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Year 9 - English

An exploration of Chapter 4 of 'Lord of the Flies'

'Lord of the Flies'

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils read and explore 'The Lord of the Flies' by considering Golding's message about human nature. They first read the novel, before analysing the characters Ralph, Simon, Jack and Piggy. They then look at setting and symbolism before planning and writing an essay on human nature.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain and explore the key events in Chapter 4 of 'Lord of the Flies'.

Key Notes

  • In Chapter 4, the boys' behaviour changes as they become less and less respectful of their old values.
  • The island's climate seems hostile towards them.
  • A ship was seen on the horizon but the hunters/the choir have let the signal fire go out.
  • Jack and his hunters kill a pig and the boys feast on the meat.
  • Ralph is angry that they missed the opportunity of being rescued and says they need to have a meeting.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • morality: relating to the standards, not laws, of good or bad behaviour, fairness, honesty
  • to undermine: to make someone less confident, less powerful, or less likely to succeed, often gradually
  • sincere: not pretending or lying; honest
  • accountable: responsible for what you do and able to give a satisfactory reason for it
  • to model: doing something in a way that can be used as an example

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Students might think that Golding's reference to a world order in "ruins" refers to the damaged sandcastles and their ruined life on the island.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

In Chapter 4, the boys' behaviour changes as they become less and less respectful of their old values. The island's climate seems hostile towards them.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'morality'

relating to the standards, not laws, of good or bad behaviour, fairness, honesty.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Students might think that Golding's reference to a world order in "ruins" refers to the damaged sandcastles and their ruined life on the island. Correction: Remind students of Golding's wartime experiences and the events of WWII. Golding is referring to the world the boys left behind as well as the world on the island.

More Lessons In This Unit

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