Atascocita High School

English II Pre-AP Summer Reading Guide: Fall 2015

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

William Golding stated that Lord of the Flies was “an attempt to trace the defects of society back tothe defects of human nature.” Golding felt that the inherent evil of individuals required the constraints of society in order for social order to bemaintained. His view is contrary to thatof philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau, whobelieved that individuals in the state of natureare essentially good, and that the corruption of the natural state of goodness can be attributed to living in the unnatural state created by society.

Learning Objectives:

Analyze the character of Ralph as he is influenced by both Piggy and Jack.

Explain Golding’s themes surrounding the topics of man’s primal nature and loss of innocence.

Analyze how Simon could be considered an archetypal savior.

ExploreGolding’s symbolic use of setting.

Indentify and analyze the following symbols: conch shell, fire, Piggy’s glasses, the Beast, and the Lord of the Flies.

Respond to multiple choice questions similar to those that will appear on the Advanced Placement Exam

Literary Devices: This novel introduces some of the key concepts sophomore pre-AP will analyze. These include tone, diction, satire, symbolism, and theme. If students are not familiar with the literary terms mentioned, they should look them up. It also contains important language construction and syntactical strategies.

Guiding Questions

1. We meet two of the main characters right at the beginning of this chapter. Describe Ralph and Piggy briefly.

2. Why is the remote jungle setting useful to the author’s purpose?

3. Why do you suppose he chose children as the main characters, rather than adults?

4. One of the “littl’uns” talks about a “beast”. How is this news received?

5. There are already signs of disagreement between the two boys in chapter three. What does this conflict foreshadow?

6. Why did Roger purposely aim to miss when he threw stones at the littl’uns and their sand castle?

7. Why did the boys miss rescue when there was a ship nearby?

8. What are Simon's comments in chapter five on the “beast” that the boys fear? Do you think there’s any truth in it?

9. There is a lesson in the pilot’s figure on that mountain but the boys fail to see it. What is it?

10. Simon stares at the pig’s head on a stick, called “The Lord of the Flies”. He has a conversation with it. What does the “beast” mean when he says, “You knew, didn’t you? I’m part of you? Close, close, close: I’m the reason why it’s no go? Why things are as they are?”

11. The boys savagely kill Simon before he has a chance to reveal the identity of the beast.Why is it believable that they could kill him?

12. Why do Ralph and Piggy not want to discuss the events of the night before? How does each react? What about Samneric?

13. In chapter eleven, Ralph tries to reason with Jack but Jack isn’t interested in reason. Why?

14. Why couldn’t either Simon or Piggy continue to exist, in this civilization?

15. In chapter twelve, why does Jack have the whole area set on fire? How does he show his irresponsibility as a leader when he does this?

16. In chapter twelve, Golding states that“Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy.” What does this mean?

Assessment: There will be a summative reading check over this novel the week on the return to school. It will include quote identification and a variety of reading comprehension questions (both plot based and critical thinking). Prior to the reading check, there will be brief discussions of the novel and close readings of some of the chapters in class.

Rationale:The summer reading provides a framework for extended thematic connections to other readings in this course and an avenue of evidence for argumentative and literary essays; furthermore, it bolsters student knowledge of literary works which may be used for the AP exams, specifically the open-ended response questions.

See you in the fall! We can’t wait to meet you!