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Year 9 - English

Golding's use of symbolism in '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 the symbolism of the conch and Jack's face paint in the novel.

Key Notes

  • Arguably, the conch is a symbol of democracy and civilisation on the island.
  • Jack despises the conch because it is representative of Ralph's leadership and because it is a threat to his campaign.
  • The destruction of the conch arguably represents the downfall of civilisation and democracy and descent into savagery.
  • Jack's painted face could mark the emergence of the real (savage) Jack, who has surrendered to his dark impulses.
  • The boys are appalled by Jack's mask because it makes him unrecognisable as human in both appearance and demeanour.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • symbolism: the use of images, words or nouns to represent abstract ideas or qualities
  • innate: used to describe a quality we are born with - something that is instinctive and natural
  • bloodlust: an uncontrollable desire to hurt or kill others
  • appalled: feeling horrified and disgusted

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Students think that symbols in a text have to be physical objects that represent ideas.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Arguably, the conch is a symbol of democracy and civilisation on the island. Jack despises the conch because it is representative of Ralph's leadership and because it is a threat to his campaign.

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

the use of images, words or nouns to represent abstract ideas or qualities.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Students think that symbols in a text have to be physical objects that represent ideas. Correction: Symbolism is the use of images, words or nouns to represent abstract ideas or qualities - symbols do not have to be physical objects that can be picked up and held.

More Lessons In This Unit

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