Lord of the Flies - Chapter 1: The Sound of the Shell
NOTE AND NOTICE SIGNPOST QUESTIONS
1. Ralph repeatedly stands on his head in this chapter. Note the page that these hand-stands occur on and consider: What is the purpose of including this character detail repeatedly? (again and again)
2. When Piggy asks Ralph for his name, why doesn’t Ralph ask for
Piggy’s name as well? Try to predict how this will affect the progression of the story. (Contrast and Contradiction)
3. On page 13, Piggy asks Ralph “How does he know we’re here?” twice. In this conversation, Piggy is asking Ralph some Tough
Questions. What are these questions and what do the implications of those questions make you think? What sort of questions does it make you ask? (Tough Questions)
4. On page 23, Ralph has an “Aha! Moment” - what is this moment?
Explain the implications for his character from this realization.
5. Why does Ralph choose Simon among all the boys to go exploring with him and Jack when Simon just fainted? (Contrast and
Contradiction)
6. What sort of realization do the three exploring boys come to when they encounter the piglet on their way back? Why can’t Jack kill it?
(Aha moment)
AND NOW….SYMBOLS!!
Each of the following is a symbol introduced in the first chapter of the novel - provide a quote that describes that symbol and explain your initial thoughts on what that object represents in the story
Many of these will have multiple quote possibilities - include more than one if necessary
Symbol Quote (with page #) Meaning/abstract concept

Piggy’s glasses
Conch (shell) the Scar
Pink (color)
Additional questions to ponder:
What is the connection between the megaphone and the conch shell?
What is the meaning of the title of this chapter “The Sound of the
S hell”? What effect does the sound of the shell produce?
Write other questions and possible signposts as they occur to you.
Don’t feel limited by the questions provided - feel free to explore and probe this text as it is rich in meaning.