LORD OF THE FLIES: ESSAY QUESTIONS

1.11.

What does it mean to say that Lord of the Flies is an allegorical novel? What are
its important symbols?

2.

Compare and contrast Ralph and Simon. Both seem to be good characters. Is
there a difference in their goodness?

3.

How does Jack use the beast to control the other boys?

4.

Of all the characters, it is Piggy who most often has useful ideas and sees the
correct way for the boys to organize themselves. Yet the other boys rarely listen
to him and frequently abuse him. Why do you think this is the case? In what
ways does Golding use Piggy to advance the novel's themes?

5.

What, if anything, might the dead parachutist symbolize? Does he symbolize

something other than what the beast and the Lord of the Flies symbolize?

6.

The sow's head and the conch shell each wield a certain kind of power over the
boys. In what ways do these objects' powers differ? In what way is Lord of the
Flies a novel about power? About the power of symbols? About the power of a
person to use symbols to control a group?

7.

What role do the littluns play in the novel? In one respect, they serve as gauges
of the older boys' moral positions, for we see whether an older boy is kind or
cruel based on how he treats the littluns. But are the littluns important in and of
themselves? What might they represent?

8.

If Jack had been elected leader and Ralph appointed hunter, would the story have
ended differently?

9.

Which character in the story do you most admire and why?

10.

Develop an explanation of why some critics feel that Golding's main themes are
that there is no hope for mankind, or that evil is an inborn trait of mankind. Be
sure to use examples from the book and describe your own ideas.

11.

William Golding writes: "The theme (of Lord of the Flies) is an attempt to trace
the defects of society back to the defects of human nature. The moral is that the
shape of society must depend on the ethical mature of the individual and not on
any political system however apparently logical or respectable." In a well
constructed essay, discuss the statement this novel makes about this theme and
whether you agree or disagree.

12.

Identify the most significant symbol in the novel and justify your choice.

13.

State one possible theme of the novel, and support your position.

14.

Give your opinion on why Lord of the Flies is considered an important novel in
the canon of world literature, and why it was seminal in the nomination of
Golding as a Nobel Prize winner.

15.

Evaluate the role that irony plays in the novel

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16.

Analyze elements of the novel's style and / or structure, and form an evaluation
on their effectiveness with regards to one of the novel's themes.

17.

In his introduction to William Golding's novel, novelist E.M. Forster suggests

that Golding's writing "lays a solid foundation for the horrors to come." Using
Forster's quote as a starting point, discuss how the novel foreshadows the
murders of Simon and Piggy. Focus on two events or images from the novel's
earlier chapters and describe how they anticipate the novel's tragic outcome.

18.

Many critics have read Lord of the Flies as a political allegory. In particular,
they have considered the novel a commentary on the essential opposition
between totalitarianism and liberal democracy. Using two or three concrete
examples from the novel, show how the two political ideologies are figured in
the novel, and then discuss which of the two you think Golding seems to favor.

19.

Rock represents the opposition between liberal democracy and totalitarianism.

Golding presents the former as the superior system, demonstrated by the success
of the assembly among Jack's group of boys and the ordered system that
prioritizes the ongoing signal fire on the mountain, tactics that ensure the welfare
of the entire group. Note, though, what happens in both groups over time.

20.

Names and naming are important in Lord of the Flies. Many characters have
names that allude to other works of literature, give insight into their character, or
foreshadow key events. Discuss the significance of the names of, for instance,
Sam and Eric, Piggy, and Simon. What does the character's name say about him
and his significance? Use external sources as necessary.

21.

Two major symbols in the novel are the conch shell and The Lord of the Flies
(the pig's head on a stick). Analyze one or both of these symbols in terms of how
they are perceived by the boys as well as what they symbolize for the reader.

22.

The children stranded on the island are all boys, and female characters are rarely
discussed. How does this matter for the novel?

23.

At the end of Chapter Eleven, Roger pushes Jack aside to descend on the bound
twins "as one who wielded a nameless authority." Focusing on this quotation,
discuss Roger's actions in Chapter Eleven in relation to Jack's power and
political system.

24.

How does Jack manipulate the myth of the beast to legitimize his authority?

25.

By Chapter Three, the boys are divided into two groups: the older boys and the
younger boys or "littluns." What role do the littluns have to play?

26.

The novel's narrative action draws an increasingly firm line between savagery
and civilization, yet the value of each becomes an issue in the conclusion, when
Jack's fire saves the boys. Using these terms, what is the novel suggesting about
human nature, evil, and human civilization?

27.

How does the novel reflect the public's concerns about the conflict between
democracy and communism? Does the novel take a side?

28.

At the end of the novel the Naval Officer says, I know. Jolly good show. Like
the Coral Island
Why did Golding choose to end the novel with such a mistaken view?

29.

Simon says: Maybe there is a beast.

Ralph says: But there isnt a beast.
Jack says: Well make sure when we go hunting.
How does William Golding use the beast in the novel as a whole?
You should write about:
what the beast may symbolise
the way the boys ideas about the beast change
what effect the beast has on the boys.

30.

31.

At the end of Chapter 5, Ralph asks for something grown up a sign or

something. What do you think is the significance of the world of grown ups at
this posing in the story, and in the novel as a whole?
You should write about:
the different attitudes of the boys towards grown ups
events that occur on the island and in the outside world
the writers ideas and how he conveys them to the reader.
Ralph is changed by his experiences on the island. How does Golding show this?
You should write about:
what he is like when he is first stranded on the island
what he tries to do and how he responds to events and situations
how the writer presents the character of Ralph
your own opinions of Ralph

32.

Although the readers sympathies are usually with Ralph, many of the boys
decide to follow Jack.
Explain what you think are the differences in what Jack and Ralph stand for and
in how they behave in the novel.

33.

What do you think Golding has to say about civilisation and civilised behaviour
in the novel?
You should consider the following as part of your answer:
which characters and ideas are civilised
how Golding presents the uncivilised
the ending of the novel.

34.

Write about one or more of the following as they are presented in the novel:
violence and savagery
children and adults
how leaders gain power
loyalty and trust
meetings and rituals

35.

Ralph said, Things are breaking up. I dont understand why. We began well.
We were happy. Explain what went wrong and why. You may choose to
examine each of Ralphs four short statements, if you wish.

36.

Write about the importance of the conch in Lord of the Flies, and the importance
of any two from the following list:
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masks
Piggys glasses
the fire
the parachutist
the pigs head

37.

Show how Golding creates a world of increasing violence in the novel, by

considering all or some of the following:
the characters themselves
the setting of the novel
the events of the novel
the behaviour of the characters
the way the author works out his theme.

38.

What do you think Golding has to say about evil in Lord of the Flies? How does
he convey his ideas to the reader?

39.

How is Ralph changed by his experiences on the island?

You should write about:
what he is like when the boys are first stranded on the island
what he tries to do and how he responds to events and other characters
how the writer shows us the character of Ralph
what you think the writer wants Ralph to represent.
your own opinions of Ralph.

40.

Ralph is changed by his experiences on the island. How does Golding show this?
You should write about:
what he is like when he is first stranded on the island
what he tries to do and how he responds to events and situations
how the writer presents the character of Ralph
your own opinions of Ralph

41.

42.

Write about the importance of the conch in Lord of the Flies, and the importance
of any two from the following list:
masks
Piggys glasses
the fire
the parachutist
the pigs head
Show how Golding creates a world of increasing violence in the novel, by
considering all or some of the following:
the characters themselves
the setting of the novel
the events of the novel
the behaviour of the characters
the way the author works out his theme.

Chapter 1: The Sound of the Shell

1.

Examine the characters of Ralph, Jack, or Piggy in terms of what they possess
that link them with their past lives, and what their emerging roles on the island
are. Is there any indication which of these characters may be advancing more
rapidly toward savagery than the others? Support your conclusion.
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2.

What is the symbolism of the conch? Why does it seem to have so much power?
What characteristics does it have in common with what it appears to symbolize?

Chapter 2: Fire on the Mountain

1.

What is the significance of the boys first attempt at the fire? How does the
result foreshadow events to come? What is the result of the fire? Why are the
creeper vines significant? How does the fires result mirror the boy with the
mulberry-colored birthmarks fear?

2.

What is the meaning of the beast that makes its first appearance in this chapter?
Discuss how it is portrayed, and the others reaction to it. Does this foreshadow
its later significance? How does the beast become real to the boys?

Chapter 3: Huts on the Beach

1.

Trace the path of Jacks success as a hunter and Ralphs

growing ineffectiveness as a leader. Compare their emerging viewpoints in their
argument together on the beach. What does this say about the two boys and their
roles as civilized young men?

2.

What divisions are becoming apparent among the boys on the island? Trace the
characters and who they are allied to at this point. Discuss these alliances and
why they are occurring.

Chapter 4: Painted Faces and Long Hair

1.

Examine Simons actions in this chapter and compare them to Rogers. Both
boys are outsiders like Piggy, yet seem to be accepted. Based upon these
observations, present an argument for whom they will eventually ally themselves
and explain why.

2.

What is the significance of the camouflage paint that Jack puts on? How does it
affect his personality? Why will it make him a better hunter? In what ways does
it hide his personality? In what ways does it reveal his personality? Discuss its
symbolic meaning as well as the others reactions to it.

Chapter 5: Beast From Water

1.

Trace the references to the beast in the novel thus far. Parallel that with the
diminishing sense of order on the island and the boys gradual embracing of
Jacks savagery. What is the true nature of the beast on the island that Simon is
unable to verbally define?

2.

Discuss how and why Jack disrupts the meeting. What is at the core of the power
struggle between he and Ralph? What techniques of anarchy and disruption does
Jack apply? What is the result? What does it tell you about the characters of Jack
and Ralph?

Chapter 6: Beast From Air

1.

Consider the character of Jack Merridew. How does he appear to be a qualified

leader? What are his actual qualifications? Would he be a good leader? Why or
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why not? Compare him to Ralph. Who is better suited to lead the boys?
Generally sum up why Jacks character is introducing anarchy on the island and
how.
2.

What is the symbolic significance of the parachutist? How and why is it

mistaken for the beast? In what ways is it a symbol of the beast?

Chapter 7: Shadows and Tall Trees

1.

The scene in which the boys beat Robert is a crucial development in the story.
Examine this situation. What do the boys actions say about their descent toward
savagery? Why is it so surprising that Ralph eagerly takes part in the ritual? Why
does he? What do the boys actions after the beating say about their situation?

2.

Consider the character of Simon. How is he different from the others? Why is he
unable to express his thoughts? Why does he seem to know what Ralph is
thinking? Trace his development as a character thus far, and the emerging role
he has in the story.

Chapter 8: Gift for the Darkness

1.

Trace the boys gradual descent toward savagery to this point in the novel. What
does it say about the nature of the beast? What is the beast? Who are the boys
most closely related to it? When has it shown itself already? Where is it? Why
dont they see it?

2.

Trace the symbolism of Simons relationship with The Lord of the Flies. Why is
the head described as speaking from inside him? Why does he fall into its
mouth? Why does he look it in the face? What is the result of understanding the
nature of violence? Support your thesis with evidence from the story.

Chapter 9: A View to a Death

1.

Why does Simon travel to the mountaintop? What does he do there? What does
he discover there? What is the symbolic meaning of his journey and discovery?

2.

What is the meaning behind Simons death? How and why is he killed? What is
he doing when he is killed? Why do Ralph and Piggy have a part in his death?
What part do they play?

Chapter 10: The Shell and the Glasses

1.

How do Ralph, Piggy, and Samneric react to their roles in Simons death? What
does this tell you about them? What does it tell you about the boys in general?
How is this experience related to Goldings theme that the flaws of mankind are
inherent in mans nature?

2.

Examine and compare the two groups relationship to fire. What is significant
about fire keepers versus fire takers or fire makers versus those who only want to
use it to cook meat?

Chapter 11: Castle Rock

1.

Trace Rogers evolution from dark boy to sadist. What

behavior has he expressed that has gradually led him to evolve into a frightening
and dangerous figure? How is he a natural extension of Jacks authority? What
place does the future hold for Roger on the island?

2.

Examine Piggys last day of life on the island. What does it say about his
character and his role on the island? What does he do? Why does he do it? How
does his death contribute to the symbolism of the boys descent toward
savagery?

Chapter 12: Cry of the Hunters

1.

Choose any of the main characters whose personalities are described in detail
(Ralph, Jack, Simon, Piggy, Roger) and trace their development in the story as it
pertains to Goldings theory that the basic flaw of mankind is inherent in man.
Support your thesis with character details highlighting their flaws or descent into
savagery.

2.

Throughout the story, trace the symbolic role of fire. Begin with the raging fire
that kills the small boy, consider the changing role of fire between Jacks tribe
and Ralphs, and finish with the fire that destroys the island and brings rescue.