Lotf Characters Themes Method Flashcards
What is LOTF primarily about
A Critique of Society and Civilization – Golding challenges the idea that society is inherently good. He suggests that civilization is only a thin veneer that can quickly disappear when people are left to their own devices.
A Commentary on Human Nature – The book argues that evil and savagery are not external forces but part of human nature itself.
What are the symbols for Order and control
Symbols of order and authority (Piggy’s glasses and the conch shell) are used carefully and are effective at first, but are then broken.
What is the purpose of the beast as a symbol
Piggy says it’s just fear but Simon knows “maybe it’s only us”.
Representing evil inside, the beast tells Simon it cannot be hunted and destroyed.
just as the evil within humanity cannot be destroyed.
What is the purpose of the boys changing appearance
The boys’ appearance changes as savagery descends.
They begin as well-dressed, nicely-groomed young men who follow rules and obey orders
They abandon their appearance in order to become further intwined with their savagery
How is the savage nature and acts developed
Then, the brutality of the pig hunt excites the boys and they lose themselves in the mob.
They then kill Simon.
As their savage natures begin to be allowed to take hold, they drop further and further into evil, killing and hurting as they go.
What is an allegory
An allegory is a type of story where the lessons the author wants to teach readers are taught by using characters to represent key human and societal characteristics.
What is the overall purpose of Ralph
Ralph represents civilisation and order.
However, he also shows that evil exists within everyone.
What is the overall purpose of Jack
Piggy represents intelligence, the positive influence of civilisation, science, logic, and maturity.
What is the main purpose of Ralph as a character
Jack represents wildness and violence.
He illustrates the dangers of allowing a dictator to take control, and warns against following anyone who enjoys causing harm to others.
What is the overall purpose of Roger
Roger is symbolic of pure evil in the world.
He is only ever shown to cause distress, pain and (ultimately) death in the novel.
What is the overall purpose of Simon
Simon represents goodness, morality and innocence.
He sees through the fear of the “beast” and understands the true nature of humanity.
How is pathetic fallacy used for effect
Just before Ralph and Piggy decide to go and join Jack’s feast (where Simon is going to be killed) Ralph notes the coming storm clouds and is worried.
After the Lord of the Flies has spoken to him, warning him not to tell the other boys the truth, Simon’s head starts to hurt and dark clouds cover the island.
The dark clouds covering the island could show that darkness and evil have finally taken over and that things are going to get worse.
How does Golding use foreshadowing throughout the allegory for effect
Piggy is shown to be weak and vulnerable.
repeatedly reminded that he wears “glasses”,great emphasis is placed on his poor eyesight.
foreshadow that something bad is going to happen to him later on.
Simon tells Ralph that he will “get back all right”.
This is a strange prediction to make, especially as Simon does not say this to anyone else
Savagery? How is the sow killed by the hunters in chapter 8
This slow, excruciating, and cruel death for the sow and the corresponding bloodthirsty aggression of the boys represents the stereotypically masculine traits within the boys overwhelming the stereotypically feminine traits. Throughout the novel, the boys are governed more and more by their primal, violent impulses
