Lord of the Flies Choose a novel which explores a theme effectively to engage the reader’s interest. Which techniques are used to communicate this theme ? Answers to questions on prose fiction should address relevantly the central theme(s)/ concern(s) of a text and be supported by reference to appropriate techniques of prose fiction such as: characterisation, setting, key incidents, narrative technique,symbolism, structure, climax, plot, atmosphere, dialogue, imagery…

Introduction Title Author Explanation of the theme Indication of which techniques are used –setting, plot, characterisation and symbolism.

Para 1 ‘Lord of the Flies’ by William Golding explores the theme of mankind’s potential for evil in certain circumstances. To engage the reader’s interest, Golding uses the techniques of setting, plot , characterisation and symbolism. These are used to communicate the theme.

Brief summary ‘Golding explores the nature of evil as his theme through the plot by telling the story of a group of schoolboys stranded on a desert island. Free of parental constraint/rivalry of Jack and Ralph as leaders/signal fire v hunting/deaths of Simon and Piggy/eventual rescue. Final quotation ‘Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart and the fall through the air of a true wise friend called Piggy’

Para 2 The events of the novel’s plot help Golding develop his theme. There are no adults on the island so the boys, free from parental constraint turn to evil. There is rivalry between Jack and Ralph who both want to be leader and come into conflict over the importance of the signal fire against hunting. Jack’s obsession with hunting develops into savage cruelty and violence against the other boys and the death of Simon and Piggy, clear examples of evil behaviour. Jack hatred of Ralph intensifies to the point he attempts to hunt him down to the death and sets the island on fire. A naval ship sees the smoke so comes to the rescue. At the end, Golding highlights his theme by writing: ‘Ralph wept for the end of….’. This underlines that, along with the reader, Ralph has learned the true nature of evil and that it emerges from within humans in certain situations.

Setting One element which engages the reader’s interest and helps us understand the theme is the setting. During a world war some time in the 20th century. Island paradise with all that is needed to sustain life, no adult rule leads to degeneration in behaviour, isolation and fear (the beast) pigs and hunting. Castle Rock associated with tribalism , violence and dictatorship /the platform associated with democracy and Ralph’s attempts to run a peaceful civilised society.

Characterisation of Jack Golding’s characterisation of Jack is particularly effective . In this character we see how evil can emerge even from a seemingly innocent choirboy. Interest engaged as we trace the change in Jack: ‘controlled ‘ the choir and believes he should be chief– domineering and arrogant, feared by other boys A bully – treatment of Piggy Obsessed with hunting (quote from ch 3 when he is described as an animal) Alienated from Ralph – rebels and reverts to savagery. A dictator who wants complete power over the boys so eliminates those who oppose him

Characterisation Ralph, Simon and Piggy Techniques used to portray Ralph, Piggy and Simon provide a contrast to Jack and allow us to further appreciate Golding’s theme, the nature of evil. These are the characters who we engage with and sympathise with. Ralph –a responsible leader, initially enthusiastic about island life but frustrated by the difficult job of keeping order. Attracted to aspects of Jack’s lifestyle but sees the danger of the boys’ hunting games and feels guilt about his part in Simon’s death. He has learned from Simon, the wisdom of Piggy and the murders that the evil on the island comes from the boys themselves. Associated with democracy through his use of the conch, he attempts to oppose evil. Simon – key incident- his encounter with the LoF Piggy a victim of evil. He represents reason and is the most intelligent –evidence? His far-sighted ideas contrast with the tribe’s primitive urges. He is weak and overweight so is bullied, first verbally then physically. He is left helpless when the tribe steal his glasses to make fire the murdered by Roger.

Symbolism As well as the symbolic nature of the characters , Golding makes use of other symbols in the novel to help develop his theme of ‘the darkness of man’s heart’. Lord of the flies – evil, the sow’s head offered to Jack’s god, the Beast in a tribal ritual of sacrifice. The conch? Fire?Glasses?

Conclusion In conclusion Engages my interest Theme of evil and the fact that it is part of mankind Techniques A bit of personal response – how you felt/what you learned