LOTF
How does the symbolism of the conch progress thoughout the story
The conch begins as a symbol for order and civilization. Overtime, it loses its value to majority of the boys, until eventually being destroyed by Roger.
What do Piggy's glasses symbolize?
Logic and science.
What does Ralph represent throughout the story? Jack?
Ralph: Order, leadership, and rescue
Jack: Violence, power, savagery
Explain the importance of Lord of the Flies?
The Lord of the Flies represents the evil that exists within everyone. There is no physical beast, only the darkness that exists within the boys.
Why does Piggy feel betrayed by Ralph in Chapter 1?
Ralph tells the rest of the boys his nickname from school
What does the naval officer relate the boys savagery to when he discovers them on the island?
How are masks used in LOTF?
Mask conceal the boys identity, allowing them to descend into savagery with no moral obligation.
What does the scar symbolize?
It is a physical representation of the destruction that the boys have brought to the island.
What is ironic about Piggy's character?
Piggy is the smartest character. He represents logic and reason, yet, he is constantly undermined by the boys.
How does Jack change from Chapter 1 to the end?
Jack evolves from a strict choir leader into a savage dictator who uses fear, painted faces, and violence to control the tribe.
What is the symbolism of the dead parachutist?
He represents fear of the unknown and paranoia within the boys.
What does fire represent throughout the story? How it is ironic at the end of the novel?
The fire represents hope and responsibility. By maintaining the fire, the boys have hope of being rescued.
The fire they create to kill Ralph, once they have given up on being rescued, draws the naval officer to the island. A fire intended for death ends up saving them. There is a delicate balance between order and chaos.
What does the final confrontation between Ralph and Jack represent?
The fall of civilization and the rise of savagery.
Why do the boys cry at the end of the novel?
They all realize what they have become. They must now face the reality of all of the evil things that they have done while on the island. They realize their innocence is gone.
How is fear used througout the novel?
Through the use of the beast, fear becomes a destructive force that leads to violence and chaos
How does the beast represent the boys desire for power?
The beast acts as a projection of their fear, but quickly becomes a tool for manipulation. Jack exploits the boy's fear in order to overthrow Ralph
Why is Simon's death a turning point?
It shows that innocence and insight are powerless against fear-driven savagery.
How does the setting of the novel further push the narrative and provide a sense of isolation for the characters?
The lack of societal order, civilization, and adult supervision lead the boys to madness
What does the naval officer represent?
The return of order and civilization. The end of savagery and madness.
The fight for ______ causes the boys to divide and lose order
The island is first described as a paradise. What is the significance of this when the boys arrive?
The perfect appearance of the island reflects the boys hope and optimism that they can create a perfect society, free of adults and their rules.
What is the meaning behind the phrase "sharpened a stick at both ends" in the final chapter?
Roger's intent to brutally murder Ralph and mount his head on a stick, symbolizing his descent into savagery
Explain the escalation of Roger's character? How does it differ from Jack?
He begins with violent instincts, throwing rocks at the liluns, intentionally missing.
He begins enjoying causing fear and destruction, enjoying the kill just as much as Jack.
By the end he has abandoned morality and civilization. He murders Piggy with no remorse.
While Jack craves power, Roger purely craves causing harm.
Explain what Golding is saying about human nature with his use of conflict between savagery and civilization.
This conflict shows how easily order breaks down without authority. Savagery exists within all of us and can easily diminish our morals when the natural order of societal expectations is taken away. Anyone can fall victim to evil
What is the significance of the war in the background of the novel?
It mirrors the boys' savagery on the island, suggesting that the "civilized" adult world is just as savage as the boys.