Lord of the Flies Essay
Mobius English
Mrs. Winkler
Name __________________________
Period ____
The key to writing a good essay is to keep your thesis in mind constantly
as you make claims, give context, cite evidence, and offer commentary.
Directions: Complete all steps by the due dates listed below. All stages of writing must be word-processed.

Prewrite: Choose one of the topics below on which to write a full introduction (good leading
sentence/hook, author/title, background) and thesis statement. Underline your thesis statement. You must
also provide 3 – 4 claims and 6 – 8 supporting quotations with page numbers.

1st Draft: using your pre-write as a guide, type a 3-page draft of your essay.

Final Draft + Packet: Once you have received peer/teacher feedback on your 1st draft, you will revise, edit,
and submit a final draft of your essay. The Pre-Write, 1st Draft, and Final Draft must be stapled together with
the Final Draft on top.
Essay Prompts (choose one):
1. What causes the breakdown of order on the island? Discuss three or four of the possible causes
that contribute to disorder and eventual chaos. Elaborate on these points, drawing on specific
references from the text (quotes/examples with p. #’s) to support each point.
2. Analyze one recurring symbol (motif) throughout LOTF. What is Golding’s purpose in using this
pattern? Does it further support his theme (see notes on theme at the end of the novel)?
3. The island that the boys are on can be described as a microcosm or “little world.” Give examples
of the civilization and the savagery on the island, and compare these to the larger world outside
(society). In other words, how does what happened to the boys on the island offer a mirror image
of the larger world outside? Support your discussion with specific references from the text
(quotes/examples with p. #’s).
4. Propose your own LOTF essay prompt using an EMQ or other idea. You must get this approved
by me in advance of the prewriting.