Name: _________________________
Date: __________________
English 2 Period: __________
Lord of the Flies Essay Assignment
DUE DATE:TUESDAY 3/8_
WRITING THE ESSAY:
Please choose ONE of the following essay prompts on which to write a complete essay. Your essay must include the
prewriting, a rough draft with edits, and an edited final draft.
1. Golding’s attitude seems to be that mankind is inherently evil. It is almost as if he imposes his past evil
behaviors on society. If we take Golding’s theory to heart, we may become very pessimistic about the future
of mankind. Do you agree or disagree with Golding’s theory? If you agree that the world is doomed, give at
least three examples of the evils existing in society that are destructive and point to the evil nature of man. If
you are optimistic about mankind and see humans as basically good, give three examples to support your
positive viewpoint. Include evidence and support from the novel.
2. Abraham Lincoln said, “Human nature can be modified to some extent, but basic human nature cannot be
changed.” Write an essay in which you either agree or disagree with this statement. Use evidence from the
novel to support your position.
3. Write an essay in which you discuss the literary techniques Golding uses to create the atmosphere of evil.
Consider imagery, symbolism, characterization, contrast, etc. Use specific examples from the text to support
your essay.
4. Write an essay in which you discuss the symbolism that exists in William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies.
Choose three characters, objects, or a combination of both and discuss the symbolism of each. Be sure to use
support from the text in your essay.
Instructions for completing the final draft: Please refer to the following when completing your essay.
1. Essays must be in MLA format
2. Essays must have full, proper heading in upper right hand corner (Name, Date, Class period, Teacher)
3. Essays do not have to be the standard 5-paragraph composition, but they must include a clear introduction,
body, and conclusion.
4. Essays must be double-spaced. Essays not double-spaced will be handed back to be re-typed and will lose
fifteen points for being late.
5. Essays must be typed in black ink. Font should be no larger than 12 point and must be Times New Roman or
Arial.
6. Essays must include a clear thesis that states the main points to be discussed in the paper (DO NOT say, “In
this essay I will discuss…”).
7. Essays may not be written in first person. (i.e. do not use “I think that…” or “In my opinion…”). State your
opinions as facts. “I think the conch represents order and democracy” should be stated as “The conch
represents order and democracy.”
8. Essays must include clear transition sentences that lead from one point to the next.
9. Essays must include a reworded thesis at the beginning of the conclusion paragraph. (DO NOT say, “In this
essay I have just told you…”).
10. Essays must include textual support, which means that they must include MLA citations (references to author
and page number).
Ex: Ralph thought to himself that the next assembly “must not be fun, but business,” (Golding 76).
Ex: Golding asserts that “mankind’s essential illness” is the evil that exists in all humans (Golding
86).