CHAPTER II: Fire on the Mountain
Textual Notes:
Treasure Island - the famous adventure story about pirates and buried treasure by Robert Louis Stevenson.
Swallows and Amazons - novel by Arthur Ransome (b. 1884), author of numerous boys' books.
Coral Island - one of the most famous adventure stories for boys by Robert Michael Ballantyne (1825-94).
the Queen - i.e. Queen Elizabeth II.
Altos . . . trebles - 'seconds' and 'firsts': the lower range and upper range of boys' unbroken voices.
"Test-Yourself" Questions
1.
Explain the meaning of each of these: gesticulated, dubiety , exasperation , ebullience , grotesque.
2.
Where does Ralph get the idea for using the conch to speak?
3.
Who was excited by the idea of "lots of rules"? Why is this person so enthusiastic about the possibility of creating rules?
4.
Which boy pessimistically introduces the reality that they may never be rescued?
5.
Who "looked round in a panic" and why? What required "more than rational assurance"?
6.
What simple statement by Ralph "brought light and happiness" to the assembly of boys?
7.
Explain the meaning of each of these words: incompetence , silhouette , recrimination , canopy , tirade.
8.
What were Piggy's reactions when everyone left to "Make a fire!"?
9.
Why had Piggy been unable to draw up a list of "The little ‘uns"?
10.
What are the two distinct branches of social responsibility that are formed? Who forms them? What do they represent in
modern society?
11.
The children fear the 'beastie'. What is this beast? Why is the beast referred to as a 'snake thing'? Does this have any
symbolic significance when related to the idyllic setting of the novel?
12.
Show how the snatching of Piggy's glasses, representative of his intellectualism, symbolises to some extent society's
acquisitive and unrewarding ways towards the intelligentsia.
13.
How does the fire become uncontrollable? What is significant or ironic about this? Compare this with the fire at the end?
14.
What are the differences in the boys' intentions, their state of mind and the effects of their actions?
15.
Comment on the way Golding uses imagery suggesting snakes in the burning jungle, just before the missing boy is noticed.
16.
What causes the drum-roll sound the boys hear in the fire? What is the significance of the 'drum roll'?
17.
How does Piggy first notice a boy is missing, even though he doesn’t know his name?
18.
Identify and discuss two examples of symbolism in detail.
19.
What ominous signs emerge in this chapter that all is not as it seems?
20.
Isolate and discuss in about 5 lines what you consider to be an important theme in this chapter.
CHAPTER II: Fire on the Mountain
Textual Notes:
Treasure Island - the famous adventure story about pirates and buried treasure by Robert Louis Stevenson.
Swallows and Amazons - novel by Arthur Ransome (b. 1884), author of numerous boys' books.
Coral Island - one of the most famous adventure stories for boys by Robert Michael Ballantyne (1825-94).
the Queen - i.e. Queen Elizabeth II.
Altos . . . trebles - 'seconds' and 'firsts': the lower range and upper range of boys' unbroken voices.
"Test-Yourself" Questions
1.
Explain the meaning of each of these: gesticulated, dubiety , exasperation , ebullience , grotesque.
2.
Where does Ralph get the idea for using the conch to speak?
3.
Who was excited by the idea of "lots of rules"? Why is this person so enthusiastic about the possibility of creating rules?
4.
Which boy pessimistically introduces the reality that they may never be rescued?
5.
Who "looked round in a panic" and why? What required "more than rational assurance"?
6.
What simple statement by Ralph "brought light and happiness" to the assembly of boys?
7.
Explain the meaning of each of these words: incompetence , silhouette , recrimination , canopy , tirade.
8.
What were Piggy's reactions when everyone left to "Make a fire!"?
9.
Why had Piggy been unable to draw up a list of "The little ‘uns"?
10.
What are the two distinct branches of social responsibility that are formed? Who forms them? What do they represent in
modern society?
11.
The children fear the 'beastie'. What is this beast? Why is the beast referred to as a 'snake thing'? Does this have any
symbolic significance when related to the idyllic setting of the novel?
12.
Show how the snatching of Piggy's glasses, representative of his intellectualism, symbolises to some extent society's
acquisitive and unrewarding ways towards the intelligentsia.
13.
How does the fire become uncontrollable? What is significant or ironic about this? Compare this with the fire at the end?
14.
What are the differences in the boys' intentions, their state of mind and the effects of their actions?
15.
Comment on the way Golding uses imagery suggesting snakes in the burning jungle, just before the missing boy is noticed.
16.
What causes the drum-roll sound the boys hear in the fire? What is the significance of the 'drum roll'?
17.
How does Piggy first notice a boy is missing, even though he doesn’t know his name?
18.
Identify and discuss two examples of symbolism in detail.
19.
What ominous signs emerge in this chapter that all is not as it seems?
20.
Isolate and discuss in about 5 lines what you consider to be an important theme in this chapter.
CHAPTER III Huts on the Beach
"Test- Yourself" Questions: pp. 46-55.
Explain the meaning of each of the following words: festooned (46), inscrutable (47), vicissitudes (47), contrite
(48), incredulous (51).
What seemed to "come out of the abyss of ages" ? (47)
In what did the boys keep their fresh water? (48)
Why, in Jack's opinion, were the spears they used for hunting defec-tive? (49)
What "shameful syllable" caused Jack and Ralph to flinch ? (50)
Explain the meaning of each of the following words: declivities (52), tacit (53), clamorously (54), gaudy (54),
susurration (55).
What feeling did Jack experience while alone in the forest? (51)
"They'll lie up there—they must do ..."—to what was Jack referring ? (52)
In what way had Simon's eyes deceived Ralph? (53)
10. What birds did Simon hear returning to their roosts "among the square rocks"? (55)
Study Questions
1. What sort of weapon is Jack using to hunt pigs?
2. How does Jack know there is a pig in the creepers ahead of him?
3. How are the boys collecting drinking water?
4. Who helps Ralph with the hut building?
5. How many huts have the boys managed to build?
6. What does Jack claim to feel behind him when he hunts?
7. What does Jack suggest will make him a better hunter?
8. Which boy does Jack view as odd?
9. Where does Simon go in the jungle?
10. When do the candle-buds that Simon sees bloom?
CHAPTER IV Painted Faces and Long Hair
Textual Notes:
p. 56. diarrhoea-tte excessive discharge by the body of waste products
(a "running tummy"), p. 58. A/nto-accumulated matter produced by the erosion of gravel and
rock.
p. 61. mere— archaic word for a lake or pool.
p. 71. ^-{English schoolboy slang) weakly, without conviction.
"Test-Yourself" Questions: pp. 55-72.
Explain the meaning of each of the following words: opalescence (55), generic (56), impalpable (58), ecstatic
(66), gyration (69).
At what time of the day did the island mirages subside? (56)
To whom had Henry been related? (57)
Explain what is meant by. "Round the squatting child (Henry) was the protection of parents and school and
policemen and the law". (59)
Who was the only boy on the island whose hair never seemed to grow? (61)
Which boy look a poor dive into the pool and what did Ralph call out when he saw this? (62)
.
What had the boys "really known down on the beach when the smoke of home had beckoned"? (65)
Which two boys carried the stake bearing the pig? (66)
What had made Jack "grimace distastefully" ? (66)
10. Why were the hunters of the opinion "that Jack had done'the decent thing"? (69)
Study Questions
1. Which three littluns are playing on the beach as the chapter opens?
2. Who destroys the littluns’ sandcastles?
3. What does Roger do to cruelly bother Henry?
4. What substances and colors does Jack use to paint his face?
5. What item does Piggy suggest they build with a stick?
6. What does Ralph spot on the horizon?
7. Why is the signal fire out?
8. What violence does Jack commit toward Piggy?
9. How did the hunters kill the pig?
10. Who gives Piggy meat despite Jack’s objection?
CHAPTER V Beast from Water
"Test-Yourself" Questions: pp. 72-90.
Explain the meaning of the following words: ludicrous (74), solemnity (75), intimidation (83), inarticulate (85),
discursive (88), incantation (90).
Why had "assembly after assembly ... broken up in laughter" ? (73)
Why did the assembly-place look so different ? (74)
What "ineffectual protest" did Piggy make? (75)
5.' What newruledtd Ralph lay down for the cooking of food? (77)
What was the answer which Ralph knew to the question Piggy had pre-viously asked? (82)
How did Maurice divert the small boys from their personal sorrows ? (83)
What was Ralph's opinion about ghosts? (86)
Whose voice "sounded in bitter mimicry" and why ? (87)
What did Ralph fear would happen if he blew the conch a second time? (88)
Study Questions
1. What time of day does Ralph unwisely choose for this assembly?
2. Which matters does Ralph intend to address and solve?
3. Who first speaks of the beast in the jungle?
4. Who first introduces the notion that the beast comes from the sea?
5. Which of the boys is the first to denounce the power of the conch?
6. Who does Ralph chastise for wandering in the jungle at night?
7. Which of the boys suggests that the beast could be from the sea because all the creatures in the sea haven’t been found
yet?
8. Who recognizes the true nature of the beast on the island, but is unable to express it to others?
9. Who challenges Ralph’s leadership by saying, “You can’t hunt, you can’t sing”?
10. Which two boys desperately try to convince Ralph to remain as chief after Jack breaks up the meeting?
Chapter VI Beast from Air
Textual Notes:
p. 93. "Wasn't he waxy?"—Eric is referring to Ralph, p. 101. polyp—a species of sea life, like the sea-anemone,
leviathan—anything huge qf monstrous. "Test-Yourse/f" Questions: pp. 90:104
Explain the meaning of each of the following words: tremulously (95), embroiled (97), incredulity (98),
diffidently (99), impenetrable (99).
Who was "old Waxy"? (93)
What had Ralph been dreaming? (94)
How did Ralph secure "a violent swing" in his favour during the excited discussion after the twins had seen "the
beast"? (97-8)
Why was Ralph pleased that Jack led the way. along the beach towards "the castle" ? (98)
Why did Robert snigger at Simon? (99)
What was likely to happen to the castle "in a matter of centuries"? (100)
What lay "like icing", on the boulders of the castle? (101)
Why did the "knot of bbys" make "a great noise"? (103)
10. Why did Ralph object to using the castle as a permanent habitation? (103)
Study Questions
1. What falls onto the island during the night?
2. Who is tending the fire when the “beast” is discovered?
3. What makes the “beast” move?
4. What does Ralph tell Jack to do at the meeting when Jack tries to talk out of turn?
5. What do the boys discover when they get to the tail end of the island?
6. Who volunteers to go first and see if the beast is ahead?
7. How does Jack view the island abutment they discover?
8. What do the boys do when they enter the small island?
9. What does Ralph urge them to concentrate on instead?
10. Who leads the boys off the island?
CHAPTER VII Shadows and Tall Trees
Textual Notes:
p. 107. Chatham to Devonport— Chatham is a naval arsenal on the Mcdway estuary in Kent; Devonport is the
naval dockyard area of Plymouth.
p. 109. Like Berengaria—Berengaria, Princess of Navarre, married Richard I of England in Cyprus in 1191; she
is reputed to have sucked the poison from a wouftd suffered by her husband during fighting against the
Saracens near Acre the following year.
p. 115. windy—schoolboy slang for "afraid", derived from the expression "to have the wind up", to be
perturbed or frightened.
"Test-Yourself" Questions: pp. 104-118 f. Explain the meaning of each of the following words: obtuseness
(106), traverses (111), sagely (11.3), impervious (116).
If the boys continued to wear clothes, but "not for decorum or comfort", what was the reason ? (105.)
Why were mirages not experienced on the other side of the island? (105)
Who believed that Ralph would "get back (home) all right"? (106)
Why had Ralph never read the book "about Topsy and Mopsy"? (107)
What chant did the boys sing as they danced about Robert? (109)Why did the boys stir uneasily, "as though something indecent had been 'said"? (113)
Who uttered the word that was "too good, too bitter, too successfully daunting to be repeated", and what was
the word? (114)
Explain the "kind of 'plop' noise" which the boys heard on the mountain top. (116)
TO. What did the "creature" hold towards them? (118)
Study Questions
1. For what does Ralph long when the boys first stop and rest?
2. Of what does Ralph dream when he contemplates the sea?
3. Who correctly interprets Ralph’s reverie as a longing to be rescued?
4. What do Jack and the boys do when the boar charges?
5. What does Ralph do when the boar charges?
6. Who plays the pig in the boys’ mock pig-killing scene?
7. Which of the boys volunteers to return to Piggy alone in the dark?
8. Which three boys continue to the mountain to encounter the beast?
9. Which part of the beast do the boys see?
10. What do the boys do when they see the beast?
Chapter VIII Gift for the Darkness
"Test-Yourself" Questions: pp. 118-137
Explain the meaning of each of the following words: hysteria (124), fervour (127), demented (128), palled
(130), iridescent (132).
On what grounds did Jack accuse Ralph of cowardice? (120)
Why did Piggy look at Simon with an expression of "derisive incom-prehension"? (123)
Why did Jack's followers "cry with laughter" after they had slaughtered the pig? (130)
How did Jack plan to start a fire to roast the pig? (130)
Explain'the.meaningof each of the'following words: sensuously (128), taboo (13-3), demoniac (134), grimaced
(136), parody (137).
Why was Piggy opposed to treating the twins jointly for fire duty? (132)
What did Piggy seize when Jack and his "bodyguard" arrived and what was his motive in doing so? (134-5)
"Overhead the cannon boomed again . . ."—to what is this a reference? (136)
10. Simon "knew that one of his times was coming on"- explain this •statement. (137)1
Study Questions
1. Who calls the assembly to discuss the beast?
2. What lie does Jack tell the others at the assembly?
3. What does Jack do before he leaves the assembly?
4. What is Piggy’s radical idea concerning the fire?
5. What feast does Piggy supply for Ralph and the fire builders?
6. How does Roger help in killing the sow?
7. What do the boys do with the pig after they kill it?
8. Who converses with the pig’s head about the nature of the beast?
9. What does Jack’s raiding party steal?
10. What threat does the beast make to Simon at the end of the chapter?
CHAPTER IX A View to a Death
"Test-Yourself" Questions: pp. 138-147
Explain the meaning of each of the following words: interspersed (139), corpulent (139), primly (140), bourdon
(142).
What caused Simon's fainting fit to pass "into the weariness of sleep" ? (138)
.
Simon "crawled forward and soon he understood"—what did he undcr-:"stand?(l39)
How did Simon free the figure "from the wind's indignity" and what was the ultimate result of his doing so?
(139, 145)
What was the "wetness warmer than blood"? (140)
Who put down his gnawed bone with a nervous giggle when Ralph approached the feast and for what reason?
(142)
On what grounds did Ralph claim that he was still chief? (143)
What made the boys rush "screaming into the darkness" ? (146)
9.
What happened to the sky and the weather "towards midnight"? (146)
10. What became "a streak of phosphorescence" ? (146) *
Study Questions
1. In Simon’s secret place, which source of food do the flies prefer?
2. Where does Simon decide to go?
3. What does Simon do to the figure on the mountainside?
4. Who suggests Ralph and Piggy should go to the party?
5. How is it that Ralph and Piggy’s awkward presence at the party is accepted?
6. What does Jack declare about the conch to Ralph?
7. What is the weather like toward the end of the party?
8. What chant do the boys sing as they dance?
9. Who emerges from the jungle with the secret of the beast?
10. What scares the boys and sends them scattering?
Chapter X : The Shell and the Glasses
"Test-Yourself" Questions: pp. 147-160'
Explain the meaning of each of the following words: sombrelv (151), torrid (151). tendrils (157), purged (159).
Who else was left at the lagoon beside the four "biguns"? (147)
Piggy was "gesticulating, searching lor a formula" - lor what sort of
What , jse did the twins Offer for their absence from the dance? (150)
What did Jack do to Wilfred ? (151-2)
What question did Bill ask the Chief? (153)
What excuse did Piggy make for not helping to collect firewood? (154)
Why did Ralph contemplate living in a town rather than in the country? (156)
9.
What "tiny joke" did Ralph make at Piggy's expense? (157)
10. What account did Efic give of the fight in the shelter? (159)
Study Questions
1. Who is left among the boys that remain loyal to Ralph?
2. What rationalization do Ralph and Piggy arrive at concerning their role in Simon’s death?
3. What does Jack plan to do in order to enable his followers to have another feast?
4. Why is Roger so excited at the prospect of the beating of Willard?
5. What sacrifice to the beast does Jack order?
6. Why will it be so difficult for Ralph’s group to keep the fire going?
7. How does Ralph suggest Piggy contact his aunt?
8. Who does Ralph fight during the attack?
9. What does Ralph’s attacker do to him during the fight?
10. What did the attackers steal?
Chapter XI Castle Rock
"Test-Yourself" Questions: pp. 160-173
Explain the meaning of each of the fallowing words: propitiatingly (164), truculently (168), inscrutably (169),
incantation (172).
What, according to Piggy, was the "one thing" Jack did not have? (162)
Why was Ralph unable to comb his hair? (164>
What did-Ralph "try to remember"? (164)
What" mirage did the four boys see as they walked along the beach towards Castle Rock? (165)
What resolution did Ralph make as he "gazed at the savages intently" ? (167)
"A painted face spoke"—with the voice of which boy? (167)
When Jack challenged Ralph to "Say that again!'1 to what did he refer? (168)
What was the cause of the "curious air-noise" which Ralph heard? (171)
10.
What did Roger mean when he said to Jack: "That's not the way" ? (173)
1. In the beginning of the chapter, what does Piggy tell Ralph to do with the conch?
2. What reason will Piggy give Jack for the return of his glasses?
3. What does Ralph declare their appearance will be when they approach Jack?
4. Who challenges the boys on their approach to Castle Rock?
5. When Jack appears, what has he been doing?
6. What does Ralph call Jack that provokes a fight?
7. What happens to Samneric after the fight?
8. What is Roger doing during Piggy’s plea for a return to decency?
9. Who releases the rock that kills Piggy and destroys the conch?
10. Who takes over the questioning of Samneric from Jack at the chapter’s end?
chapter XII
Cry of the Hunters
"Test-Yourself" Questions: pp. 173-192
Explain the meaning of each of the following words:m essayed (178), antiphonal (178), incomprehensible
(180), ensconce (181), crepitation (185), excruciatingly (187).
What prevented Ralph from bathing his injuries? (174)
What "lay over the island like a vapour"? (175)
Why did "little prickles of sensation" run up and down Ralph's spine?
(176) ,
What factors prevented Ralph from building up an outlaw tribe "at the other end of the island"? (177)
What made the twins grab each other and gibber ? (178)
What matter of "overwhelming importance" occurred to Ralph as he spoke to the twins? (179)
To which of the twins' words did Ralph try to attach some meaning? (180)
What made Ralph feel "secure and clever"? (182)
What did Ralph visualize with "agonizing clearness"? (183)
What did Ralph begin to dread most of all? (186)
What made the naval officer whistle softW t!9n
Study Questions
1. Where does Ralph first hide from his pursuers?
2. Who gives Ralph meat from Jack’s feast?
3. Why did Samneric join Jack’s tribe?
4. What has Roger prepared for Ralph?
5. How does Jack’s tribe flush Ralph from hiding?
6. What does Ralph discover when he flees to the beach?
7. How does Jack appear on the beach?
8. What boy cannot remember his name?
9. Who takes responsibility for the events on the island?
10. Why is the naval officer disappointed in the boys?
It IV ISION IX I K< I SI
1
H1E questions which follow are merely useful samples of the type of question which might be asked in an
examination on Lord of the Flies; in no way are they to be regarded as likely "spots" (see Preface).
CONTENT QUESTIONS
1.
(a) What happened on the island from the time Ralph blew his shelltrumpet until he was elected leader? (15-22) (b) Give a brief account of the first trip of exploration which Ralph
conducted:<3ver the island. (22-31)
Carefully compare'and contrast the first and second meetings on the assembly platform. (17-23, 31-38)
Give a description of the fire on the mountain. (36-46)
In what manner did, Ralph become disillusioned .with his companions and what were the causes of the growing
rift between Jack and himself? (46-53)
Under what circumstances was the Tescue-fire allowed to go out so that an opportunity of being saved was
missed? (60-72)
Describe in some detail the assembly summoned by Ralph after Jack and his hunters had neglected their fire
duties. (73-90)
(jive an account of the expedition to the Castle Rock after the twins had seen "the beast". (93-104)
Recount the circumstances which culminated in the discovery by Ralph and his two companions of "the thing
that bowed" on the mountain' top. (104-118)
9.
Describe what happened on the island from the time Jack openly challenged Ralph's leadership until Simon fainted before the "Lord of the
Flies". (118-137)
Under what circumstances did Simon meet his death? (138-147)
Why and how were Piggy's glasses stolen? (147-160)
Recount what happened after "the four boys gathered round the, black smudge where the fire had been" until
the twins "lay looking up in quiet terror" at Roger. (160-173)
Describe how Ralph became an outlaw and was chased across the island by the hunters until he finally managed
to elude them. (173-192)
CRITIQUES AND INTERPRETATIONS
14.
"We're all drifting and things are going rotten. At home there was
always a grown-up. Please, sir; please miss; and then you got an answer . . ." (90) To what extent, in your
opinion, does the development
of the plot depend on the complete absence of "grown-ups" ?
"In part, the story concerns a clash of incompatible personalities." Trace the reasons for the breakdown in the
relationship between Ralph and Jack and, by way of contrast, briefly describe.the factors promoting a mounting
warmth of friendship between Ralph and Piggy.
"The role played by Simon in the unfolding of the story's pattern and his own outlook towards the problems
posed by the isolation of isiand
ii mI< ..i ii |n>wri ill « .1 • i<i■ 11>■ •. iiiuiallvc method and the poetic qualities of h ,(ylc, Lord of the Flies is
not without blemishes. One marked defect is the all-pervading sense of ajlegory—'There's not a child so small
and weak But has his little cross to take'. Another is a tendency to lapse into mystic symbolism, of which
Simon's 'conversation' with the Lord of the Flies is the most unfortunate instance." Do you agree with these
criticisms? State your reasons fully. (The 'con-versation' referred to is to be found on pp. 136-7).
Describe the efforts of the boys to cope .with the problems of (i) main-taining rescue-fires and building shelters,
and (ii) securing meat. How do their failures with (i) and their relative success with (ii) promote their regression
towards savagery?
What qualities of leadership does Ralph display? To what extent are his deficiencies in this_ respect responsible
for the boys' gradual lapse into primitive savagery? Do you consider that either Piggy or Sirnon would have
made a better leader?
"In essence, the purpose of Lord of the Flies is to demonstrate th^t. the" real danger to humanity comes from
man's polymorphously perverse nature. Ralph's weeping, at the close, 'for the end of innocence (and) the
darkness of man's heart' (192) synthesizes the book's message." Carefully elaborate on this statement.
"In neither the case of Jack nor of Roger is there any absolute deteriora-tion of character. The blemishes and
defects are at hand from the outset, ft is simply a question of altered circumstances giving these more scope."
Do you agree ? Discuss fully.
Taking into consideration the general sweep of events culminating in the outlawing and hunting of Ralph, how
do you think the story would have worked itself out but for the fortuitous arrival of the cruiser ?
"Sometimes Golding introduces beautiful and vivid descriptive passages, but on the whole his approach creates
the simultaneous effect of self-conscious simplicity and wilful obscurity."
Do you regard this statement as a reasonable assessment of the author's literary style and manner in Lord of the
Flies! Wherever possible, substantiate your remarks by quoting illustrative examples.
24.
For each of the following extracts, state (a) the name of the speaker,
(b) the name of the person being addressed, (c) the specific circumstances
in which the words are spoken, and (d) the underlying significance of
the extract in the unfolding of the narrative—
(i)
"Let's creep forward on bands and knees. Maybe it's asleep."
(ii)
"They're hopeless. The older ones aren't much better. D'you see?
r^/All day I've been working with Simon. No one else. They're off
'
bathing, or eating, or playing." (48)
,<Vf
(iii) "Which is better—to have rules and agree, or to hunt and kill?" (171)
(iv) "You're not wanted. Understand ? We are going to'have fun on this island. Understand? We are going to
have fun on this island! So don't try it on, my poor misguided boy, or else —" (137)
(v) "We saw your smoke. And you don't know how many of you there are?" (191)
Q> You will be allocated a chapter to analyse and discuss.
You are to prepare and make an oral presentation to the class about what this chapter contributes to the novel as
a whole.
You will find this easier to do if you have read the entire novel. The questions on the following pages will help
you with this task.
You analysis should include:
a summary of plot actions:
List them as bullet points rather than in a paragraph
Comment on any significant advance in the plot
Notes on the setting
Has anything new been revealed?
Does the setting affect the action or the characters?
How much time has passed?
•
Notes on each of the main characters who appear, and comments on what is shown about each character.
Have they changed, developed? In what way, and why?
Quotations to support this.
You should also consider the following:
Have any future actions or incidents been foreshadowed in this chapter? Use of symbolism, imagery etc.
Anything else that could be usefully explained or commented on.
Do not just repeat what happens; your focus should be on the significance of events, and on the methods used
by the author to tell his story.
For your oral presentation, check whether you will be able to use the board or and OHP. Your teacher will tell
you is a summary is required for photocopying and giving to the class. If it is, type it if possible; or write neatly,
in black ink, on one side of the paper. Space it out so notes are easy to follow and learn from.
Include page references for all quotations.
^ You will be allocated a chapter to analyse and discuss.
You are to prepare and make an oral presentation to the class about what this chapter contributes to the novel as
a whole.
You will find this easier to do if you have read the entire novel. The questions on the following pages will help
you with this task.
You analysis should include:
a summary of plot actions:
List them as bullet points rather than in a paragraph
Comment on any significant advance in the plot
Notes on the setting
Has anything new been revealed?
Does the setting affect the action or the characters?
How much time has passed?
Notes on each of the main characters who appear, and comments on what is shown about each character.
Have they changed, developed? In what way, and why?
Quotations to support this.
You should also consider the following:
Have any future actions or incidents been foreshadowed in this chapter? Use of symbolism, imagery etc.
Anything else that could be usefully explained or commented on.
Do not just repeat what happens; your focus should be on the significance of events, and on the methods used
by the author to tell his story.
For your oral presentation, check whether you will be able to use the board or and OHP. Your teacher will tell
you is a summary is required for photocopying and giving to the class. If it is, type it if possible; or write neatly,
in black ink, on one side of the paper. Space it out so notes are easy to follow and learn from.
Include page references for all quotations.
Understanding, Analysis and Interpretation
Answering the following questions will help you in your understanding of the novel, whether after one reading
or for revision. Many of them require you to have read the entire novel before you will be able to answer them.
Chapter 1 The Sound of the Shell
Given folding's stated intentions for this novel, why has he chosen to set it in a remote jungle setting?
What advantages are there in using children as characters?
How does Golding achieve the atmosphere of glamour and adventure?
In the conversation between Ralph and Piggy, what do we learn about their backgrounds? How does Golding
convey this information?
Comment on the description of the arrival of the choir. In what way does this anticipate the later action of the
novel?
In what way does the children's taunting of Piggy reflect society itself?
What are the reactions of Ralph, Jack and Simon to the candle tree? What do his reactions suggest about each
boy?
8.
Why is Jack unable to kill the pig?
Chapter 2 Fire On The Mountain
What are the two distinct branches of social responsibility that are formed? Who forms them? What do they
represent in modern society?
The children fear the'beastie'. What is this beast? Why is the beast referred to as a'snake thing'? Does this have
any symbolic significance when related to the idyllic setting of the novel?
Show how the snatching of Piggy's glasses, representative of his intellectualism, symbolises to some extent
society's acquisitive and unrewarding ways towards the intelligentsia.
What is the result of the first fire? Compare this with the fire at the end of the novel. What are the differences in
the boys' intentions, their state of mind and the effects of their actions?
Comment on the way Golding uses imagery suggesting snakes in the burning jungle, just before the missing
boy is noticed. What is the significance of the reference to a 'drum roll'?
Chapter 3 Huts On The Beach
What does the meeting on the beach between Jack and Ralph tell us about the two boys? How does it reinforce
your earlier impressions of Jack?
Comment on the author's omniscient approach to his writing, i.e. freedom to move from person to person and
see events through the eyes of his characters objectively.
3.
What does the collapsing of the hut symbolically represent?
Chapter 4 Painted Faces and Long Hair
What does the smashing of the sand-castles and the throwing of stones represent?
What effect does Jack's painted mask have (a) on him (b) on the others?
Why do the boys start to dance and sing after the killing of the pigs? Is it an expression of joy or of fear?
Chapter 5 Beast From Water
How does the midnight meeting, begun as an attempt to re-organise the lives of the boys, create further chaos?
In what ways are Ralph's attempts to use democratic means ludicrous?
Comment on Simon's claim that "maybe it is only us". Is it only the boys?
folding goes on to show how 'Simon became inarticulate in his effort to express mankind's essential illness'.
Comment on this phrase.
Chapter 6 Beast From The Air
1. Describe the power struggle between Ralph and, Jack in this chapter.
What lies behind Ralph's sudden distaste for dirt? How is this contrasted with Jack?
In what way is Simon clairvoyant?
To what level of the primitive have the boys now sunk?
Chapter 8 Sift for the Darkness
Why do you think the act of killing the pig is one of the most significant acts of violence in the novel? How do
the boys react to this killing?
'The Lord of the Flies' is a literal translation of Beelzebub, the name of a devil in the Bible. Here it is the name
given to the sow's head. In what way is this appropriate? What or who are the flies?
Read Simon's experience with the 'Lord of the Flies'. What more does the episode reveal to you about Simon
himself?' Why do you think Golding chose Simon as the character to confront the head rather than any of the
other three major characters?
What do you take to be the meaning of the statement by the'Lord of the Flies': "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 what they are?"
How does this help you to understand the nature of the boys' failure on the island? What does it tell you about
(a) them (b) their failure (c) the human race (d) the nature of evil and of civilisation?
Chapter 9 A View to a Death
Why do you think it is Simon who climbs the mountain and discovers the truth about the beast?
Ralph and Piggy are unable to resist the temptation of visiting Jack's camp. Why? What do you think Golding is
trying to tell us about the basic nature of people?
Why is it that Jack is finally about to win the boys over to support him rather than Ralph?
Why is Simon killed?
Chapter 10 The Shell and the Glasses
Why is Piggy unable to accept Simon's death for the murder it was? What is Ralph's reaction?
This is a chapter in which the boys begin to live by instinct, the intellectual is defeated by the savage, and the
doctrine of the survival of the fittest is tested. Elaborate.
3.
What is the significance of the stealing of Piggy's glasses?
Chapter 11 Castle Rock
1.
A question Ralph asks summarises neatly the conflicts in the book between the ideals of society and the
impulses of primitive mankind. Quote it.
2.
What issues do the sacrifices of Piggy and the smashing of the conch shell represent?
Chapter 12 Cry of the Hunters
Compare Ralph's confrontation with the 'Lord of the Flies' with Simon's earlier one.
In what way does Ralph also adopt the role of a beast?
When the boys are finally rescued, Ralph is said to 'weep for the end of innocence, the darkness of man's heart'.
What does Golding mean?
Overview
Why is Ralph unable to persuade the boys to stick to the rules they have agreed on? What is missing from this
world that might have kept it organised and civilised?
Has Golding been successful in conveying the 'darkness of man's heart' through this novel?
Would you agree that humans are essentially evil? Why? Support your reply with examples from the modern
world if possible.
Does Golding offer any type of hope for the human race? If so, what form does this hope take?