Lord of the Flies Socratic Seminar
1. Connect the purpose of the boys’ chanting “kill the beast, bash her in, spill her blood” and other incidents of demented behavior with any similar examples from our world. Indicate what such incantations do for and tell about human nature.
2. Why does the conch shell change colors?
3. Why did Golding choose a choir as Jack’s group?
4. How would the book have been different if Simon had lived?
5. How would the book have been different if Jack never caught a pig?
6. What weapons did Ralph and Jack use in their fight at the end and how is the choice of weapon symbolic?
7. Create a thematic statement for the novel.
8. In what ways does Golding use Piggy to advance the novel’s themes?
9. What do we know about the story’s setting? What do we not know? Why is it important that certain details are left out?
10. Only one female voice is presented (very briefly, and in recap) in this novel, that of Piggy’s aunt. Would this story have been different in any important ways if there had been both boys and girls on the island? Or all girls? Why do you think Golding chose to just have males on the island?
11. In Chapter 11, Roger edges past Jack, “only just avoiding pushing him with his shoulder.” He is later described as a “terror” worse than Jack. Why might Golding include this information?
12. Who is the beast in American society?
13. What is the significance of the title?
Participation Rubric:
50 Fully participates in the seminar by making several constructive comments that are supported by evidence and explained thoroughly. Listens and responds to peers’ comments. Advances, but does not monopolize, the discussion.
45 Answers at least three questions with constructive comments supported by evidence and explained thoroughly. Listens and responds to peers’ comments.
40 Answers at least two questions and supports those answers with evidence, although that evidence may be weak.
35 Participates by agreeing or disagreeing, but does not make a constructive comment. Actively listens.
30 Actively listens, but does not participate in the discussion.
25 Maximum grade for any student who participates.
0 Student does not participate and disrupts the seminar.
*As this is our first attempt at a Socratic seminar, this will only count as a CLASSWORK Grade
RULES OF SOCRATIC SEMINAR
1. Only one person should speak at a time. If there are differing opinions, allow your peer to finish his/her comment before giving your two cents.
2. Do not raise your hand to speak. Wait until no one else is speaking and chime in with your comments.
3. Do not yell your responses, or yell at your peers.
4. If you disagree, do so respectfully.
5. Back up each comment with evidence from the text (not quotations, just evidence)