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Year 9 - English

Considering ideas of rules and human nature in relation to '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 use context to make predictions about the text's themes and purpose.

Key Notes

  • Rules and laws are put in place to try and ensure that society remains civilised and peaceful.
  • 'Lord of the Flies' was written and published shortly after WWII.
  • The novel is set against the backdrop of WWII.
  • The novel explores human beings' capacity for persecution and brutality.
  • Golding himself experienced the brutality and savagery of humans, whilst at war.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • civilised: an advanced state of social existence in which people are polite and well-mannered in their interactions with one another
  • brutality: immense cruelty and savagery
  • to persecute: to subject someone to cruelty and unkindness
  • savage: cruel, violent and out of control

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • When pupils think about the role of rules in society, they tend to focus on the role of more punitive rules and argue that rules are restrictive.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Rules and laws are put in place to try and ensure that society remains civilised and peaceful. 'Lord of the Flies' was written and published shortly after WWII.

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

an advanced state of social existence in which people are polite and well-mannered in their interactions with one another.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: When pupils think about the role of rules in society, they tend to focus on the role of more punitive rules and argue that rules are restrictive. Correction: Try to get pupils to understand the necessity for rules and laws - particularly those that ban harming others. Get students to imagine what life would be like if harming others was not prohibited.

More Lessons In This Unit

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