Plot Points
What is the boys’ primary goal after arriving on the island?
To be rescued by maintaining a signal fire.
Who is the elected leader of the boys at the beginning of the story?
Ralph
What theme is represented by the boys' descent into violence?
Civilization vs. savagery
What object is used to call assemblies and symbolize order?
The Conch Shell
Who represents democratic leadership in the novel?
Ralph
Who is the first character to die on the island?
The boy with the mulberry-colored birthmark.
Which character is physically weak but intellectually strong?
Piggy
How does the novel explore the idea of fear?
Through the boys’ belief in the beast, which symbolizes fear of the unknown.
What is the significance of Piggy’s glasses?
They symbolize knowledge, rationality, and the ability to make fire.)
Why does Jack prefer hunting over maintaining the fire?
He prioritizes power and savagery over rescue
What event marks the turning point where the boys fully descend into savagery?
Simon's death during the frenzied dance
Which character is described as kind and has a mystical understanding of the island?
Simon
What does the novel suggest about human nature?
That humans have an inherent capacity for evil, restrained only by society.
What does the signal fire represent?
Hope for rescue and a connection to civilization
How do Ralph and Piggy work together to maintain order?
Ralph leads with authority, while Piggy provides ideas and reason.)
Why does Jack form his own tribe?
He feels Ralph is not a strong leader and wants to hunt freely.
Why do the boys ultimately turn against Ralph?
Jack manipulates them by appealing to their fears and desire for power.
How does Golding depict the loss of innocence in the boys?
Through their increasingly violent actions, including murder
What does the “beast” really represent?
The boys’ internal fears and the darkness within human nature
What leadership style does Jack represent?
Authoritarian leadership based on fear and control.
How are the boys finally rescued?
A naval officer arrives after seeing the smoke from the fire.
What do Sam and Eric (Samneric) represent in the novel?
The loss of individuality and the pressures of mob mentality
How does the arrival of the naval officer at the end tie into the theme of civilization?
It contrasts the boys' savagery with the adult world's broader capacity for war and destruction
What is the "Lord of the Flies," and what does it symbolize?
The pig’s head on a stick; it symbolizes the savagery and evil within the boys.
How does the conflict between Ralph and Jack reflect the novel’s larger themes?
It illustrates the struggle between civilization and savagery.