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Year 9 - English

The dehumanisation and death of Piggy in Golding's '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 significance of Piggy's death in the novel.

Key Notes

  • Piggy is dehumanised and ostracised by the group of boys because of his physical appearance.
  • Piggy's glasses, weight, asthma and lower-class upbringing all give him vulnerabilities that the other boys exploit.
  • The boys treat Piggy like an animal, but he is ironically the most human and civilised character.
  • Piggy is pragmatic: he arguably represents rationality, reason and civilisation.
  • Piggy's death metaphorically represents the death of civilisation and the abandonment of rationality.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • to ostracise: to intentionally not include somebody in a social group or activity
  • pragmatic: dealing with things in a sensible and realistic way
  • irony: using language to express the opposite of what is expected, for humour
  • to dehumanise: to deprive someone of human qualities
  • vulnerable: able to be hurt physically or emotionally

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils often fail to recognise Ralph's role in the ostracism of Piggy.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Piggy is dehumanised and ostracised by the group of boys because of his physical appearance. Piggy's glasses, weight, asthma and lower-class upbringing all give him vulnerabilities that the other boys exploit.

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

to intentionally not include somebody in a social group or activity.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils often fail to recognise Ralph's role in the ostracism of Piggy. Correction: Ralph is the first person to ostracise Piggy, by banning him from accompanying the boys on their expedition. He also calls Piggy by the name he begged Ralph not to use - Piggy. Once Jack senses Piggy's vulnerability within the group, he exploits it.

More Lessons In This Unit

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