Lord of the Flies Novel Study Unit

The novel, Lord of the Flies, written by William Golding is a Nobel-Prize winning piece of literature about a group of boys stuck on an uninhabited island who attempt to govern themselves. The novel discusses topics such as human nature, survival, individual welfare versus the common good. The novel has been extremely controversial because of its topic and subject manner. It was originally intended as a response to both WWII and a youth novel, “The Coral Island” by R.M. Ballantyne.

We will be reading, responding to and analyzing the novel, Lord of the Flies. As we study this novel you will be required to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the context of the story

2. Refer to literary terminology in written and oral discourse

3. Through journals, interact with the novel, record and analyze significant passages

4. Display comprehension of the story and unit concepts through additional assignments, quizzes and a test

Comprehension/discussion questions: questions will be used to fuel discussion and further understanding of this novel

Journals: see attached handout for completion expectations

Reading quizzes: quizzes per reading assignment to ensure reading comprehension of key ideas

Assignments: in addition to the journal, you will have 2 other assignments to complete to demonstrate your understanding of the context of the story, and comprehension of key ideas from the unit. These will be:

· Synthesis Essay

· Test: in addition to reading quizzes, you will have one final test on the entire novel.

Log Assignment

While reading the novel, you will keep a log (that is, a record) of your journey through it. You are to sign up for one focus for your log. The title page of your log should state your focus.

Log entries will consist of:

· Lines quoted from the reading regarding your focus. Your overall log should contain enough quotes to indicate a significant understanding of your focus. Ten quotes should be taken from throughout the entire novel (not all taken from only 2-4 chapters).

· Areas of focus are:

o Leadership qualities

o Survival and human nature

o Individual pursuit before the needs of the group

· Your analysis should demonstrate 2 things:

1. why you chose each quote (how it matches the theme you’ve signed up for) the

2. and how it is significant to the development of ONE of the following:

§ Plot

§ Character development

§ Morals

§ Irony

§ Symbolism

§ literary techniques (ex. Flashback)

§ setting

· Each quote should have its own separate analysis. A good format is to give the quote and then provide a 100 word analysis, provide the next quote and then the analysis and so on. Don’t forget to number the quotes.

Record all quotes with page numbers and analysis on a typed document.

Log Entry Requirements:

· The journal must be clearly labelled with your name, the novel title and your focus

· The quotes must be numbered and the chapters and the page number of the quote cited with each quote.

· Your entries should all be typed and neatly presented

· Write in the first person. Interact with the novel (you are NOT the character—you are reflecting on the novel and giving your reaction to it). The thoroughness of your response will impact your assessment.

· A quote analysis should be approximately 100 words.

· You need to have a minimum of 8 quote analysis’

In addition, you will be completing some chapter comprehension questions (not all of the attached will be completed). These completed questions can be included in your log when submitted but it is not a necessity. You will be using this journal when writing your compare/contrast essay so treat the log as a resource for that future assignment. As this is the purpose for the log, no logs will be accepted after the second essay write.
Journal Log Topic: ______

LOTF - Journal Marking Criteria

Mr. Barazzuol – English 11

1 2 3 / 4 5 6 / 7 8 / 9 10
Quote Significance and analysis / Quote demonstrates no interaction with the novel.
Student has not written in first person and/or their writing reveals no understanding of the deeper meanings being conveyed within the story.
An appropriate quote is not given and/or you do not demonstrate understanding of theme, character, setting and/or plot in your analysis
/ Quote demonstrates little interaction with the novel. Student has not written in the first person.
The explanation of the quote is literal showing little understanding of the deeper meanings being conveyed within the story
The quote may not have been selected from an important moment within the chapter but there is some demonstration of understanding of theme, character, setting and/or plot.
/ Quote demonstrates some interaction with the novel. Student has written in the first person.
The explanation of quotes demonstrates an understanding of the novel somewhat at the inferential level but much of the analysis is a literal understanding.
The quote is selected from an important moment within the novel and demonstrates understanding of the development of theme, characters, setting, symbolism, irony and/or plot
/ Quote demonstrates interaction with the novel. Student has written in first person and demonstrated they understand the text at an inferential level.
The quote is selected from pivotal moments within the chapter that refer to the chosen focus.
The analysis demonstrates superior understanding of the development of theme, characters, setting, symbolism, irony and/or plot
1 2 3 / 4 5 6 / 7 8 / 9 10
Journal / Too few quotes submitted to demonstrate understanding of the focus topic.
Quotes are not numbered or identified by chapter and page number.
Journal is not neat, legible and it is obvious you have not read the entire novel.
Spelling and grammar mistakes throughout. / Limited quantity of quotes provided/focus topic is not fully explored.
Analysis may be missing or too short for some.
Some quotes are not numbered or identified by chapter and page number.
Some entries are difficult to read and/or are all taken from a limited section in the novel.
Spelling and grammar mistakes are frequent. / Quotes demonstrate an understanding of the focus topic. Analysis may not be as thorough.
Quotes are numbered and identified by chapter and page number.
Entries are all are neat, legible and somewhat spread out from within the novel.
Spelling/ grammar mistakes are minimal. / All quotes provided demonstrate a complete understanding of each component of the focus you have signed up for. All analysis are approximately 100 words
All quotes are numbered and identified by chapter and page number.
All entries are neat, legible and from throughout the novel
Journal is submitted with a title page and is in an organized format.
Spelling/ grammar mistakes are absent.

LOTF - Chapter by Chapter Discussion Questions

Not all Questions will be assigned nor will they need to be included in your journal. They are questions meant to fuel discussion on the novel and to help you understand your focus topic.

Chapter One

1. What is the chapter entitled “The Sound of the Shell”?

2. What is Ralph’s attitude toward Piggy in the first chapter?

3. What is the significance of Piggy’s plea to join the expedition?

4. Why is Ralph elected chief?

5. What is the “scar” that is repeatedly mentioned?

6. Why is Jack unable to kill the pig?

7. What do Piggy, Simon, and the littlun with the birthmark have in common?

8. How is Jack presented to the reader?

9. Why did Golding use British schoolboys?

10. How is Piggy revealed as most closely tied to the world of adults?

11. How is Piggy indirectly responsible for the blowing of the conch?

Chapter Two

1. What question does the littlun with the birthmark raise?

2. How do Ralph and Jack answer the question about the beast?

3. What is the significance of the chapter’s title, “Fire on the Mountain”?

4. How do they start the fire

Chapter Three

1. What is the significance of the title, “Huts on the Beach”?

2. Why does Ralph reproach Jack?

3. What two groups with differing goals are emerging?

4. Why does Simon go to his bower?

Chapter Four

1. What is the significance of the title “Painted Faces and Long Hair”?

2. Why does Roger, throwing stones at the littluns, aim just to miss?

3. What definite stand does Ralph make?

4. Why does Jack refuse to give Piggy meat?

Chapter Five

1. What is the significance of the title “Beast from Water”?

2. What is the paradox of the boys’ attitude toward the beast?

3. Why does Ralph call a meeting?

4. Why does Piggy dissuade Ralph from giving up his position as chief?

Chapter Six

1. What is the irony of the dead parachutist landing on the mountain?

2. Why is Simon the only one to doubt the existence of a beast?

3. Why do Ralph and Jack both insist on going after the beast?

4. Why does Jack say that they don’t need the conch any longer?

Chapter Seven

1. Why does Simon tell Ralph that “you” will get back all right?

2. What happens when Ralph wounds the boar?

3. What does Ralph ask Jack?

4. Why do the boys run from the dead chutist?

Chapter Eight

1. Why do the boys refuse to vote for Jack as chief but slip off to join him later?

2. What does Jack tell his new tribe?

3. Why is the killing of the sow discussed in such detail?

4. What does the Lord of the Flies tell Simon?

Chapter Nine

1. What reason does Ralph give for the boys’ defection to Jack?

2. What kind of leader is Jack?

3. How does Jack propose to rule without the conch?

4. Why do Ralph and Piggy join the dance?

5. Why is Simon’s dead body carried out to sea in terms of glorification?

Chapter Ten

1. What is the significance of the title “The Shell and the Glasses”?

2. Why do Ralph, Piggy, and Samneric lie about their part in Simon’s death, or use the

darkness as an excuse?

3. How is Wilfred punished?

4. How does Jack account for the death of Simon?

Chapter Eleven

1. Why do Ralph and Piggy decide to visit Jack’s camp?

2. What is the reaction of Jack’s tribe to Ralph’s talk of rescue?

3. What happens when Piggy holds up the conch and tries to talk?

4. Why does Roger shove his way past Jack, only just managing not to edge him aside?

Chapter Twelve

1. How does Ralph learn of Jack’s plans for him?

2. What does Ralph say to the twins when they refuse to help him?

3. Does Ralph understand why he must be killed?

4. What is the irony of Sameric’s behavior?

5. How does the author describe Ralph’s flight across the island?

6. What is the irony of the fire?

7. Why is Percival unable to remember his name and address?

8. Why is Piggy’s fall emphasized?

9. Why does Ralph say that he is in charge on the island?

10. What comparison is implied at the end of the novel?

Discussion Questions

An Examination of Motivation

1. When the story opens, what is Ralph’s attitude toward the island?

2. What forces begin to act upon him?

3. What is his attitude toward Jack?

4. How does this attitude change?

5. What is his opinion of the “beast” when it is first mentioned?

6. How does Ralph change his opinion?

7. What are the two forces pulling at Ralph?

8. Which of these two forces becomes strongest in the end?

An Examination of Symbolism

1. In what way is the novel an allegory of the Garden of Eden?

2. Trace the development of Simon as a Christ-figure.

3. What is the meaning of “Lord of the Flies”?

4. What is the significance of Piggy’s glasses?

An Examination of Philosophy

1. Contrast Ralph and Jack as representatives of opposing political forces.

2. Contrast Ralph and Jack as representatives of spiritual forces.

3. Note the casual way in which Ralph gives Jack control of the army. Compared this with

the manner in which many German intellectuals and politicians accepted Hitler’s Nazi

thugs as unimportant to the national life and irrelevant to the national character. What is

Golding’s implied comment on our attitude toward brute force?

4. Is Golding totally pessimistic? Do you agree with him?

Lord of the Flies - Vocabulary
Chapter 1
1.___Reef a. A great lustre or brightness.

2.___Asthma b. A shallow lake.

3.___Foliage c. Raised, standing out in relief.

4.___Effulgence d. A shell used as a trumpet.

5.___Lagoon e. A chain of rocks at or near the surface of water.

6.___Conch f. Leaves.

7.___Embossed. g. Chronic respiration problem, characterized by

wheezing.
Chapter 2
1.___Tirade a. A good position generally.

2.___Indignantly b. Flat, round, woolen cap.

3.___Recrimination c. Doubt.

4.___Capered d. Enthusiasm.

5.___Coign e. Accusing in return.

6.___Errant f. Angry rant.

7.___Gesticulate g. Loud noise.

8.___Dubiety h. Secretly planning.

9.___Clamour i. Important.

10.___Conspirational j. Mistaken.