Analytical Essay: Lord of the Flies
You will write a five-paragraph essay on your choice of the following topics for Lord of the Flies. This is to be a
structured, well-organized, analytical interpretation on various aspects of the novel. You will need:
 An introductory paragraph with a thesis statement.
 Multiple, well developed body paragraphs with topic sentences to support your thesis.
 A strong conclusion paragraph to reinforce your thesis.
 Cited concrete details to support your topic sentences (Golding 45).
 Quotes from the book to illustrate your ideas. Make sure you cite your quotes (Golding 45).
 Keep into consideration: (1) point of view (or voice) and language, (2) tone, (3) time and place of
setting, (4) characters, (5) plot structure, (6) images and symbols.
Topics:
1. Choose one character from the novel, Lord of the Flies, and discuss their importance to the rest of the novel.
 What important part/role does the character play in the plot?
 In what ways is this character different from the rest? (Why might those differences be important?)
 How has the character changed since being on the island?
 What might the character represent in the novel (think symbol)?
 How does the author use this particular character to get across particular ideas? Why is this character
important to the understanding of the text?
2. Or-you can focus on a symbol. Apply the questions above, but substitute character with symbol.
3. Relationships: How does Jack and Ralph’s relationship develop during the novel?
 What do they think of each other and/or the situation they are in at the beginning of the novel?
 How do their differences develop as the novel goes on?
 Why does the author end their relationship with Jack trying to kill Ralph?
4. Discuss one of the following conflicts:
A. The group of boys tries to hold on to civilization as best as they can, but savagery ultimately takes over.
B. Ralph is internally conflicted as the leader. Discuss how he is torn between being responsible and
wanting to be like the others.
5. There are three beasts—the “beastie,” the parachutist, and the Lord of the Flies---and all present a continuous
movement toward fear. Discuss each and their role in the concept of fear. How do the boys individually and
collectively handle each of these? What behaviors might these three beasts create in the boys?
6. Choose one of the following themes and discuss its development through the novel. This may require a combination
of the above topics (symbols, internal/external conflict, character development, etc.)
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Loss of innocence
Loss of sight
Fear of the unknown
Need for social order
Struggle for power
DUE DATES:
Pre-write________________
Shaping Sheet:___________
Rough Draft:_____________
Final Draft:______________