Monday, April 18, 2011

Today, you answered some paragraph questions in paired groupings. If you were not here, they are listed below. In addition to this, I provided you with notes (discussion) about the symbols present in the novel Lord of the Flies (also inserted below). Keep in mind that your exams are coming up. Lord of the Flies: Symbols A symbol is something concrete that represents another idea or thing. The Conch Shell – Law and order (civilization, democracy, authority). It is the actual vessel of political legitimacy and democratic power. As the boys lose their grasp on civility the conch loses its power; both fade and are destroyed. The Glasses – technology/logic/reason (science, insight, wisdom, knowledge). The Fire – hope and rescue (let it go out… shows they have given up) The Island – at FIRST symbolizes paradise… but THEN symbolizes isolation. It is microcosm of the world as a whole The Parachutist – adult supervision The Masks – savagery/ loss of civilization The Beast – savagery (evil, fear, superstition) the dark side of human nature The Lord of the Flies – chaos and evil The Butterflies – Simon’s goodness and harmony with nature Questions to answer in paragraph form: 1. While the island appears to be a paradise, there are hints as early as chapter one that let the reader know this might not be the case. How does Golding let the reader know, in Chapter One, that the island is a dangerous place? Give two examples of possible danger that he refers to (value: 3) 2. From the beginning of the novel, we can see that the boys think man is good (that where they come from is good: that their laws and values etc ). Why do the boys believe in the natural goodness of man? (value: 1) 3. What is the importance of names, naming, and the loss of names in the story? (value: 3) 4. Give three examples of Jack’s becoming more primitive and animalistic (value: 3) 5. Define irony and point out one example of it being used in the novel. As a hint, look again at chapter one (value: 2) 6. Compare Ralph’s use of power with Jack’s use of power (value: 10) 7. What does the conch symbolize in the novel? How does the author make us understand its significance? (value: 2) 8. Piggy’s glasses and his limited vision are important in the novel. How are they significant, and what theme(s) do they represent? (value: 4)