SYMBOLISM IN LORD OF THE FLIES
Definition of Symbolism: Symbolism is the use of a concrete object to represent an abstract concept such as freedom, danger, betrayal Authors use symbols just like they use theme: to convey a deeper message to an audience Let’s analyze some common symbols together:
What do the following images symbolize?
Tiananmen Square, China, 1989
Analyzing Symbols in LOTF--- Now it’s your turn to analyze the symbols in the novel, Lord of the Flies. You must look through the novel for important symbols and research their meaning; Develop a thesis statement about the symbol; and support your analysis with quotes from the novel and your outside research; Create an analysis poster of an important symbol in LOTF; that is detailed, creative, analytical, and well-researched.
LOTF Symbolism Poster Project---- Due date: Wednesday, April 3 rd, 2013, no late work will be accepted Point Value: 5 pts. for each completed requirement, 10 pts. for Works Cited page, (80 pts. total) Poster must be: Clearly labeled--all elements Detailed, well-edited & spell-checked Creative & thoughtful Analytical, not just a summary or “book report”
You need to follow the example & include: Thesis Statement (5 pts) Three quotes, chapter & pages numbers from LOTF (15 pts) Research TWO outside sources and include analysis and give citations for each quote (20 pts) NO Wikipedia sources! Thoughtful analysis and commentary for each research quote (15 pts) Colorful, detailed illustration of the symbol (5 points) Works Cited page, typed in MLA format on back of project (10 points) Clearly labeled--all elements; detailed, well- edited & spell-checked (10 pts)
Choose one of the following characters or symbols as your focus: The plane crash (scar) The island Piggy’s eyeglasses The signal fire Ralph Simon Imagined Beast Dead Parachutist The Lord of the Flies The uniforms Piggy Jack
Example: Using the Conch as a symbol Evidence and Commentary: “Him with the shell. Let him be chief with the trumpet-thing.” (Golding 93) Here the boys are attempting to establish a democracy. “The conch, which is used by the boys to call assemblies and to represent the right of speech, symbolizes democracy, order, and authority in the novel. However, the conch loses its influence as the story progresses, and thus the boys begin to follow their animalistic desires into savagery and chaos. “ (Bookrags, 229) “I’ll give the conch to the next person to speak.” (Golding 102) Ralph establishes “the rules” of the conch, which is an orderly speaking pattern. “The conch that called and decided who spoke in assemblies represented democracy and order. Without order and democracy the island became a mass of chaos and absolutism. We see this from the change of the environment and way of life of the boys on the island. Order helps us lead an efficient and less difficult world to live in. For with out order in our government system the United States would be run carelessly and the chaos would lead to a difficult life.” (Epstein) Jack, as the “savage” instinct on the island, is the one who suggests that they don’t need the conch—they know who should speak and who should not. This occurs later in the book, when there is a division in the group. As Jack stops following the rules, he gives in more and more to his savage side. Thesis: The conch represents order and democracy, and as the boys revert to their human instincts, use of the conch falls away.
Example: Works Cited, MLA format "Conch Essay" StudyMode.com html> html Golding, William, and Edmund L. Epstein. Lord of the Flies: A Novel. New York: Penguin, Print. “Lord of the Flies: The Conch of Democracy” BookRags Student Essays. © BookRags, Inc /12/5/233313/396 >.
Works Cited, MLA format Again, if you don’t remember how to use MLA format for a Works Cited page, either refer to our class handout posted online, or go to the website for additional review and practice. Do quality work and get Term II off to a great start! Again---No late passes accepted for this assignment! Have fun!