Plot Points
Whose idea is it to blow the conch for the first time?
It's Piggy's idea.
In terms of how the other boys see him, what does Ralph start the book as AND what does he end the book as?
Ralph starts as chief and ends as prey.
What is the rule about the conch shell AND what does the (unbroken) conch shell represent?
What does the author say about humanity through Simon?
Something like: Humans have an innate goodness, but that can be overpowered by violent societies.
Who rescues the boys?
A British naval officer
What causes Jack to run off and create his own tribe?
He calls for a vote to remove Ralph as chief, but nobody(publicly) backs him up.
What does Jack desire throughout the entire book?
To hunt/have power over other beings
What is the major thing that happens during the brawl in the shelters?
Piggy's glasses get stolen.
What is the author saying about mob mentality/mass hysteria through the story?
Something like: It's dangerous and makes people do things they wouldn't normally do.
What does Roger have a habit of throwing?
He throws rocks.
What is Ralph's strategy after learning from Sam and Eric that Jack's tribe is going to hunt him AND why is it his strategy?
He is going to hide in the thicket close to Castle Rock because he doesn't think they'll look so close.
What truth does Simon learn AND what happens when he shares it?
Simon learns that the "beast" Ralph and Jack see on top of the mountain is actually a dead pilot. He is killed at the feast when he tries to tell everyone.
What is ironic about the fire at the end of the novel?
It is set with the intention to kill Ralph -- who always wanted a signal fire -- but it gets them rescued.
What is the author saying about the loss of innocence through the story?
Something like: Children’s loss of innocence is imposed on them by the savage aspects of society such as violence and cruelty
Describe the mood of the text right before and during Simon's death.
It is dark, stormy, humid, and everything seems "off."
While Ralph is chief, and things start to fall apart, he calls a meeting to discuss a variety of things.
Name TWO of the things Ralph addresses.
Possible answers include:
- The boys don't build shelters.
- They don't gather water.
- They neglect the signal fire.
- They go to the bathroom in the wrong place.
- There is a growing fear among the boys.
Why does Roger sharpen a stick at both ends near the end of the book?
He intends to kill Ralph and put his head on the stake...just like the sow.
Explain what the beast represents
It represents the boys' escalating violence as their fear escalates and Jack -- who represents the cruel parts of society -- gains more power.
What is the author saying about building civilization through the story?
Something like: In the fight between power and cooperation, power -- and the violence that comes with it -- wins.
Who says “What I mean is...maybe it’s only us” AND when do they say it?
Simon says it at the assembly talking about the beast.
What THREE things do the boys do at the feast when it starts to rain, right before they kill Simon?
They begin to dance, chant, and re-enact a hunt.
What does Piggy think about that none of the other boys consider?
Their old society's rules and grownups.
Why does the gender of the Lord of the Flies switch?
The boys kill a sow, but the pronoun switches to "he" to show that it represents the boys.
How is this book a satire about war?
Something like: The boys small scale war mimics the war going on outside the island and the story explains how people can devolve into doing terrible things.
What clue about Sam and Eric's appearance does the author give us to show that they never really willingly join Jack's tribe?
They never wear body paint like the other boys.