Name ___________________
Date __________
Lord of the Flies
William Golding’s the Lord of the Flies contends that civilization is merely a thin veneer covering humanity's savage instincts. An
allegory of the intrinsic corruption of human nature, it chronicles the boys' descent from a state of relative innocence to one of
vindictive viciousness. It reflects the conflict between humanity's innate savagery and the civilizing influence of reason. Initially, they
struggle to reproduce British society, but soon revert to a barbarism replete with bloody rituals and taboos.
Lord of the Flies follows the adventures of a number of boys stranded on a deserted island. Presumably their plane has crashed. This is
all we know and this is all we need to know. Why did Golding choose these particular boys? He chose them because these boys are
healthy, innocent, decent boys from a solid background of the British upper-middle class. They are as civilized as one could possibly
think: one associate careful upbringing and respectful obedience with the traditionally restricted British way of life. None of them "old
enough for adolescence to have made them awkward," they are essences of chastity and purity.
Golding's setting allows him to present his ideas in their elementary form. The abundance of water, fruit, and wild animals eliminates
the man versus nature conflict and means the boys are safe from any danger except themselves. Furthermore, the island is as
inescapable as it is beautiful, completely isolating the boys from their highly evolved society. The island is a tropical paradise of lush
greenery, coral reefs, fruit trees, and pools of clear water, indeed a perfect island, one which the boys find delightful — at first. And
yet this island is going to turn into a hell, and the boys are going to turn into nothing less than murderous savages. Why? That is what
Golding is preoccupied with — the why.
Human Nature is the concept that there is a set of inherent distinguishing characteristics,
including ways of thinking, feeling and acting, that all humans tend to have.
The questions of what causes these distinguishing characteristics of humanity and in turn
how fixed human nature is, are amongst the oldest and most important questions in
western philosophy. They have particularly important implications in ethics, politics and
theology because human nature is seen as providing standards or norms that humans
can use when judging how best to live either as individuals, or members of a community.
The complex implications of such discussion are also often themes which are dealt with
in art.
For example the so-called "nature versus nurture" debate is a specific contemporary
discussion topic within this theme. The branches of contemporary science associated
with the study of human nature include sociology, sociobiology and psychology,
particularly evolutionary psychology and developmental psychology. (Source: Wikipedia)
View 1: Sigmund Freud, an early twentieth century psychoanalyst, theorized that human behavior is shaped by “instinctual drives”
(biological impulses) which are in-born or innate. According to Freud, these drives - many of which are sexual in origin - are the cause
of human destructiveness and aggression, and must be controlled if society is to remain civilized. Freud’s scientifi c theory parallels
the traditional religious belief that man’s nature is fl awed because of “original sin” - a view which Golding represents through the
idea of the “beast” in Lord of the Flies.
View 2: B. F. Skinner, a twentieth psychologist, believes that man has no innate
moral qualities, instincts or inner drives, but rather that all human and animal
behavior is shaped by one’s environment or social “conditioning”. According to
Skinner, punishment and reward determine whether a behavior becomes habitual. For
Skin ner, destructive and aggressive behavior is always the result of the
“conditioning” one receives from defective social environments.
View 3: A. S. Neill, a late twentieth century educational philosopher, believes that the
child’s nature is innately good, and that these in-born qualities of goodness, creativity
and wisdom, are corrupted by adult society and its institutions (e.g. school and
family). Neill’s outlook, which reflects the philosophy of the eighteenth century
philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau, is that society and its institutions must be
reformed to promote and foster the natural goodness of the child.
Human Nature: Nature versus Nurture: Where are you on this scale?
Sigmund Freud/ Golding
B.F. Skinner
Neill / Rousseau
You will plan and prepare notes to write an in-class essay that uses one of the views (or a hybrid between
them) about human nature using 3 pieces of support items: Lord of the Flies, one other piece of literature
(poem, short story, novel) and two historical/topical/film/television/contemporary resources.
1
2
3
Texts
The Lord of the Flies
Author
William Golding
The Question: In paragraph form and with reference to the text:
Discuss your view of human nature as explored through The Lord of the Flies and your additional sources.
Step 1: The Introduction/Attention Getter: (you are allowed to preplan and write your introductory material):
Theme (what main theme from the text will you be using to look at connections & comparisons):
The theme will be explored in the following way (choose one) and do a divided & developed thesis:
 As it emerges in the texts (NARROWING) – often shown as the plot moves forward
 How the authors/poets present this theme (METHOD) – characters, setting, literary devices
 How is it significant and why should we care? (MERIT) – theme, epiphany, value, meaning
The question will be answered because you have proven that: (hints at your epiphany)
General Idea
Idea/Aspect:
Source 1
Source 2
Source 3
Idea/Aspect:
Source 1
Source 2
Source 3
Quotations
Significance (Point Form ONLY)
Idea/Aspect:
Source 1
Source 2
Source 3
Stylistic Devices highlighted
Conclusion/Epiphany/Impact
Works Cited (please provide a properly formatted version of all sources using the MLA format; you may use
Citation Machine for help)
Lord of the Flies – Chapter 6
1. Explain how and why the boys arrive on the island. (2)
2. From the author’s description, what impression is he trying to create about the island? (2)
3. The author begins to describe and to develop his characters; describe Piggy. (2)
4. Which choir boy impresses Ralph and Piggy the most? Why? (2)
5. Why does Jack feel he should be chief? What does this reveal about his character? (2)
6. Explain the literal and symbolic significance of the shell. (2)
7. Explain why Ralph, Jack and Simon enjoyed the difficult exploration of the island. (2)
8. Explain the literal and symbolic reasons for Jack’s inability to stab the pig. (2)
9. What is Ralph’s initial reaction to the island and why is this important? (2)
10. Explain the significance of the chapter’s title The Sound of the Shell. (2)
Lord of the Flies – Chapter 2
1. At the first assembly after Ralph, Jack and Simon’s return from the exploration of the island the boys discuss many
topics. List at least 5 of these in point form. (3)
2. What is the first sign of evil on the island? What is the symbolism of this event and sign? (2)
3. Give two things that Ralph says to try to cheer the boys up after this scare. (2)
4. What do the boys plan to do to help a ship find them? (2)
5. A number of things happen because of the boys’ poor planning. Give at least two of these bad results. (2)
6. Trick question. What happened to the boy with the birthmark on his face? Why is this symbolic? (2)
7. What signs are there in the chapter that the boys will not be able to live together harmoniously (2)
8. What is the significance of the chapter’s title Fire on the Mountain? (2)
Lord of the Flies – Chapter 3
1. Why can’t the boys complete the building of the shelters? (2)
2. Outline the differences between Ralph and Jack. For each mark, a comment about each boy’s personality is required.
(3)
3. Why does Ralph feel they must have huts? (2)
4. When Jack is hunting, he feels hunted. What is really bothering him? (2)
5. What is your opinion of Simon so far. Who does he represent? (2)
6. What is the significance of the chapter’s title Huts on the Beach? (2)
Lord of the Flies – Chapter 4
1. The boys have settled into a routine life on the island. Describe a typical for the older boys. Then describe what the
littl’uns do all day long. (4)
2. Roger and Maurice torment some of the littl’uns on the beach. What does Maurice do? What does Roger do? Why do
they feel guilty afterwards? What do these feelings reveal about the characters of these two boys? (4)
3. Why does Jack paint his face? What does this reveal about mankind in general? (2)
4. Jack said they left the fire because they needed meat, but what is the real reason? (1)
5. Explain why Roger cannot hit Henry with the stones? (2)
6. Explain the significance of the chapter’s title Painted Faces and Long Hair? (2)
Lord of the Flies – Chapter 5
1. Why does Ralph call a meeting at this point. List at least 5 of the topics that were discussed at this assembly. (3)
2. Give two reasons that there had been “no further numbering of the littl’uns”. (2)
3. Why does the idea of the beast coming from the sea frighten them even more? (2)
4. When Simon ask “what is the dirtiest thing there is?” the boys think he is referring to something physical. What do they
think he is referring to? To what is he really referring? What does this episode reveal about human nature? (3)
5. How do Jack and many of his hunters now feel about the rules? What does this reveal about human nature? (2)
6. Explain the significance of the chapter’s title Beast from Water. (2)
Lord of the Flies – Chapter 6
1.
What are the two signs from the adult world? (2)
2.
How does one of them happen to arrive on the island? (1)
3.
Is this an evil or a good sign? Be sure to consider all of the facts before you explain your answer fully. (2)
4.
Other than to signal passing ships, why is the fire on the mountain very important to Sam and Eric? (1)
5.
What was the “beast”? Explain the wings and the reason for its movement. (2)
6.
Jack’s character continues to make dramatic changes. What does he think about the conch now, and what change
does this show? (2)
7.
Simon does not believe that there is a beast with claws on the mountain top. When he pictures the beast, what does
he see? How does this further reveal Simon’s character? (2)
8.
Explain the significance of the chapter’s title Beast from Air? How does it relate to the previous chapter’s title? (3)
Lord of the Flies – Chapter 7
1.
Give a complete description of Ralph at the beginning of this chapter. Why does William Golding go into such detail?
(3)
2.
Describe the difference in the ocean from the lagoon side to the side Ralph is on in this chapter. How does Ralph feel
on the lagoon side compared to this side? (3)
3.
When Simon says “You’ll get back alright” to Ralph, what does he foreshadow about his own future? (1)
4.
List at least 4 of the things Ralph remembers from his home. Why does Golding have Ralph daydream now? (3)
5.
Describe Ralph’s reaction to his first pig hunt. What does Golding tell us about human nature through this event? (2)
6.
After the pig hunt in chapter 4, there was a celebration. How does the re-enactment in this chapter differ from the
earlier one? (2)
7.
What does Simon do in this chapter to show that he is unafraid? (1)
8.
Explain the significance of the chapter’s title Shadows and Tall Trees? (2)
Lord of the Flies – Chapter 8
1.
What does Jack try to do at the meeting? Is he successful? (2)
2.
After Jack leaves, Simon and Piggy suggest different plans. What are these two plans, and what do they reveal about
the character of these two boys? (3)
3.
How is Piggy’s behavior different than it was before? Why do you think he had changed? (2)
4.
Why does Jack put the pig’s head on a stick? What change in his character does this indicate? (2)
5.
The fire has taken on new, important values. What role does the fire now play in “light” of the two groups that now
exist? (2)
6.
The Lord of the Flies “speaks” to Simon. Explain what really is happening here and why this “conversation” is so
important. (2)
7.
Explain the significance of the chapter’s title Gift for the Darkness? (2)
Lord of the Flies – Chapter 9
1.
What is the natural event that is foreshadowed in the opening paragraph of this chapter? (1)
2.
When Simon climbs to the top of the mountain, what does he discover? What does this symbolize? (2)
3.
Jack and his tribe are no longer just hunters. Now they are called the ________________, and Jack is the
____________________. (2)
4.
Why does Jack have the boys dance and chant at this point in the story? (1)
5.
“At once the crowd surged after it, poured down the rock, leapt on the beast, screamed, struck, bit, tore. There were
no words and no movements but the tearing of teeth and claws.” What have the boys become? What was the beast
they killed? (2)
6.
Why does the parachutist leave the island in the storm? (1)
7.
“The phosphorescent water and the moon-beam bodied creatures with fiery eyes surround Simon’s head with
brightness.” What is this called; what does Simon symbolize; and how does this fit in with our previous picture of
Simon? (3)
8.
Explain the significance of the chapter’s title A View to a Death? (2)
Lord of the Flies – Chapter 80
1.
List at least three differences between Ralph’s and Piggy’s reactions to Simon’s death. (3)
2.
What was Sam and Eric’s alibi? (1)
3.
Why is it that none of the children in Ralph’s group can admit to their actions in the killing of Simon? (2)
4.
How does Jack’s tribe cope with their feelings of guilt because of what they did to Simon the night before? (2)
5.
Why is Jack going to beat Wilfred? What does this reveal about Jack’s character? (2)
6.
Where have Jack and his tribe settled? (1)
7.
Describe two separate events or statements by Ralph to show that he, too, is changing. (2)
8.
What did Piggy think that Jack, Maurice and Roger raided them for? What did these three really come to Ralph’s
camp to get? (2)
9.
What is the significance of the chapter’s title The Shell and the Glasses? (2)
Lord of the Flies – Chapter 11
1.
How do we know that Piggy still believes in the conch? (1)
2.
“Dimly he [Ralph] remembered something that Simon had said to him once, by the rocks.” What was it Simon said?
(1)
3.
What happens to people when they wear masks or paint their faces? Refer to Jack and his hunters when you answer
this one. (2)
4.
Why does Roger finally roll the big rock off the cliff to kill Piggy? What earlier incident foreshadows this event? (2)
5.
Why is it appropriate that the conch is smashed with Piggy? (2)
6.
What are Jack’s intentions when he throws his spear at Ralph? (1)
7.
What is it about Roger that terrifies the littl’uns? (1)
8.
If Jack is the chief of the tribe, what is Roger’s position? (1)
9.
What is the significance of the chapter’s title Castle Rock? (2)
Lord of the Flies – Chapter 12
1.
Considering what each boy represents, why is it that Jack can never leave Ralph alone? (2)
2.
Why does Ralph try to smash the pig’s skull? What does this represent symbolically? (2)
3.
How are Jack and Roger able to rule their tribe? (1)
4.
“Roger sharpened a stick at both ends,” said the twins. When did Roger do this, and what does it foreshadow for
Ralph? (2)
5.
List the three methods used to hunt Ralph. (3)
6.
What is the one thing the Ralph tells himself to do in order to be saved? Why does he miss Piggy? (2)
7.
“Ralph shot forward, burst the thicket, was in the open, screaming, snarling, bloody.” What do the italicized
descriptions suggest? (2)
8.
Explain the irony when the officer says “fun and games”. You’ll need to understand what the officer does not know. (1)
9.
The officer grins and asks, “What have you been doing? Having a war or something?” What are the two ironies here?
(2)
10.
What does the officer represent? You need to look at the two levels: surface and deeper meaning suggested by
Golding (2)
11.
To what kind of world are the boys being returned? Name two things that suggest that all is not as well as it appears.
(2)
12.
For what three things does Ralph weep? (3)
13.
Explain what is meant by “the loss of innocence” and “the darkness of man’s heart”. (2)
14.
Explain the significance of the chapter’s title Cry of the Hunters? (2)