Topic outline
General
Lord of the Flies
William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies examines the role of individuals in the shaping of a society. What are the responsibilites of citizens in a society? Students must be prepared to answer this question for themselves through creative writing and thought, group processing, and independent reading.
Topic 1
The Sound of the Shell-
Chapter One of the story introduces us to the boys and their situation. What are the possibilities? What are the limitations?
Topic 2
Fire on the Mountain-
The careful structures and organizations established by the boys are already falling apart. Who is at fault?Topic 3
Huts on the Beach-
Chapter three of the text focuses on the creation of shelter for the boys on the island. While this may seem a simple response to meet their needs, Golding spends considerable time showing us how each boy approaches the task in a different way. Think about what we learn from Golding's description of the boys and their activities, and be prepared to explain their differences in a response writing activity. You will need to complete reading Chapter 3 prior to beginning this assignment. Feel free to reference the book as you write.Topic 4
Painted Faces and Long Hair-
Symbolism is an important element in the story. How can we identify the symbols Golding uses? Why does he use these things to convey meaning?
Topic 5
Beast from Water-
Percival and Simon both make important points in this chapter. What does each mean?Topic 6
Beast from Air-
Golding is a master of writing with detail. The reader is forced to pay attention to each and every word with exceptional care if he or she is to understand the chapter completely. Central to this chapter is the minute detail included by Golding in the second paragraph. Why is this so important?Topic 7
Shadows and Tall Trees-
The boys' approach to determining the existence of the Beast foreshadows the future events of the story. What events are the most important to remember when considering the future?
Topic 8
Gift for the Darkness-
In this chapter we finally meet the Lord of the Flies. What does he represent? What is the significance of a stick "sharpened at both ends"?Topic 9
A View to a Death-
Golding stated in an interview held shortly after the publication of the book, "The moral is that the shape of a society must depend on the ethical nature of the individual and not on any political system however apparently logical or respectable." What does this mean? What does this tell us about the nature of the boys and their behavior in this chapter?Topic 10
The Shell and the Glasses-
Things have changed, and not for the better. Our earlier lessons on symbolism reveal what is really important to the boys on the island, and the title of this chapter shows the clear choice they make. Some of these connections resound even today, with international concerns over the abuse of power everywhere. Listen to the NPR podcast here (just under 8 minutes) and use this information to respond carefully to the forum.Topic 11
Castle Rock-
The story is coming to an exciting end. What do you think will happen? What will you need to remember?Topic 12
Cry of the Hunters-
You have reached the end of the story, and are getting ready for the final assignment, a well constructed paper on one aspect of the novel. Before you do, you must view Peter Brock's 1960s film Lord of the Flies. This will serve as a review of the book as well as an opportunity for you to consider your interpretation of the text. Once you have completed the book and movie, please complete the movie activity included here.
