Chapter 8 Gift for the Darkness: Savagery in Lord of the Flies
Standards: Benchmarks and Indicators
1. Reading Process: Concepts of Print, Comprehension Strategies and Self-Monitoring
Strategies Standard

Benchmark B: Demonstrate comprehension of print and electronic text by
responding to questions (e.g., literal, inferential, evaluative and synthesizing).
Indicator 2: Answer literal, inferential, evaluative and synthesizing
questions to demonstrate comprehension of grade-appropriate print texts
and electronic and visual media.
Objectives/Indicators
1. Students will answer literal, inferential and evaluative questions to demonstrate
comprehension of Chapter 8 of Lord of the Flies.
Materials
Lord of the Flies by William Golding; Savagery in Chapter 8 worksheet (see handout); paper and
writing utensils.
Lead (Question): Connotative Meanings of Savagery
To get students focused on the topic of savagery, ask students the following question and
allow them time to brainstorm answers:
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What mental picture do you get when you think of a savage?
What words or phrases are usually associated with savages?
Brainstorming and the subsequent discussion following these questions will focus students on the
subject of savagery, which they investigate and explain as they read Chapter 8 of Lord of the
Flies.
Transition to Procedure 1
Now that we have discussed some words and phrases that we normally associate with
savagery, let’s identify examples of savagery in Chapter 8, what previously caused this savagery,
and what it means to the rest of the novel.
Procedure 1: Identifying Savagery in Chapter 8 of Lord of the Flies
In Procedure 1, hand out the Savagery in Chapter 8 worksheet. Read through the
instructions and answer any student questions. Then, give students time to read through the first
half of Chapter 8 (p. 124-137) individually. As they read, students will be identifying different
examples of savagery that Jack and his hunters display as they hunt and kill the sow. They will
list five direct quotations on the worksheet that show the savagery of the boys. After identifying
these examples, students will search through the novel and list three events which occurred
previously that led up to the savagery seen in Chapter 8. Finally, the students will predict what
will happen in the book based on the outcome of the sow hunt and what the boys seem to be
becoming.
Transition to Procedure 2
Now that you have completed the worksheet on savagery, we will discuss what you have
found and compare and contrast answers.
Procedure 2: Discussion on Savagery in Chapter 8
In Procedure 2, allow students to briefly discuss the examples of savagery that they found
in Chapter 8. Then, incite a personal response to the reading by asking the following questions:
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Do you find anything morally wrong or perverted about the boys’ actions?
What do you think is motivating the boys to behave in this way?
Can you imagine yourself behaving in a similar way? Why or why not?
These questions make students reflect on the reasons why the boys may be acting this way. It
also helps students personally relate to the hunt and killing of the sow. After the discussion,
allow the students to read the second half of Chapter 8. If not, assign the rest of the chapter for
homework (p. 137-144).
Closure
Today, we have explored how Jack and his hunters are becoming more savage-like as
they live longer on the island. We analyzed the events that led to this savagery and how their
savagery may influence the rest of the novel. As we continue to read Lord of the Flies, notice
how savage-like characteristics become more apparent in Jack and his hunters.
Evaluation
The evaluation for this lesson is the Savagery in Chapter 8 worksheet. These worksheets
show that students comprehend the chapter and can identify examples of savagery from the text.
It also illustrates that students understand the events that led to the killing of the sow and what it
implies to the rest of the story.
Ease of Use
This lesson is easy for a substitute to use because, for most of the period, students are
reading the chapter silently or in groups and citing examples from the text. Also, discussion
questions are included in the lesson, so a substitute does not need to develop them on his or her
own. Finally, the lesson includes all required handouts.
Homework
Students need to finish reading the second half of Chapter 8 (p. 137-144) for the next
lesson.
Name____________________ Date _________ Period ____
Savagery in Chapter 8 – Gift for the Darkness
When the boys kill the sow and present an offering to the beast it is all very
savage-like. Identify 5 elements of the scenario that are savage-like. Quote
the lines from the book below.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What events led up to this scene in the book? (Think of the book as a
whole.) Explain how each event led to the killing of the sow and the
circumstances around that.
1.
2.
3.
What do you predict will happen next?