. Summarize each of these.Point of view: _______________________________________________________________________

Setting: ____________________________________________________________________________

Main CharactersSummarize direct characterization—what the narrator directly states about the character. Then summarize indirect characterization: 1) what is revealed about the character by his appearance—how he looks and how he dresses 2) ways he reveals his personality through his own words 3) what is revealed about the character through his actions 4) what is revealed about his character through his own private thoughts and feelings 5) what is revealed about the character by how other characters respond to him

Piggy Ralph Jack

If you had to choose just one or two adjectives to sum up Piggy’s personality (not his appearance), what would they be? ______________________Ralph’s? _______________________Jack’s? _______________________

1) Who do the boys elect to be “chief”? Why do they choose him?

2) How does the new chief immediately attempt to show that he will not be a dictator? How is the division of power arranged?

3) What does the encounter with the wild piglet show about the boys? Explain what the narrator calls the “enormity” of hunting that the boys must deal with.

4) On the back of this sheet, sketch the island using the description on pages 28-31 (mountains are to the west).

Lord of the Flies Reader’s Guide Chapter Two

1) The conch shell has two specific purposes. Explain them. What might it symbolize?

2) What is the small boy with the birthmark on his face afraid of?

3) Why does Ralph insist that they build a fire?

4) How are the boys able to light the fire without matches?

5) What mistakes did the boys make regarding the fire? What were the consequences?

6) According to Piggy, what task should the boys have done first, before they left the beach to build a fire?

7) Who volunteers to be responsible for keeping a fire going every day?

8) Who says, “We’ve got to have rules and obey them. After all, we’re not savages”?

9) Who says the boys are acting “like a pack of kids”?

10) Which boy is missing and presumably dead? What probably happened to him?

11) Piggy’s job is to make a list of all the boys’ names. Why didn’t he?

12) Describe how the other boys treat Piggy and hypothesize the motivation behind their treatment of him.

13) Many groups in class listed the following traits of a good leader—bravery, intelligence, and the ability to communicate with and inspire others. Which boy seems bravest? Give evidence from the novel to support your opinion.

14) Which boy seems to be most able to inspire and organize the others? Give evidence to support your opinion.

15) Which boy seems to be the best communicator? Give evidence to support your opinion.

16) Which boy seems most intelligent/rational/logical? Give evidence to support your opinion.

Lord of the Flies Reader’s Guide Chapter Three1) What are the clues Jack finds that tell him he is on the trail of a possible kill?

2) Meanwhile, what is Ralph doing? What are the other boys doing?

3) What do Ralph and Jack argue about?

4) What feeling does Jack experience while he is hunting? How does that feeling relate to the “littluns”?

5) When Ralph and Jack return to the pool, Simon is not there. Where has he snuck off to? Why?

6) How many times in chapter three does the author mention the word “mad” (meaning crazy, not angry) in connection with Jack? _______ The literary term for repetition of a meaningful word or phrase that give clues about his/her theme is ______________. What obsession seems to be overtaking Jack and making him less civilized?

Vocabulary PracticeDirections: Find each of the following vocabulary words from chapters two and three and copy the sentence in which they are used, then give the definition.

1) gesticulated (page 34)sentence from book:definition from handout:

2) clamored (page 38)sentence:definition:

3) ebullience (page 38)sentence:definition:

4) assented (page 43)sentence:definition:

5) recrimination (page 43)sentence:definition:

6) tumult (page 43)sentence:definition:

7) tirade (page 45)sentence:definition:

8) oppressive (page 49)sentence:definition:

9) inscrutable (page 49)sentence:definition:

10) vicissitudes (page 49)sentence:definition:

11) antagonism (page 51)sentence:definition:

Lord of the Flies Reader’s Guide Chapter Four

1) Describe several of the activities of the “littluns.”

2) As Roger and Maurice are on their way to go swimming, what do they do? Why does Maurice hurry away afterwards?

3) Roger throws stones in a circle around Henry. Explain why he does not dare to hit him with the rocks.

4) How do the hunters prepare for another hunt?

5) Describe the hunters’ return from the hunt.

6) How did painting his face aid Jack in the ability to kill? How does it symbolize his increasing savagery?

7) What is Ralph’s angry tirade about? Why is he so upset? Why is Jack so unconcerned?

8) Describe the confrontation between Jack and Piggy.

9) Piggy is beginning to be seen as an outcast. Cite details that illustrate this. Is Piggy’s outcast state his own fault? Does Ralph contribute to it? Explain your opinion.

10) What do the fire and the ship symbolize?

11) At the end of the chapter, Ralph states that he plans to immediately call an assembly, even if it is dark. Predict what urgent matters he plans to discuss.

Lord of the Flies Reader’s Guide Chapter Five

1) Write a brief description of the assembly area.

2) Summarize the important points Ralph talks about in the assembly.

3) When Ralph says, “We’ve got to make smoke up there—or die,” he means it in two different ways. Explain.

4) Finally, Ralph says, “Things are breaking up….” What are some of the signs that civilized, democratic rule has deteriorated?

5) As the assembly comes to an end, what is the general atmosphere among the boys?

6) Describe the reactions of the following boys to the “beast” now that they have lived without adults for some time:

Ralph

Jack

Piggy

Littluns

Percival and Maurice

7) Explain Simon’s theory about the beast. How do the others react?

8) Why do you think Percival Wemys Madison, when spoken to, chants his address?

Lord of the Flies Reader’s Guide Chapter Six

1) “So as the stars moved across the sky, the figure sat on the mountain-top and bowed and sank and bowed again.” To what is this sentence referring? Who are the first boys to see it? Why are they so frightened?

2) Where to the “biguns” go? Who is left in charge of the littluns and why?

3) How has the significance of the conch changed?

4) Describe the confrontation between Ralph and Jack.

5) What bothers Simon? What does he want to communicate?

6) Why does Ralph agree to a search of the island? What change in attitude does this imply?

7) What is very different about Ralph’s way of looking at things as opposed to the way the other boys look at things at the end of chapter six? How is this difference important?

8) On the back of this sheet, draw the “beastie” from the perspective of one of the characters. Under your drawing, copy one quotation relating to the character you have chosen that sums up that character’s feelings about the beast.

Chapter Seven *On the back of this sheet, write a summary of chapter seven.

Vocabulary

coverts crestfallen daunting glowered impervious

___________________ looked with annoyance or anger___________________ feeling shame or humiliation___________________ discouraging, causing a lessening of courage___________________ incapable of being affected___________________ underbrush providing cover for game

ToneOn page 112, Ralph daydreams about a cottage he had lived in when he was a small boy. Underline the words/phrases that establish the tone.

Mummy had still been with them and Daddy had come home every day. Wild ponies came to the stone wall at the bottom of the garden, and it had snowed. Just behind the cottage there was a sort of shed and you could lie up there, watching the flakes swirl past.… When you went to bed there was a bowl of cornflakes with sugar and cream. And the books—they stood on the shelf by the bed, leaning together with always two or three laid flat on top because he had not bothered to put them back properly. They were dog-eared and scratched…. Everything was all right; everything was good-humored and friendly.

The tone changes abruptly on page 113.. Underline the words/phrases that establish the tone..

The bushes crashed ahead of them. Boys flung themselves wildly from the pig track and scrabbled in the creepers, screaming. Ralph saw Jack nudged aside and fall. Then there was a creature bounding along the pig track toward him, with tusks gleaming and an intimidating grunt. Ralph found he was able to measure the distance coldly and take aim.

What tone/mood is created in the passage from page 112?

What tone/mood is created in the passage from page 113?

What words and phrases from the last page of the chapter (pg. 123) set the tone? What mood is created in the reader?

Chapter Eight

Vocabulary

demented demure fervor palled prefect rebuke

___________________ reprimand, criticize___________________ emotional intensity, passion___________________ insane___________________ modest, reserved___________________ lost its attraction___________________ chief officer or monitor in a private school

In chapter eight, it becomes apparent that Jack fully intends to oust Ralph from his elected position and become leader himself. Jack uses intimidation and scare tactics to get the other boys to go along. Find supporting examples from chapter eight that provide evidence that Jack is taking over leadership of the island. The first one is done for you.

Page

Quotation Significance

125

“The sound of the inexpertly blown conch interrupted them. As though he were serenading the rising sun, Jack went on blowing till the shelters were astir and the hunters crept to the platform and the littluns whimpered as now they so frequently did. Ralph rose obediently, and Piggy, and they went to the platform.”

Ralph has always been the one to call meetings. Jack decides to take over as leader so he can make things the way he wants them. Blowing the conch is his first move in having the other boys see him as the leader. Ralph and Piggy don’t yet realize what is happening, so they follow him.

What is important about the sow the boys killed? Was it a good idea to kill this particular pig?

What do the boys do with the pig’s head? Why?

List the boys who join Jack’s gang.

List the boys who choose to remain in Ralph’s gang.

Explain what the lord of the flies is. What happened between the lord of the flies and Simon?

Chapter Nine

Vocabulary

abominable corpulent derision sauntered

___________________ obese___________________ contemptuous laughter; ridicule___________________ walked at a leisurely pace___________________ detestable

1. What news does Simon want to share with the other boys as he comes hurrying down the mountain?

2. Complete the following t-chart comparing and contrasting Jack’s leadership to Ralph’s.

Jack as chief Ralph as chief

3. What happens to Simon when he comes crawling into camp to explain his understanding of the nature of the beast/evil? How is this an example of situational irony?

4. How much personal responsibility does Ralph feel about what happens to Simon?

5. What happens to the “parachute man” at the end of the chapter? Predict what effect this will have on the boys.

6. Many readers think the character of Simon functions as a spiritual symbol, perhaps even a Christ-symbol in the novel. Do you agree? Explain your opinion.

Chapter Ten

Vocabularyassimilate compel

___________________ urge forcefully___________________ to comprehend; to take in

Symbolism Symbolism is the creative use of objects to represent something larger than the object itself. Some symbols are universal; their meanings are known across cultures and eras. Examples of universal symbols are the heart as a symbol for love, the red cross as a symbol for medical assistance, a dove with an olive branch in its beak as a symbol for peace, a skull and crossbones as a symbol for poison, and a white flag as a symbol for surrender. Some symbols are invented by an author and have meaning only within the context of the author’s work of literature. William Golding skillfully uses symbolism throughout Lord of the Flies to create a novel full of depth and significance. Each main character represents a whole group of citizens in civilized society. Symbolic Characters (Jack, Piggy, Ralph, Roger, Simon)

the intellectual who tries to solve problems with logic and reason law-abiding and hardworking citizensthe savage, destructive forces in all of us: ruthlessness and evilmankind’s penchant for enjoying inflicting harm and seeing others sufferthe spiritual leader or philosopher who functions on a higher plane than the rest of society

More symbolism (the beast, the conch, the corruption caused by mankind, the island, Piggy’s specs, the signal fire)

hope of salvationthe order and principles on which civilization is basedinsightfully recognizing the status of civilized societythe Garden of Edenthe scar, the burned forestthe allure or attraction of evil; the devil; the “id” (the base, selfish part of human nature that prompts the instinct for survival by any means)

Reader’s Guide Questions:1) Describe what Piggy, Ralph, and SamnEric say about their involvement in Simon’s

death.

2) What do the boys do to Wilfred? What is your best guess as to why?

3) Describe what happens after the boys let the fire go out for the night.

Chapter Eleven Vocabulary

luminous myopia parried propitiate talisman truculent

___________________ an object thought to have magical power___________________ emitting steady light___________________ aggressively; savagely___________________ warded off___________________ to pacify or appease___________________ nearsightedness

Character TypesThe main character of a story is the _______________________________.The opposition to the main character is the ___________________________.A ____________________ character grows or changes significantly or learns a lesson. A ____________________ character does not grow, change, or learn a significant lesson.______________________ characters are complicated and fully developed in the story.______________________ characters are simple or not fully developed in the story.

1) Who is the protagonist of Lord of the Flies?

2) Who is the antagonist?

3) Which two main characters are dynamic? Describe how they change.

4) Name two static characters and explain why you chose them.

Reader’s Guide Questions1) What does Piggy propose to do about his problem?

2) As the boys approach the tribe’s new camp, what do they first encounter?

3) What happens when Jack returns from hunting?

4) What do the boys in Jack’s tribe do to the twins?

5) What does Roger do to Piggy?

6) How does Jack try to get the twins to stay with his tribe? Does it work?

Chapter Twelve Vocabulary

acrid cordon cynical elephantine epaulettes ululating

___________________ fringed shoulder pad on a military uniform___________________ pungent or bitter odor or taste___________________ howling or wailing___________________ massive, enormous; clumsy___________________ a line of people enclosing an area___________________ distrustful of human nature

SummaryWrite a brief summary of chapter twelve.

Theme1) What does the novel tell us about where evil originates? Do you agree? Explain why

or why not.

2) Does the novel’s ending indicate that Golding was optimistic or pessimistic about society? Explain your answer.