Lord of the Flies

Lord of the what? The next novel we will read is William Golding’s Lord of the Flies. Take notes when you see during this presentation.

Author: William Golding Lived 1911-1993 in England Served 5 years in the Royal Navy during WWII From 1939-1961, taught English and Philosophy Wrote Lord of the Flies in 1954.

What “cruelty and barbarity” occurred during WWII? WWII exposed Golding to the incredible cruelty and barbarity of which humans are capable. What “cruelty and barbarity” occurred during WWII?

Lord of the Flies takes place during a fictitious nuclear war. British schoolboys have been evacuated from England. Their plane crashes on a desert island.

Golding thought that without rules, humans would become savages. Food for thought... The boys have to live on their own, make their own rules, fend for themselves. Golding thought that without rules, humans would become savages. What do you think?

Golding uses symbolism to make his point regarding man’s inhumanity. So... Golding uses symbolism to make his point regarding man’s inhumanity.

What is symbolism? Symbolism: when a person, place, thing, or event stands for both itself and something beyond itself

What symbols can you think of in your life? Food for thought... What symbols can you think of in your life?

Lord of the Flies Important Symbols

Ralph/the Conch: democracy and order Symbols in Lord of the Flies Ralph/the Conch: democracy and order

Symbols in Lord of the Flies The Island: a microcosm of the world microcosm: (n) a little world; a world in miniature

Piggy (and the glasses): clear- sightedness intelligence and reason Symbols in Lord of the Flies Piggy (and the glasses): clear- sightedness intelligence and reason Suffers from asthma Discovers the conch Is ridiculed by Jack

Symbols in Lord of the Flies Ralph: law, order, civilized society Voted chief Builds shelters Befriends Piggy

Symbols in Lord of the Flies Jack: anarchy Head choir boy In charge of the hunters Detests Piggy anarchy: (n) society without government or law

Symbols in Lord of the Flies The Beast: the evil in man Is there evil in all men?

the devil represents the Beast’s danger and power Symbols in Lord of the Flies The Lord of the Flies: the devil represents the Beast’s danger and power

Beelzebub: Who/what is Beelzebub? Beelzebub is Greek for ‘Lord of the flies.’

Just Symbolism…? Along with symbolism, Golding uses other literary devices in his novel... …such as theme.

Theme??? Theme: the central idea or insight of a work of literature

Key themes... The Need for Civilization and Order The Loss of Identity Human Nature

Key themes... The need for civilization and order: Laws and rules are necessary Without civilization, anarchy replaces democracy Society holds values and ideals together

Key themes... The Loss of Identity: Losing individuality leads to group mentality Older children become ‘biguns’ Younger children become ‘littluns’ The Loss of Identity:

Key themes... Human Nature: Shortcomings in human nature lead to a flawed society The base form of human nature leads to anarchy, savagery, and death

Think about it... Do these key issues affect your life? Human Nature Identity Civilization How…?

? ? ? ? ? ... We will question society’s…and the boys’ actions. How responsible were they? How responsible are you?

Now what will you do with this wealth of knowledge…? Whew... Now what will you do with this wealth of knowledge…?

Assignments During Lord of the Flies… Quizzes Group projects Final test

Assignments After Lord of the Flies… Web Quest What the heck is a Web Quest?

Web Quest We will go to the computer lab. In groups, you will log on to www.geocities.com/debby0214

At that site, you will find the Web Quest. And…? At that site, you will find the Web Quest.

So…? By clicking on these links, you will be lead through a series of activities.

Then... You will compile your group’s findings and present them to the class.

Lord of the Flies sure does sound like FUN! Wow!! Lord of the Flies sure does sound like FUN! Any questions?

Okay then... Clear your desks of everything except your PowerPoint notes and get ready for a quiz!

Quiz: 1. What is symbolism? 2. What does the ‘conch’ represent? 3. What does ‘Piggy’ represent?

Quiz: 4. What does ‘Ralph’ represent? 5. What does ‘Jack’ represent? 6. Define ‘theme’.

Quiz: 7-10 True/False 7. “Man’s ability to stay organized” is a key theme in LoF. 8. According to Golding, losing individuality leads to group mentality.

Quiz: True/False cont. 9. ‘Beelzebub’ translates into “men are evil.” 10. According to Golding, shortcomings in human nature lead to a perfect society.

Bonus questions... 1. What subjects did Golding teach? 2. What war inspired Golding to write this novel? 3. What’s the Web Quest address?

Trade papers with another student. How’d you do? Trade papers with another student. Trade again with another student.

Answers: 1. What is symbolism? -when a person, place, thing, or event stands for both itself and something beyond itself

Answers: 2. What does the ‘conch’ represent? -Order and democracy 3. What does ‘Piggy’ represent? -Clear-sightedness, intelligence and reason

Answers: 4. What does ‘Ralph’ represent? -Law, order, civilized society 5. What does ‘Jack’ represent? -Anarchy

Answers: 6. Define theme. -the central idea or insight of a work of literature 7. “Man’s ability to stay organized” is a key theme in LoF. -False

Answers: 8. According to Golding, losing individuality leads to group mentality. -True 9. ‘Beelzebub’ translates into “men are evil.” -False

Answers: 10. According to Golding, shortcomings in human nature lead to a perfect society. -False

Bonus Answers: 1. Golding taught English and philosophy. 2. WWII inspired Golding to write his novel. 3. The Web Quest address is www.geocities.com/debby0214.

Good for you! Now you’re ready to enjoy Lord of the Flies! Look for that symbolism. Keep an eye out for themes. Grab a book and enjoy!

This is slide number 50 -- Debby Merino