Agenda Introduction Notes Activity on Good v. Evil Assign books to students Homework: Reading Chapter 1 for Friday & Timed Writing Prompt **Sub will give you morphemes tomorrow. Study all 10 for Friday’s quiz!

Lord of the Flies English 10

William Golding... Lord of the Flies, was published in England in The idea came from a children’s story about an island coupled with Golding’s war experiences.

Author Notes:William Golding Golding was born in Cornwall, Great Britain. He went to college at Oxford and started out as a natural science major before changing to English literature. He worked as a actor, writer, producer, and school teacher

William Golding Golding joined the British Royal Navy and was involved in WWII. His experiences in WWII gave him the idea to write a book about human nature and evil. He won the Nobel Prize in

Allegory: A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one A symbol. What might this story be an allegory for?

A brief synopsis... British schoolboys are stranded on an uninhabited island after a plane crash. Island whereabouts unknown. During a fictional nuclear war (not WWII).

Continued... 2 boys serve as main characters in the beginning. Elementary – middle school aged boys.

You might hurt your brain…. …If you over think this story. Don’t think about all adults dying and all children alive. Don’t think about where they were flying. Don’t think about the island location.

A look at society... Realizing there are no adults, the boys try to follow the rules of society. The division of labor is agreed upon. A mini society is formed.

Emotions What types of emotions might play out? A “beast” is on the island. Where might the beast come from? Words of a famous president “We have nothing to fear…”

Good vs. Evil... Laced with fears, a struggle for power begins. The boys become more and more fascinated with their savage side.

Nature vs. Nurture... Discussion: Evil = Born with it. Or Evil = Raised with it. Is Society evil?

Themes Humanity needs civilization. Contrary to the belief that man is innocent and society evil, the story shows that laws/rules/structure/society are necessary to keep the darker side of human nature in line. When these concepts slip away or are ignored, human beings revert to a more primitive part of their nature.

Behind the Theme Evil (the beast in the novel) is within man himself. Golding implies that evil is not created but is ingrained within us all. Loss of innocence is needed in order to see reality and for humanity to survive. Age is not directly related to innocence…young can be corrupt/structure can save.

Humans Civilization

Character Analysis Ralph ~ Main character described as “fair haired,” having “broad shoulders…[like a] boxer’s,” and has a face that “proclaims no devil” Committed to civilization and morality Translation = GOOD

Character Analysis Piggy \ Described as “fat,” “intellectual,” asthmatic, and needs glasses Represents scientific, rational side of civilization, and social order

Character Analysis Jack ~ Described as having red hair, wears black with a snake clasp, ugly Cruel and manipulative Represents our savage instincts played out EVIL

Simon ~ Described as a skinny, vivid little boy, who “meditates;” and he faints, which some cultures have believed is a sign of connecting with the spiritual world Seems to be connected with nature, and he has an innate, spiritual goodness

Character Analysis Roger ~ “ Silent” and sadistic Targets the “littluns” The only one to premeditate murder Kills without conscience Pure evil

Character Analysis Sam and Eric (Samneric) ~ Twins Described as barely having enough skin to cover both, bullet-headed, and they finish each other’s sentences The last to remain loyal to Ralph Represent the tug-of-war within us to remain good

Character Analysis “Littluns” ~ The younger kids Represent the common folk, who easily follow the lead of others into savagery when there is no enforced structure in society

…Maybe there is a beast…maybe it’s only us… - Simon This quote directly portrays the message that Golding is trying to express; that the heart of man is not good and kind, it is selfish and corrupt.

The Significance of the Title In the novel, it refers to a pig head on a stick, an offering to the “beast.” It becomes the beast…sort of. “Lord of the Flies” Bible: Jesus refers to Satan as “Beelzebub”; Hebrew for LOTF

Symbolism BE ON THE LOOKOUT! THERE ARE LOTS OF SYMBOLS IN THIS BOOK! IT’S LIKE A GAME OF WHERE’S WALDO!!!! Conch shell Must have in order to speak Make predictions. What might physically happen to the shell and what might that mean? Glasses (specs) Used to start a fire Make predictions. How might this symbol play into the book? How might it change over time?

Symbolism Golding uses symbols to represent different meanings within the book. Examples: The title Lord of the Flies = Evil A seashell used to call the boys and designate a speaking order might represent? Keep an eye out for anything that could be symbolic (There are lots of them!).

...Characters as symbols In addition to objects, people/characters can be symbolic too. What are various character traits that can be used to describe humans? Golding attempts to emphasize this point by giving certain characters stronger attributes (one character embodies wisdom, one evil, etc.)

The Island The island is a perfect microcosm. It is like an ant-farm. A microcosm is a_____________. Population of leaders/followers.

The Symbolism of the Island Different areas of the island are associated with different ideas. Beach = Dreams/hope of rescue Mountain = ? Bush/Forest = ? Rocky-outcrop = ?

Sketch of the Island Beach

The heart of the matter… “The heart of the human condition is the condition of the human heart.” This is relevant because…

Is our civilization really civil?

Good v. Evil Activity One of the major themes in Lord of the Flies is good versus evil. Answer the questions first by yourself. Compare your thoughts with a partner. Don’t forget the back page!

Last 10 minutes of class Checking out books Read chapter 1 for homework-due Friday Looking at timed writing prompt for tomorrow. Don’t forget about morphemes quiz Friday! ***Before you leave, turn in Good v. Evil activity. DON’T LOSE YOUR BOOKS!

Using the constructed response formula you have learned in class (on the back cabinet in the room), apply information presented in the paper, experiences from your own life, and/or other information you have read, write an article for your school newspaper about the negative effects of playing violent video games. As you write your article, remember to: Focus on the negative effects of children playing violent video games. Consider the purpose, audience and context of your article. Organize your ideas and details effectively. Include specific details that clearly develop your article. Use standard grammar, spelling, and punctuation.