sample essay questions lord of the flies

Lord of the Flies

By william golding, lord of the flies essay questions.

In his introduction to William Golding's novel, novelist E.M. Forster suggests that Golding's writing "lays a solid foundation for the horrors to come." Using Forster's quote as a starting point, discuss how the novel foreshadows the murders of Simon and Piggy. Focus on two events or images from the novel's earlier chapters and describe how they anticipate the novel's tragic outcome.

Answer: The weather on the island grows increasingly more hostile and ominous as the novel's plot unfolds, Piggy's name suggests that he will be killed like an animal, and so on.

Many critics have read Lord of the Flies as a political allegory. In particular, they have considered the novel a commentary on the essential opposition between totalitarianism and liberal democracy. Using two or three concrete examples from the novel, show how the two political ideologies are figured in the novel, and then discuss which of the two you think Golding seems to favor.

Answer: The contrast between Ralph's group on the beach and Jack's tribe at Castle Rock represents the opposition between liberal democracy and totalitarianism. Golding presents the former as the superior system, demonstrated by the success of the assembly among Jack's group of boys and the ordered system that prioritizes the ongoing signal fire on the mountain, tactics that ensure the welfare of the entire group. Note, though, what happens in both groups over time.

Names and naming are important in Lord of the Flies. Many characters have names that allude to other works of literature, give insight into their character, or foreshadow key events. Discuss the significance of the names of, for instance, Sam and Eric, Piggy, and Simon. What does the character's name say about him and his significance? Use external sources as necessary.

Answer: Piggy's name, for example, indicates his inferior position within the social hierarchy of the island and foreshadows his eventual death at the hands of Jack's tribe. Simon was the name of Peter in the Bible. Jack might be named after John Marcher in Henry James's story The Beast in the Jungle , and so on.

Two major symbols in the novel are the conch shell and The Lord of the Flies (the pig's head on a stick). Analyze one or both of these symbols in terms of how they are perceived by the boys as well as what they symbolize for the reader.

Answer: The conch shell represents liberal democracy and order, as endorsed by Ralph and Piggy. The Lord of the Flies tends to represent an autocratic or a primitive order. Note the "exchange" of these objects at the novel's conclusion when the conch is smashed in Jack's camp and Ralph uses part of the Lord of the Flies as a weapon.

The children stranded on the island are all boys, and female characters are rarely discussed. How does this matter for the novel?

Answer: Gender difference is not explicitly discussed or represented in the novel, although femininity is symbolically present in the novel's representations of nature. Some of the male characters are "feminized" by the other boys when they are considered un-masculine or vulnerable. In a boys' choir, many boys have high voices that can sing parts normally reserved for females. It is unclear whether Jack's tribe would have become so violent (and nearly naked) if girls of the same age were on the island.

At the end of Chapter Eleven, Roger pushes Jack aside to descend on the bound twins "as one who wielded a nameless authority." Focusing on this quotation, discuss Roger's actions in Chapter Eleven in relation to Jack's power and political system.

Answer: Roger's actions towards the twins are unauthorized by Jack, indicating that Jack's own authority is under threat. Golding hints at a shift in the power system among Jack's tribe, which highlights the inherent flaws in Jack's system of military dictatorship.

Jack gains power over many of the boys by exploiting their fear of the mythical beast. How does Jack manipulate the myth of the beast to legitimize his authority?

Answer: Jack exploits the boys' fear of the beast to usurp leadership from Ralph, who stresses a rational approach to the presumed evil presence on the island. Within Jack's tribe, the beast continues to have a powerful symbolic and political significance among the boys, uniting them and ensuring their loyalty to Jack's leadership. When Jack first attempts to break away from Ralph's tribe, his authority is not recognized, but as the boys' fear of the beast increases, an increasing number defect from Ralph's group to Jack's, where the existence of the beast is not only acknowledged but is a central fact of day-to-day life.

By Chapter Three, the boys are divided into two groups: the older boys and the younger boys or "littluns." What role do the littluns have to play?

Answer: Consider especially the distinction between savagery and civilization.

What happens with the "littluns" registers the increasing brutality on the island. The earliest examples of violence in the novel are directed against the littluns, acts that foreshadow the violent events of later chapters. Moreover, characters who are kind to the littluns tend to remain most closely associated with civilization throughout the novel.

The novel's narrative action draws an increasingly firm line between savagery and civilization, yet the value of each becomes an issue in the conclusion, when Jack's fire saves the boys. Using these terms, what is the novel suggesting about human nature, evil, and human civilization?

Answer: The naval officer is a military figure, which reminds the reader that "civilized" societies also engage in violence and murder. Evil seems to be a force that threatens human nature and human civilization--from within. Still, evil is associated primarily with savagery and the worse part of our natures.

How does the novel reflect the Cold War and the public's concerns about the conflict between democracy and communism? Does the novel take a side? (Remember to cite all of your research sources in your bibliography.)

Answer: The Cold War was primarily between the democratic U.S. and its allies on the one hand, and the communist U.S.S.R. and its allies on the other hand. The initial events of the novel, following a group of boys in the aftermath of a terrible nuclear war, reflect and capitalize on widespread anxiety about the arms race for destructive atomic weapons. Ralph comes to represent the West and its values, while Jack comes to represent the enemy.

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Lord of the Flies Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Lord of the Flies is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

How do the boys respond to Jack's call for Ralph's removal as chief? How does Jack react? Respond with evidence from the text.

There is a lot of immaturity here. The other boys refuse to vote Ralph out of power. Enraged, Jack has a tantrum and runs away from the group, saying that he is leaving and that anyone who likes is welcome to join him.The boys don't like the open...

What does Ralph recall hearing From Simon and seeing in the sky ?

The boys would see cargo planes in the sky and fishing boats in the sea.

Wooden huts on or near the beach are not called……

I'm not sure what you are looking for here, perhaps "shelters".

Study Guide for Lord of the Flies

Lord of the Flies study guide contains a biography of William Golding, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

About Lord of the Flies
Lord of the Flies Summary
Lord of the Flies Video
Character List

Essays for Lord of the Flies

Lord of the Flies essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Lord of the Flies by William Golding.

Two Faces of Man
The Relationship Between Symbolism and Theme in Lord of the Flies
A Tainted View of Society
Death and Social Collapse in Lord of the Flies
Lumination: The Conquest of Mankind's Darkness

Lesson Plan for Lord of the Flies

About the Author
Study Objectives
Common Core Standards
Introduction to Lord of the Flies
Relationship to Other Books
Bringing in Technology
Notes to the Teacher
Related Links
Lord of the Flies Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for Lord of the Flies

Introduction

sample essay questions lord of the flies

89 Lord of the Flies Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🔝 top-10 lord of the flies research paper topics, 🏆 best lord of the flies essay titles, 📌 creative lord of the flies thesis ideas, 👍 good titles for lord of the flies essay, ❓ lord of the flies: important questions.

Ralph’s character development in “Lord of the Flies.”
The main theme in “Lord of the Flies.”
The success of William Golding’s debut novel.
“Lord of the Flies”: a discussion of innocence and power.
The role of the conch in “Lord of the Flies.”
Civilization vs. savagery in “Lord of the Flies.”
William Golding’s commentary on human nature and evil.
The symbolism of fear in “Lord of the Flies.”
A literary analysis of “Lord of the Flies.”
“Lord of the Flies”: a summary of events.
Evil in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding The idea is that we are born with both the capacity of good and the capacity of evil and that the way we are raised, or the environment in which we live determines how we […]
Symbolism in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding In The Lord of the Flies, the fire in the story is lit as a symbol of hope and rescue. The island in The Lord Of The Flies resembled the perfect type of Utopia at […]
“Lord of the Flies” by William Golding The reader will wonder that all the boys respond in the same manner to the sound of the blown shell. The author uses aesthetics to drive emotions out of the reader about the value of […]
Lord of the Flies, an Allegorical Novel by William Golding As the auction proceeds, the reader follows the heartbreaking events of the book. Boys hunt down a pig and place its head on a stick as an ‘offering’ to the ‘beast’.
Literature Studies: “Lord of the Flies” by W. Golding Although Jack Merridew, one of the lead characters of William Golding’s shockingly unforgettable Lord of the Flies novel, is a child and still has a lot to learn in terms of how society works, the […]
Writing on the Novel I Love: Lord of the Flies In a given Lord of the Flies essay, one needs to illustrate the different themes used by Golding in his novel.
Lord of the Flies: Novel Analysis The sinister nature of the novel is inferred in the title which derives from the Hebrew word, Ba’al-zvuv which means god of the fly, host of the fly or literally the Lord of Flies a […]
Human Nature in “Lord of the Flies” by Golding Considering this, the present paper will analyze the validity of the given statement by drawing on the experiences of characters in Lord of the Flies and evaluating the conditions in which they lived.
A Comprehensive Analysis of the Key Elements of “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
The Role of Simon in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
Literary Comparison of Ballantyne’s “Coral Island” and Golding’s Island in “Lord of the Flies”
Attitude Towards Children in the Story “Lord of the Flies”
Jack as a Symbol of Savagery and Anarchy in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
A Description of the Potential for Evil in Everyone as One of the Theme in the Novel “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
Evil in Humanity in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
Savagery and the Beast Theme in “Lord of the Flies”
The Fall of Civilization Into Savagery in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
An Allegory of Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalysis Theory in William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”
A Literary Analysis of the Symbolism in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
A Comparison Between the Movie and Novel “Lord of the Flies”
Abuse of Power and the Effect of Tyrannical Leadership Between “Lord of the Flies” and “The Chrysalids”
Fear of the Unknown in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
A Comparison of “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding and “A Separate Peace” by John Knowles on Peer Pressure
Internal and External Conflicts in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
Importance of the Extract in the Development of the Main Themes in “Lord of the Flies”
Destructiveness of Jealousy Depicted in “Lord of the Flies” and “Woman Warrior”
A Demonstration of the Influence and Power of People Over One Another Through the Character of Piggy in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
A Character of Piggy as the Character Who Most Deserved to Be Saved in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
The Role of Government in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
Moral Consequences in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
The Symbolism of Power in “Lord of the Flies”
An Analysis of Human Behavior in “All Quiet on the Western Front” and “Lord of the Flies”
Changes in the Conception of God in “Lord of the Flies”
Inate Evil in “To Kill a Mocking Bird” and “Lord of the Flies”
A Look at Disturbing Events Highlighted in William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”
Allegory of Social Dissolution “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
Ralph as a Good Leader in “Lord of the Flies”
An Analysis of Democratic and Authoritarian Power in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
Leaders and Leadership in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
Golding’s Pessimistic View on People and Society in His Book “Lord of the Flies”
Analyzing the Themes of Innocence and Fear in William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”
A Description of the Occurrence of Civilization in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
Importance of the Beast in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”: A Dream of a Deserted Island Into Reality
Adventures, Conflicts, and Struggles in “Lord of the Flies”
Good and Evil in Human Nature in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
Failure of Paradise in Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” and William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”
Immorality of Human Nature Depicted in Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”
Formation of Rules and Perception of Civilisation in “Lord of the Flies”
How Golding Presents the Decline From Civilisation to Savagery in “Lord of the Flies”?
What Does Piggy Symbolize in “Lord of the Flies”?
How Does the Second World War Reflect on “Lord of the Flies”?
What Ideas About Human Nature and Behavior Golding Was Trying to Express in “Lord of the Flies”?
What Does the Plane Crash Symbolize in “Lord of the Flies”?
How Does William Golding Present the Character of Jack in “Lord of the Flies”?
How Does Golding Express His Ideas About Leadership in “Lord of the Flies”?
How Does Roger Change in “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding?
How the Society Suppresses Evil in the Novel “Lord of the Flies”?
How Does Golding Create a Setting in “Lord of the Flies”?
How Does the Author Present Human Nature in “Lord of the Flies”?
How Does William Golding Show Evil at Work in “Lord of the Flies”?
How Anybody Could Regress Into Savagery in Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”?
How Is the Author’s Characterisation and Language Attributed to the Novel of the “Lord of the Flies”?
Why Did William Golding Name His Novel “Lord of the Flies”?
How Does Golding Present Death in “Lord of the Flies”?
How Does the Setting Affect the Story “Lord of the Flies”?
How Children Are Treated in the Story of “Lord of the Flies”?
How Does Golding Make the Physical World Seem Important in “Lord of the Flies”?
What Is Ralph’s Attitude Toward Piggy in the First Chapter of “Lord of the Flies”?
How Many Boys Are in “Lord of the Flies”?
How Golding Creates Tension in “Lord of the Flies”?
How Does the Opening Prepare the Reader for the Rest of the Novel “Lord of the Flies”?
Why the Boys Were Doomed to Fail in “Lord of the Flies”?
What Influenced William Golding to Write “Lord of the Flies”?
Ways That Golding Presents the Island in “Lord of the Flies”?
How Golding Uses Symbols in “Lord of the Flies”?
How Does William Golding Use the Setting to Develop the Main Theme of His Novel “Lord of the Flies”?
How Does Piggy’s Character Develop Through Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”?
What Ruined Ralph and Jack’s Friendship in “Lord of the Flies”?
Chicago (A-D)
Chicago (N-B)

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Bibliography

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Sample Essay

How does William Golding set the scene for the novel in the opening chapter?

The opening chapter of ‘Lord of the Flies’ is very effective in laying the foundation for the rest of the plot. Characters become instantly recognizable and significant. The surroundings around the characters become very clear and leave you with a vivid image in your mind whilst reading. Also, the use of the language helps the situation become familiar, with spectacular detail being during descriptions. All of these factors together help build a very strong and effective chapter as the script from then on becomes vaguely predictable, with the readers expecting to know the characters and lay out well enough to recognise their reactions to any/all situations that may arise.

The introduction of characters opens the chapter in suspense as all is not revealed immediately: “ The fair boy & the fat boy.” Golding’s approach in the opening chapter to the characters is effective as it doesn’t introduce them by name, but more by personality type. Upon reading this, you automatically believe you know the two characters and feel comfortable envisaging the two children stranded on an island rather young and clueless to the dangers of the island, with the concept of no food, water, shelter or food not phasing them. This also shows their immaturity, as a normal adult would immediately try to work a logical & strategic yet plausible plan of getting back to reality or how to survive. The fact that later on ‘the fat boy’ later is addressed by ‘Piggy’ strengthens the stereotype placed upon him, with ‘the fair boy’ being given quite a polite and gentle name of Ralph.

William Golding’s use of descriptive language builds a clear image of the scenery: “ All round him the long scar smashed into the jungle was a bath of heat” . Such attention to detail allows us as the readers to be part of the story, placing us right in the scenery. The use of onomatopoeia such as ‘smash’ put emphasis on the beforehand scenes we aren’t exposed to, as we aren’t told they’re in a plane crash, yet the fact the scar ‘smashed’ into the island lets us know it was something with pretty heavy impact, it is quite a violent term. Describing it as a ‘Scar’ also tells a story as you regard a scar as being something unsightly and unwelcomed, possibly damaging attractive scenery. It shows us that it has damaged the island significantly. The metaphor ‘scar’ may also imply that the damage caused was irreversible as scars often are, which in turn just emphasises the impact the children/previous events have had on the island.

The way the characters are portrayed hints at a possible chance of survival: “Nobody don’t know we’re here”. During a conversation early on between Piggy & Ralph, Piggy intends to inform Ralph they’re stranded as no-one actually knows they’re there, but in matter of fact expresses that somebody does in fact know they’re on the island. This is because the double negative comment actually contradicts itself, and by intending to say nobody knows their whereabouts’ he actually does the opposite. This could be argued that Golding is doing this intentionally to push you to read on by leaving you, in a sense, subliminal messages. This also shows the importance of the characters personality type, as Piggy can be perceived as quite ‘dopey’, and only through him can William Golding voice such un-educated comments, and effectively and at the same time very cleverly hint at survival.

The conch acts as a means of authority and Ralph soon becomes graced with power: “The children gave him the same simple obedience that they had given to the men with megaphones”. This shows Ralph as the natural leader and puts him in the same figure head roll as the parents. The conch shows authority and is soon likened to the megaphones of the parents. It almost shows Ralph as a religious symbol, as if he has the power of God now he has full control of the island, and everyone is at his lead while he stands on a rock taller than everyone there with the conch. It is argued that this is a very important factor during the opening chapter of ‘Lord of the Flies’ as you wonder whether the conch is going to fall into the wrong hands, and in turn, the authority and power that comes with it – soon over powering the natural but fair leader; Ralph.

Some of the aspects previously mentioned lead me to believe the ‘Lord of the Flies’ is going to be very eventful and could go either way in terms of surviving or making it off the island. After simply reading just the first chapter I find myself wanting to get answers to such questions as “How can a series of young boys create a survival plan and make it off the island?” or “was Piggy deliberately talking in double negatives to make us believe on thing contrary to another?” William Golding has created a very effective opening scene and should appeal to a vast audience, urging them to read on further after appealing so strongly during the opening chapter.

Lord of the Flies

William Golding

Literature Notes
Major Themes
Lord of the Flies at a Glance
Book Summary
About Lord of the Flies
Character List
Summary and Analysis
Character Analysis
Character Map
William Golding Biography
Critical Essays
Concept, Identity, and Manifestations of the Beast
Golding's Use of the Fable Structure
Famous Quotes
Film Versions
Full Glossary
Essay Questions
Practice Projects
Cite this Literature Note

Critical Essays Major Themes

Problem of Evil

Lord of the Flies was driven by " Golding 's consideration of human evil, a complex topic that involves an examination not only of human nature but also the causes, effects, and manifestations of evil. It demands also a close observation of the methods or ideologies humankind uses to combat evil and whether those methods are effective. Golding addresses these topics through the intricate allegory of his novel.

When Lord of the Flies was first released in 1954, Golding described the novel's theme in a publicity questionnaire as "an attempt to trace the defects of society back to the defects of human nature." In his 1982 essay A Moving Target , he stated simply "The theme of Lord of the Flies is grief, sheer grief, grief, grief." The novel ends of course with Ralph grieving the indelible mark of evil in each person's heart, an evil he scarcely suspected existed before witnessing its effects on his friends and supporters. The former schoolboys sought unthinkingly to dominate others who were not of their group. They discovered within themselves the urge to inflict pain and enjoyed the accompanying rush of power. When confronted with a choice between reason's civilizing influence and animality's self-indulgent savagery, they choose to abandon the values of the civilization that Ralph represents.

This same choice is made constantly all over the world, all throughout history — the source of the grief Golding sought to convey. He places supposedly innocent schoolboys in the protected environment of an uninhabited tropical island to illustrate the point that savagery is not confined to certain people in particular environments but exists in everyone as a stain on, if not a dominator of, the nobler side of human nature. Golding depicts the smallest boys acting out, in innocence, the same cruel desire for mastery shown by Jack and his tribe while hunting pigs and, later, Ralph. The adults waging the war that marooned the boys on the island are also enacting the desire to rule others.

Ironically, by giving rein to their urge to dominate, the boys find themselves in the grip of a force they can neither understand nor acknowledge. The Lord of the Flies tells Simon "Fancy thinking the Beast was something you could hunt and kill!" and then laughs at the boys' efforts to externalize their savagery in the form of an animal or other fearsome creature. Simon has the revelation that evil isn't simply a component of human nature, but an active element that seeks expression.

Outlets for Violence

Most societies set up mechanisms to channel aggressive impulses into productive enterprises or projects. On the island, Jack's hunters are successful in providing meat for the group because they tap into their innate ability to commit violence. To the extent that this violence is a reasoned response to the group's needs (for example, to feed for the population), it produces positive effects and outcomes. However, when the violence becomes the motivator and the desired outcome lacks social or moral value beyond itself, as it does with the hunters, at that point the violence becomes evil, savage, and diabolical.

Violence continues to exist in modern society and is institutionalized in the military and politics. Golding develops this theme by having his characters establish a democratic assembly, which is greatly affected by the verbal violence of Jack's power-plays, and an army of hunters, which ultimately forms a small military dictatorship. The boys' assemblies are likened to both ends of the social or civil spectrum, from pre-verbal tribe gatherings to modern governmental institutions, indicating that while the forum for politics has changed over the millennia, the dynamic remains the same.

Continued on next page...

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Next Major Themes

Sample exam question - AQA Lord of the Flies - Sample exam question

The sample question on William Golding's novel, Lord of the Flies, explains how to plan a good written answer to a typical exam question.

Part of English Literature Lord of the Flies

Lord of the Flies - Sample exam question

In your exam, you may be asked a question about the whole text OR about an extract from the text as well as the whole text. Either way, these are the analysis skills you will need to use.

The question

Starting with this extract, how does Ralph's character change throughout the novel?

Write about:

how Golding presents Ralph in this extract
how Golding presents Ralph as someone who matures through the course of the novel as a whole

The extract

Ralph looked at him dumbly. For a moment he had a fleeting picture of the strange glamour that had once invested the beaches. But the island was scorched up like dead wood - Simon was dead - and Jack had... The tears began to flow and sobs shook him. He gave himself up to them now for the first time on the island; great, shuddering spasms of grief that seemed to wrench his whole body. His voice rose under the black smoke before the burning wreckage of the island; and infected by that emotion, the other little boys began to shake and sob too. And in the middle of them, with filthy body, matted hair, and unwiped nose, Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man's heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy.

From chapter 12

Before you go on to the next page, make some notes about what you might write.

Think about the key words in the question ('character', 'change').
Think about this extract – what is happening at this point? How have events affected Ralph? Highlight some key points.
Think about Ralph's development across the entire novel and the things which he learns about life.

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Order bidding, ‘lord of the flies’ essay topics that will spice up your writing.

Author: William Golding Book title: Lord of the Flies Date of the first publication: 1954 Genre: allegorical novel

‘Lord of the Flies’ is a classic piece of literature, full of symbolism and moral dilemmas that are still relevant today. The book follows a group of young boys stranded on an island and their attempts to survive and govern themselves. Through the characters and their behaviors, author William Golding paints a picture of humanity in its rawest form, showing that without structure or rules, even young children are capable of great brutality.

Civilization is just a veneer hiding the vile and repulsive nature of humanity. In the wilderness, there’s no space left for cultivated manners or moral principles.

According to most critics, these are the postulates that form the main message of ‘Lord of the Flies,’ the magnum opus of William Golding. As a far-reaching social critique, this powerful literary work still reverberates in today’s society, inspiring scholars to come up with compelling ‘Lord of the Flies’ essay topics and make their valuable contribution in the exploration of one of the most refined and sophisticated novels of the 20th century. Keeping up with the literary tendencies of today, our experts have joined the trend and crafted their own unique paper topics on this timeless novel!

‘Lord of the Flies’ Essay Topic Ideas

How Ralph’s character develops throughout the novel.
Ralph, Simon, Jack, and Piggy: what allegories each of the characters represents.
The symbols in the novel ‘Lord of the Flies’ and how they help convey its main message.
The concept of evil in the novel ‘Lord of the Flies.’
Good versus evil in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
‘Lord of the Flies’ as the medium for demonstrating the vices of contemporary society.
The significance of the imagery of the novel’s imagery.
The symbolism of the Beast in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The imagery used to illustrate the severe social flaws in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
‘Lord of the Flies’: the internal and external conflicts.
The main characters of ‘Lord of the Flies’: why their innocence was lost.
The breakdown of integrity and dignity in the novel.
William Golding’s perspective of viewing humanity at large mirrored in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The mechanism by which the Beast affects the main characters.
The pessimistic approach to evaluating society in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
‘Lord of the Flies’ as an anthem to the doomed generation.
The concept of eating in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
Dazzled by fear: how the state of fright affects the characters of the novel.
‘Lord of the Flies’ as the metaphoric criticism of society.
The theme of hatred in ‘Lord of the Flies.’

‘Lord of the Flies’ Research Paper Topics

Power as one of the major themes in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The clash of savagery and civilization in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
‘Lord of the Flies’: Jack and Ralph as the embodiment of two severely contrasting moral ideologies.
Analyzing the characters of ‘Lord of the Flies’ through the studies of Sigmund Freud.
The themes of order and chaos represented in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The confrontation between an exposed individual and the imposing community in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The overarching motive of destructive human impulse in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
Comparing the theme of unbridled hatred in ‘Lord of the Flies’ by William Golding and ‘The Tempest’ by William Shakespeare.
Polarization of isolation in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
‘Lord of the Flies’: Piggy, Jack, and Ralph as the respective embodiment of Freud’s Id, Ego, and Super Ego.
The rich blend of major literary genres in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The demolishing anarchy in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The Beast as the sharp metaphor for human violence and evil in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
Atrocious permissiveness vs. uncorrupted virtue in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The representation of Nietzsche’s nihilistic philosophy of man in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The problems connected with coming of age in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The theme of obligation in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The psychological approach to analyzing the characters of ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The characters in ‘Lord of the Flies’ through the behaviorist theory.
‘Lord of the Flies’: civilization is savagery in disguise.

Topics about Themes in ‘Lord of the Flies’

One of the greatest approaches to find a topic for an essay about ‘Lord of the Flies’ is to explore the novel’s primary ideas. In the following list we have gathered topics connected to main themes that you can approach from various angles.

The ways in which the characters’ actions and choices illustrate the theme of struggle between civilization and savagery in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The role of fear in the breakdown of societal order in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The corrupting influence of power in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The loss of innocence and descent into darkness in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
How does Golding use the conch shell as a symbol of civilization, order, and power in ‘Lord of the Flies’?
The role of violence and aggression in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
Exploring the concept of the innate inclination towards evil in humans as portrayed in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The importance of social norms and institutions in maintaining order in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The conflict between reason and instinct in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
Investigation of the theme of leadership and traits of a successful leader in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The exploration of morality and ethics in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The symbolic significance of the island in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The theme of the loss of identity and individuality in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The theme of power struggle between Ralph and Jack. How does each character use different tactics to gain and maintain control over the group? What does this say about the nature of power and authority?
The ways in which the parachute man represents the adult world that the boys have left behind, and how the boys’ attitudes towards him reflect their changing perceptions of authority.
Compare and contrast the portrayal of human nature in ‘Lord of the Flies’ with other literary works that explore the theme of the inherent evil in mankind, such as Heart of Darkness or The Picture of Dorian Gray.
The significance of the ending of Lord of the Flies and how it reinforces or challenges Golding’s main themes.

Character Analysis Essay Topics

Analyzing one or more characters is another excellent option for any literary essay. The characters in William Golding’s ‘Lord of the Flies’ are diverse, with distinct personalities and motivations. You can approach this by analyzing how one or more of the characters interact with each other and how their development shapes the story. To get more ideas, check the list below.

The roles of Piggy and Roger in relation to the leaders. How do they contribute to the dynamic between Ralph and Jack? In what ways do they challenge or support their respective leaders?
Analyzing the significance of Piggy’s role in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The evolution of Jack in ‘Lord of the Flies’: From schoolboy to savagery.
Simon: A symbolic figure of purity in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
Roger as a symbol of evil in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The Conch: A symbol of democracy in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The importance of Samneric in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
Analyzing the character of the naval officer in The ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The significance of the Littleuns in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The representation of women in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The role of adults in ‘Lord of the Flies’: A comparison of the boys and the naval officer.
‘Lord of the Flies’ as a World War II allegory: An analysis of the characters’ roles.
The importance of Ralph’s leadership style in ‘Lord of the Flies.’

Watch ‘Lord of the Flies’ Character Analysis Video

Literature Analysis Topics

If you need to analyze ‘Lord of the Flies,’ you can find the connections between symbols, characters, and themes. Also, you can analyze literary elements or evaluate the writer’s ideas.

An analysis of the symbolic elements in ‘Lord of the Flies’ and their significance to the plot and themes of the novel.
The role of fear in the boys’ behavior and its significance in the novel.
The theme of power and its effects on the characters in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The use of foreshadowing in ‘Lord of the Flies’ and how it contributes to the story.
The role of society and civilization in ‘Lord of the Flies’ and how it relates to the characters’ behavior.
How does the title of the novel ‘Lord of the Flies’ connect with and reflect the themes explored in the story?
The portrayal of innocence in ‘Lord of the Flies’ and how it is lost over the course of the story.
The use of irony in ‘Lord of the Flies’ and how it adds to the overall meaning of the story.
The theme of savagery and its portrayal in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The role of leadership and its effects on the boys’ behavior in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The use of setting in ‘Lord of the Flies’ and how it contributes to the story.
The theme of human nature and its portrayal in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The role of the adult world and its absence in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The theme of isolation and its impact on the characters in ‘Lord of the Flies.’
The use of allegory in ‘Lord of the Flies’ and its significance to the story.
In what ways do the stereotypes used in ‘Lord of the Flies’ contribute to the novel’s overall message about human nature?
How does Golding’s use of vivid language and striking imagery create a sense of realism in ‘Lord of the Flies’? How does it affect the reader’s understanding of the story?
The symbolism of the conch, the fire on the mountaintop, and Piggy’s glasses. How do these objects represent different aspects of the boys’ society and their individual struggles?
The role of societal norms and institutions in ‘Lord of the Flies’ and how they interact with the idea that evil is an inborn trait of mankind.

In a Nutshell

Witnessing the far-off heyday of the baby boom generation, ‘Lord of the Flies’ still startles the reader with its abominable scenery and its cutting truthfulness. No, there hasn’t been reported a case so far of well-bred boys turning on each other on some derelict island – the truthfulness of the novel instead lies in the distressing fact that the characters’ wicked mentality can also develop in moral, righteous individuals once they’re deprived of their comfort zone and locked in the abode of “the Beast.” And this is what makes the novel so close to real life.

‘Lord of the Flies’ won’t stop attracting both seasoned scholars and aspiring students to explore its mysterious and life-inspired world. With its complex philosophy and challenging themes, this novel has become a unique discovery for academics. Having good ‘Lord of the Flies’ essay topics at hand is what can help students take the first steps towards bringing their academic research to fruition!

How We Can Help You With Your ‘Lord of the Flies’ Essay

No matter how complex your college task is, you can always request, write my essay , at our service! Whether you need help choosing a topic or writing a whole essay on Golding’s ‘Lord of the Flies,’ our writers are here to help. They have a tremendous amount of experience writing literary analyses, book reviews, and essays on a wide variety of books.

Our writers deeply understand the characters, plot, and themes Golding explored in his book. They will provide in-depth analysis and interpretation of the text, including thoroughly exploring the characters, setting, and themes. If you are having trouble writing an essay about ‘Lord of the Flies,’ don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experts.

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Lord of the flies – sample essay..

Choose a novel in which an important theme is explored. Explain how the author develops this theme throughout the novel.

The Lord of the Flies by William Golding is a novel in which the theme of savagery versus civilisation is explored. Some British boys are stranded on an isolated island at the time of an imaginary nuclear war. On the island we see conflict between two main characters, Jack and Ralph, who respectively represent civilisation and savagery. This has an effect on the rest of the boys throughout the novel as they delve further and further into savagery.

The theme of savagery versus civilisation is first introduced to us through the symbol of the conch shell which we associate with Ralph as he is the person who first uses it and becomes the elected leader of the boys. This symbolises authority amongst the boys. At the first assembly Ralph says “I’ll give the conch to the next person to speak…he won’t be interrupted”. This suggests civilisation as Ralph is allowing each boy to have an equal say and opinion. If they have the conch, no matter who they are or what age they are they will be given the chance to speak and will be listened to by the rest of the boys. The boys have created the island to be a democratic place which shows a civilised side to them as they try to mimic the homes they have just left.

Contrasting with the symbol of the conch is the symbol of the beast which comes to be associated with Jack as by the end of the novel he is almost devil worshipping it. The beast begins as a “snake thing” but by the end of the novel it has become “the Lord of the Flies”. The first quote shows us that the beast is clearly evil. Western society considers snakes to be bad omens because it was a snake that led Eve to eat from the tree of knowledge. However at this stage of the novel the beast is quite insubstantial as it is only a “thing”. As the boys fear of the beast grows so to does the beast itself until it has manifested into the devil – the ultimate and most powerful evil. He has a strong status as a Lord although it is over something pretty disgusting – the flies. The boys belief in the beast leads them to behave more like savages as they act out from their fear and they begin to loose hold of the rules, led by Jack, thus demonstrating the theme of savagery.

One of ways Golding shows conflict between savagery and civilisation is when Jack and some of the other boys are killing the first pig. Jack chants “kill the pig, cut her throat, spill the blood”. This suggests savagery as the boys are being violent and aggressive when killing the pig and they don’t care about it. This is particularly clear through Golding’s word choice. Jack talks about cutting the pig’s throat which makes it sound like a savage action and spilling her blood which reinforces the lack of care and feeling shown towards the pug’s carcass. This shows that the boys are no longer feeling guilty about what they have done thus showing them becoming savages.

We can see the conflict between savagery and civilisation developing further when Piggy’s glasses are broken. We are told “Piggy cried out in terror ‘my specs!” This shows us that the boys savage natures are beginning to overule their more civilised sides. At the start of the book Jack would never have dared touch Piggy, but here he actually snaps and goes for Piggy who he despises. We can tell that Piggy is really scared as Golding chooses the words “cried” and “terror” to describe the scene. Piggy sounds like he is hurting and is genuinely terrified about what Jack might do to him and the loss of his sight. Piggy’s glasses have also come to represent intelligence on the island, with them breaking we see that the pathway to savagery is now completely open for the boys. This is the first true piece of violence between the two factions on the island and it will result in nearly all the boys becoming savages.

A final way in which we see the theme of savagery versus civilisation being demonstrated is when Ralph sticks up for Piggy after he is attacked by Jack. Ralph says “that was a dirty trick”. This shows that Ralph is really angry at Jack for what he said and did to Piggy. He is still attempting to impose himself as leader here as he says this in an aggressive and assertive tone. This suggests there is still some glimmers of civilisation on the island at this point as there is still someone with a sense of moral goodness ready to fight for justice.

In conclusion The Lord of the Flies by William Golding is a novel in which the theme of savagery versus civilisation is shown. Ralph represents civilisation as he wants to enforce rules and let everyone have an equal say. Whereas Jack who represents savagery as he rules over the boys and he is not interested in what they have to say. Through the boys actions Golding shows us that we need rules and to consciously impose them to make sure society functions properly.

27 thoughts on “Lord of the Flies – sample essay.”

AWESOME thanks guys!!

This essay was really helpful and thought provoking. I noticed a comment about how this essay could improve and I understand that this essay follows Scottish Qualifications, but I just have two suggestions to improve it.

At the beginning of Paragraph 4 it states “One of ways”. I think that perhaps the author meant “One of the ways”.

Also, in Paragraph 5 the author uses “We”, it may be different in Scotland, but I learnt that in essays one does not use personal pronouns.

Other than that it was really well written <3 Thank you!

I’m sorry you didn’t find the essay any help. There are mistakes in this as it was written by a National 5 class and is an exact sample essay as written by the pupils (equivalent to GCSE) and as a result of that there are some errors. It does talk about the same thing over and over again – civilisation versus savagery – but it is supposed to as this was the focus of the essay question. When writing a critical essay you need to pick out things from the text that answer the question. You will notice that different things are picked out from the text that relate to the fight between civilisation and savagery – whether this is the symbols used in the book or the actions of some of the characters. Once this has been selected to speak about you need to lift evidence from the text to support what you are saying and then explain it to your readers. I hope this has helped you understand the point of the essay a bit better.

Ms Davidson

Is this essay meant to be for a GSCE course? I am doing an essay about it now and I’m in year 8.

This text is being used by students in a Scottish Secondary School for their National 5 English qualification. They sit their exam at the equivalent age to those studying GCSEs. It doesn’t really matter what age you are when you study the text, it’s more to do with the levels of analysis you go through whilst studying the text. This essay would be a minimum pass at National 5 in Scotland. It is written by students and is simply an example of what students could write in their exam.

Hope that’s helped, Ms Davidson

I was desperate to know what to write in the conclusion but then this conclusion gave me some help, Thank you

Thank you so much!! The points in this essay are extremely helpful and I was able to interlink them in my GCSE exam today. Very helpful source!!

You are very welcome!

I’m glad you found it useful!

Thanks so much I have this 5 paragraph essay that’s due and you helped me so much for idea wise

WOOOOW amazing thank you so much

😍😍😍😍❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

this is gold as I have to write an essay on lotf and was having troubles finding main quotes the had good techniques paired to them and this helped a lot

Is this a full mark piece ?

This would probably get 15-16 out of 20 at National 5 in the Scottish system. Hope that helps.

Glad it was useful!

Thank you so much this was so extremely helpful. You are a lifesaver!

I’m glad I found this essay because i got an A on my school essay. THANK YOU SO MUCH 🙂

I wanted conflict between ralph and jack ONLY

You can change the points and the link backs (the first and last sentence in each paragraph) to focus on the conflict between Jack and Ralph if you need to. Each symbol talked about here is either associated with Jack or Ralph. Also Jack and Ralph link to the wider theme of the book with each boy respectively representing civilisation or savagery. This essay can be used to help you structure the one you need to write.

I am writing a paragraph and i need to write about the theme, charecters/groups… i cant start the paragraph with the answers, i need an intro, what can i do for an intro, i am a bit stuck

I’m not sure I understand your question Sarah. Your paragraph seems to include an awful lot of things. What is the overall point you are trying to talk about? If you were looking at the theme of civilisation then you could start with a simple sentence saying “The Lord of the Flies explores the theme of savagery versus civilisation”. If you are focusing on a particular character then begin with “The Lord of the Flies uses one of it’s main characters Jack/Ralph to explore certain ideas within the text.” I hope this helps. Ms Davidson

This helped me soon much!I’m so happy that I got an A+!My teacher was so happy.

That’s excellent!

THANK YOU SO MUCH 🙂

I need help with that essay lotf essay why should a leader read lotf base on ralph.

Take a look at the essay based on the character Ralph. Adapt it the first sentence in each paragraph (your POINT) so that it focuses on Ralph being a good example of being a leader, or how they can learn a lesson from him doing something that shows him being a bad leader. Then adapt the final sentence (your LINK BACK) so it responds to him setting an example (or not!) for leaders.

I was reading through the comments and you mentioned that the essay would be about 15-16 marks out of 20, and was wonder what improvements could be made to get the last few marks?

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Lord of the Flies

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Questions & Answers

Who is the Lord of the Flies?

Physically, the Lord of the Flies is the pig head that Jack, Roger, and the hunters mount on a sharpened stick and leave as an offering for the beast. The head is described as dripping blood, eerily grinning, and attracting a swarm of buzzing flies. When The Lord of the Flies “speaks” to Simon, we can assume that his voice is a hallucinatory effect of Simon’s disintegrating mental state. The Lord of the Flies suggests to Simon that the boys will be their own undoing. Simon loses consciousness after the episode, and is killed later that night. Later, when Roger and Jack vow to hunt and kill Ralph, they imply that they will repeat their offering to the beast, using Ralph’s head this time. Symbolically, the Lord of the Flies represents the evil inside each one of the boys on the island.

What is the conch and what does it symbolize?

A conch is a type of mollusk with a pink and white shell in the shape of a spiral. Once the animal inside dies, the shell can be used as a trumpet by blowing into one end. In Lord of the Flies, the boys use a conch to call meetings and also to designate who is speaking. In this way, the conch symbolizes democracy and free speech – anyone who is holding the conch can speak his mind, and everyone else must listen and wait their turns for the conch. However, the fact that the conch is easily broken, signalling the end of civil communication, symbolizes the fragility of democracy, which needs protection by all participants in order to survive.

How does Simon die?

After talking to the Lord of the Flies, Simon discovers the body of the paratrooper on the mountain and realizes the boys have mistaken the corpse for the beast. Meanwhile, Jack and his boys have been chanting and dancing around the fire, whipping themselves into a bloodthirsty frenzy. When Simon appears and attempts to explain the true identity of the beast, the boys mistake him for the beast itself and attack and kill him. Later, Piggy tries to deny that he and Ralph were involved in Simon’s murder, but Ralph insists on acknowleging that they participated.

Why does Jack start his own tribe?

From the beginning of the novel, Jack and Ralph both want to be leader of the boys, and disagree not only about who the leader should be, but what style of leadership is most effective. The tension mounts between Jack and Ralph until Chapter 8, when they argue openly. After Ralph mocks Jack’s hunters as “boys armed with sticks,” Jack erupts into an angry diatribe and rails against Ralph and his poor leadership skills. He insists that Ralph is a coward and that he himself would be a better leader. But after no one else agrees by vote, Jack leaves the group in tears. Hours later, many of the boys have left Ralph to join Jack’s tribe, lured by the promise of hunting, eating meat and having fun. Soon the two tribes are in violent conflict with each other.

Do the boys get rescued from the island?

Yes. Although Ralph has insisted throughout the novel on the importance of a fire to signal passing ships, what ultimately attracts a ship is not Ralph’s fire but the massive blaze set by Jack in order to kill Ralph. While pursuing Ralph through the forest, Jack sets a huge fire to scare Ralph into the open. A passing British Navy ship sees the fire and sends an officer ashore. The officer not only saves Ralph from being murdered by Jack, he also saves all the boys from the further violence that would surely have occurred had they stayed on the island.

Why is Ralph chosen to be the chief?

At Piggy’s suggestion, Ralph uses a conch to call a meeting with all the boys stranded on the island. Ralph then organizes the boys and suggests that they decide on a chief. Ralph is chosen because, as Golding observes, “there was a stillness about Ralph as he sat that marked him out: there was his size, and attractive appearance; and most obscurely, yet most powerfully, there was the conch. The being that had blown that, had sat waiting for them on the platform with the delicate thing balanced on his knees, was set apart.” The boys recognize Ralph as a natural leader, and they associate him with civilization because the conch recalls the bullhorns adults would have used to organize the boys back home.

Why does Jack think he should be the chief?

Jack believes he is superior to Ralph because of his status back home. He states, “I ought to be chief . . . because I’m chapter chorister and head boy.” Later, Jack thinks he should be chief because he is a strong hunter. Jack challenges Ralph’s leadership, saying, “He’s not a hunter. He’d never have got us meat.” Throughout the book, Jack believes he has the right to ignore the democratic process and do what he wants.

Why are Piggy’s glasses important?

Piggy’s glasses are important because they enable Ralph’s group to light a signal fire that can help them get rescued. The glasses are later used by Jack’s group to light fires for having pig roasts. Ultimately, the glasses represent the power of fire to bring comfort and keep the boys linked to civilization as well as the power to cause death and destruction, such as when the fire gets out of control and kills a “littlun.” When Jack breaks and later steals Piggy’s glasses, these occurrences demonstrate how far the boys have fallen into savagery.

Who is the first boy to die on the island?

One of the “littluns”—the boy with the mulberry-colored birthmark—is the first boy to die. The fact that “that other boy whose mulberry-marked face had not been seen since the evening of the great fire” indicates that he died when the initial signal fire raged out of control. While this first death seems insignificant, it foreshadows the other deaths that will happen as the situation with the boys spirals out of control, just like that first fire.

Why does Jack hate Ralph?

From the beginning, Jack, who is the head choir boy back home, thinks he should be the chief, but the other boys choose Ralph. The tension between Ralph and Jack grows because Jack has different priorities—to hunt and have fun—than Ralph, who wants to hold onto civilization and get rescued. Jack and Ralph are described as “two continents of experience and feeling, unable to communicate.” Jack later challenges Ralph’s leadership and feels humiliated when the boys still will not openly choose him. “I’m not going to be part of Ralph’s lot,” he announces as he breaks from the group—which represents civilization’s constraints—to start his own savage tribe.

What is the beast?

At first, the beast is what the “littluns” call the scary things in the night, and it soon represents the unknown and the boys’ fears. Simon discovers that the beast is, in fact, a dead pilot who, readers learn, fell to the island during the night: “There was a speck above the island, a figure dropping swiftly beneath a parachute, a figure that hung with dangling limbs.” Belief in the beast is fueled by Sam and Eric, who hear the opening and closing of the parachute, and by Jack, Ralph, and Roger, who encounter the decayed body of the pilot without recognizing that it is a dead human body, not a beast.

What does Simon want to tell the other boys?

Simon wants to tell the boys the truth about the beast, who the boys think is real. After his epileptic fit, Simon encounters the dead pilot and recognizes that the beast is, in fact, just a dead man that may be frightening but can’t hurt them. Simon “turned to the poor broken thing that sat stinking by his side. The beast was harmless and horrible; and the news must reach the others as soon as possible.”

How does Piggy die?

Piggy dies after being hit by a large rock that “struck Piggy a glancing blow from chin to knee,” causing him to fall fatally on the rocks below. Roger, looking to injure or kill either Ralph or Piggy, releases the large rock from above. This happens when Ralph and Piggy go to Jack’s tribe to appeal to their sense of rules and order and ask them for Piggy’s glasses back. Roger’s act causes the death of Piggy, marks the end of reason on the island, and cuts any connection the boys had left to civilized behaviors.

Does Ralph survive?

As Simon predicts when he tells Ralph, “You’ll get back all right,” Ralph does survive, barely. Toward the end of the novel, Jack and his tribe hunt Ralph in order to kill him. Some of the boys even start a fire to smoke Ralph out of hiding. In a panic, Ralph runs down to the beach, where he unexpectedly ends up at the feet of a naval officer who saw the smoke from the fire raging out of control on the island. The presence of an adult brings an end to the boys’ savage activities and saves Ralph’s life.

Why is the backdrop of the war important to the story?

The backdrop of the war is important to the story because it is why the boys’ plane is shot down, an event that kills the adults on the plane and leaves the surviving boys alone on the island. Later when a dead pilot descends by parachute onto the island like “a sign came down from the world of grown-ups,” the boys think the pilot is the beast, something to be feared. In a sense, the boys’ idea is true because the pilot represents the brutality of war, which reveals the dark side of humanity. At the end of the story, the naval officer who rescues the boys seems to represent all that is orderly and civilized, but he also represents the death and destruction of war that underscore Golding’s point about humanity’s capacity for evil.

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Lord of The Flies: Symbolism Analysis

Categories: Lord of The Flies Symbolism

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Published: Mar 20, 2024

Words: 501 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Symbolism in lord of the flies, analysis of symbolism.

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William Golding's "Lord of the Flies" serves as a haunting portrayal of the inherent duality of human nature. This essay delves into the novel's exploration of the primal instincts and moral complexities that define the human condition. The Inherent Savagery The novel thrusts a group...

"Lord of the Flies" Book Review: the Dark Realities of Human Nature

William Golding's "Lord of the Flies" is a thought-provoking exploration of the inherent savage nature within humanity, set against the backdrop of a deserted island. This book review essay delves into the novel's portrayal of the descent into chaos and the chilling insights it offers...

Symbolism in "Lord of the Flies": The Power of Symbols in Literature

William Golding's classic novel "Lord of the Flies" is a profound exploration of human nature and the inherent duality of good and evil within individuals. Through skillful utilization of symbolism, Golding effectively conveys deeper themes and insights that resonate with readers on multiple levels. This...

Loss Of Innocence Through The Lord Of The Flies Novel

In the novel Lord of the Flies, innocence was progressively lost through the boys. The boys were implanted in a situation where they had no other choice but to grow up and to develop faster. The boys were put in a very qisquenting situation and...

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Fair Is Foul And Foul Is Fair In Macbeth And Lord Of The Flies

Life is really hard when fear controls a human being. Fear is very consuming to one's self. Jack Merridew from Lord of the Flies and Macbeth from Macbeth both entered lives that tests their ego and their mental capabilities. “Fair is foul and foul is...

The Elements Of Allegory In Lord Of The Flies

Lord of the flies is a novel written by William Golding, the book was first published in 1954 by Faber and Faber limited, since then it has been reprinted approximately 20 times. William golding was an british author which was bron on 19 september 1911,...

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Lord Of The Flies: The Imagery Used

In 1954, when the world was in the seam of the quiet yet frightening Cold War, not long after World War II, William Golding composed Lord of the Flies. It isn't just a tale of stamina of the young men in a plane accident on...

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Spiritual Connections And Imagery In Lord Of The Flies

“Spirituality is meant to take us beyond our tribal identity into a domain of awareness that is more universal.” Deepak Chopra, an acclaimed public speaker and author, spoke these words about spirituality. Religion, as some may call it, is universally understood. Even though not everyone...

Literary Analysis Of The Lord Of The Flies And The Veldt

Some believe that violence in the media is to blame for violence in people, but that argument is undermined by the realization that violence existed long before video games and television. In Lord of the Flies, written by William Golding, the setting strongly relates to...

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Use Of Themes Of Savagery And Civilization To Portray Society Lord Of The Flies

William Golding uses the themes of loss of innocence, evil in the world, and the progression from civilized to savagery in his novel Lord of the Flies to portray his vision of society. William Golding’s Lord of the Flies is about a group of sixteen...

The Battle Of Civilization And Savagery In Lord Of The Flies

In the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding, there are several samples of savagery that take place on the tropical island. The savagery is within the nature of a number of the boys hearts. The boys exhibit savage traits when the circumstances turn...

Lord Of The Flies: Savagery Against Civilization

What would happen if a group of boys from a civilized society all get stranded on an island with no adults? Lord of the Flies was written by William Golding and is about a group of schoolboys stranded on an island away from all civilization....

Lord Of The Flies By William Golding: Civilization Versus Savagery

Conflicting ideas within people that are not resolved can lead to savagery and pain. In William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies, Ralph and young British boys are left stranded from a plane crash on an island. The boys start to become civilized on the...

Theme Of Individuality Loss In The Novel Lord Of The Flies And Movie Gattaca

In William Golding’s book the Lord of the Flies, the story centers around a group of boys who survive a plane crash on a deserted island. The boys struggled through many hardships such as nominating a leader and getting necessities. While this is all happening,...

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Comparison of the Mastermind Manipulators Jack from William Golding’s Novel Lord of the Flies and Iago from William Shakespeare’s Play Othello

In William Shakespeare’s play Othello and William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies, Jack and Iago are consumed by evil and envy, manipulating others by using their emotions to gain power and corrupt their innocence. However, as one uses fear and intimidation and the other...

Using Fear to Control the Masses: Lord of the Flies and The Crucible

Fear is a powerful tool that has been used throughout history to control the masses. Two literary works that illustrate this theme are William Golding's novel "Lord of the Flies" and Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible." Both works depict societies that are controlled by fear,...

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Introduction In William Golding’s Lord of the Flies and James Dashner’s The Maze Runner, the protagonists, Ralph and Thomas, are set up as leaders of the society that is constructed encompassing them. However, whilst Ralph joins the island within a group- incrementing himself into his...

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The Link Between Lord of the Flies and The Stanford Prison Experiment: How Power Turns People into Monsters

In 1971, Stanford University conducted what is now considered one of the most infamous experiments of all time- The Stanford Prison Experiment. Professor Philip Zimbardo searched for volunteers willing to act as mock prisoners for two weeks in a three-cell jail built by Zimbardo himself,...

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The world around us is dark, a dark place, with dark humans and dark lives. Some might say this is a fact, but others say the world is good, a good place, with good humans and good lives. In the stories Lord of the Flies,...

Primary Elements of Civilisation in Lord of the Flies

What Makes a Good Civilisation? A civilisation is basically the stage of human social and cultural development and organisation that is considered most advanced. Civilisation has been around for almost forever. Civilisation can be represented in many ways; from having a first agreement to having...

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Symbolism of the Abrahamic Religions in Lord of the Flies

Lord of the Flies is a novel by Nobel Prize-winning author William Golding that follows a moderately large group of British boys as they make their attempt to survive a formerly deserted island while contending with dangers both natural and very human. While Golding never...

Ralph's Struggle: Questioning Morality in "Lord of the Flies"

In William Golding's novel "Lord of the Flies," Ralph is portrayed as the protagonist who struggles to maintain order and morality on an uninhabited island after a plane crash leaves a group of boys stranded. However, as the novel progresses, Ralph's actions are called into...

Archetypal Protagonists in William Golding's "Lord of the Flies"

William Golding's Lord of the Flies is a profound allegory that tackles the fundamental question of human nature and its vulnerability in the absence of social institutions. Golding uses the characters of Ralph and Jack to highlight the contrasting archetypes of the protagonist and antagonist,...

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Analytical Essay on Lord of the Flies

Lord of the Flies, is an adventure book of a pack boys that face to survive or die from their inner monsters. Of the current situation there in of no contact of the outside world they try to support each other but ends up leading...

Lord Of The Flies By William Golding: Understanding True Human Nature

Society’s curtain always falls over the actions of mankind and influences people. It is not until someone pulls the curtains wide open, bringing in a ray of darkness that ignites one’s innate savagery. In the book Lord of the Flies, written by William Golding, a...

William Golding's Lord Of The Flies: Mockery Of Mankind

From early on, children are protected from the harsh realities of adult life. Parents and guardians shelter their children from the conflicts and complications that life throws at them. In William Golding’s allegory, Lord of the Flies, the boys express their beliefs on the “majesty...

Best topics on Lord of The Flies

1. “Lord of the Flies”: Mob Mentality and Group Dynamics

2. “Lord of the Flies”: Human Nature in William Golding’s Novel

3. “Lord of the Flies” Book Review: the Dark Realities of Human Nature

4. Symbolism in “Lord of the Flies”: The Power of Symbols in Literature

5. Loss Of Innocence Through The Lord Of The Flies Novel

6. Fair Is Foul And Foul Is Fair In Macbeth And Lord Of The Flies

7. The Elements Of Allegory In Lord Of The Flies

8. Lord Of The Flies: The Imagery Used

9. Spiritual Connections And Imagery In Lord Of The Flies

10. Literary Analysis Of The Lord Of The Flies And The Veldt

11. Use Of Themes Of Savagery And Civilization To Portray Society Lord Of The Flies

12. The Battle Of Civilization And Savagery In Lord Of The Flies

13. Lord Of The Flies: Savagery Against Civilization

14. Lord Of The Flies By William Golding: Civilization Versus Savagery

15. Theme Of Individuality Loss In The Novel Lord Of The Flies And Movie Gattaca

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Cruelty In Lord Of The Flies, By William Golding

Human nature is an essential question that has been pondered on for millennia. The interest in wanting to know if we are genuinely good or evil can plague the mind to such an extent that the topic can transcend into the fictional world. As a result of this question, writers have produced media that hint at their beliefs of an answer, one being Lord of the Flies. William Golding’s views of human nature being evil are agreeably accurate. These views can be attributed to traits such as cruelty and greed, which can be traced to books like Lord of The Flies, 12 Angry Men, and To Kill a Mockingbird. These novels each display the innate cruelty and greed that lie within each human and show why we are naturally evil. William Golding presents human …show more content…

“Viciously, with full intention, he hurled his spear at Ralph. The point tore the skin and flesh over Ralph’s ribs.” (Golding,181) This moment of Jack’s actions is one that truly displays his cruelty, as Jack went from someone who would be harsh, but respected Ralph, to having the full conviction to kill him on the spot, and while Ralph, at this point, presented no threat, as he was alone, with his two closest people being dead. The continued trope of attempting to murder powerless innocents is continued in To Kill A Mockingbird. As Heck stated, “Bob Ewell meant business” and “Low-down skunk with enough liquor in him to make him brave enough to kill children” (Lee, 309). These actions of both Jack and Bob Ewell represent the heavy usage of cruelty in both novels. This is shown as one of them, with the numbers advantage, attempted to kill the boy he once respected, and the other, a grown man, attempted to kill the young children of the man he held a grudge against. Human nature is evil as it consists of heavy amounts of self-interest, leading to greedy deeds. This can be seen within the novel of 12 Angry Men and Lord Of The Flies. “I’m not going to play any longer, “Not with you.” (Golding, 127) This phrase from Jack shows his way of thinking: that all the events on the island were just a game and preceded leaving the group because he felt like he could do better on his own. This would go on to start a civil conflict, all due to Jack’s greed. This source of greed from the perspective of a child goes hand in hand with the immense greed from one of the jurors in 12 Angry Men. Juror 7 represents greed as he states “I’m a little sick of this whole thing”. Let’s break it up and go home.” (Rose,56). Juror 7’s claim of being tired of wanting to go home is a showing of his own self-interest, as he himself has no interest in the case,

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Lord of the Flies Essay Questions
Lord of the Flies Essay Questions. 1. In his introduction to William Golding's novel, novelist E.M. Forster suggests that Golding's writing "lays a solid foundation for the horrors to come." Using Forster's quote as a starting point, discuss how the novel foreshadows the murders of Simon and Piggy. Focus on two events or images from the novel's ...
PDF LORD OF THE FLIES: ESSAY QUESTIONS
Be sure to use examples from the book. 2. Identify the most significant symbol in the novel and justify your choice. (Symbols to choose from: the conch, Piggy's glasses, the fire, the parachute man, the pig's head/Lord of the Flies) 3. State one possible theme of the novel, and support your position. 4.
Lord of the Flies: A+ Student Essay: Would Piggy Have Made a Good
Piggy may have the tactical smarts to be a good leader, but because he cannot convincingly act the role, he would not be able to marshal the boys if given the chance. Although his contributions often go unappreciated, Piggy comes up with some of the most important innovations on the island. He sees the conch's potential as a rallying device ...
Lord of the Flies sample exam questions
Lord of the Flies sample exam questions Sample Question 1: "A stick sharpened at both ends". What does Golding have to say about the nature of ... You could also practice writing up parts of an essay or a whole essay and self -assessing your work using the checklist in the Study Skills booklet. Practice makes perfect!
Lord of the Flies Critical Essays
Lord of the Flies, William Golding's first novel, was published in London in 1954 and in New York in 1955. Golding was forty-three years old when he wrote the novel, having served in the Royal ...
Lord of the Flies: Study Help
Get free homework help on William Golding's Lord of the Flies: book summary, chapter summary and analysis, quotes, essays, and character analysis courtesy of CliffsNotes. In Lord of the Flies , British schoolboys are stranded on a tropical island. In an attempt to recreate the culture they left behind, they elect Ralph to lead, with the intellectual Piggy as counselor.
89 Lord of the Flies Essay Examples and Topics
In The Lord of the Flies, the fire in the story is lit as a symbol of hope and rescue. The island in The Lord Of The Flies resembled the perfect type of Utopia at […] "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding. The reader will wonder that all the boys respond in the same manner to the sound of the blown shell.
Sample Essay
The conch acts as a means of authority and Ralph soon becomes graced with power: "The children gave him the same simple obedience that they had given to the men with megaphones". This shows Ralph as the natural leader and puts him in the same figure head roll as the parents. The conch shows authority and is soon likened to the megaphones of ...
Lord of the Flies: Mini Essays
Lord of the Flies is an allegorical novel in that it contains characters and objects that directly represent the novel's themes and ideas. Golding's central point in the novel is that a conflict between the impulse toward civilization and the impulse toward savagery rages within each human individual. Each of the main characters in the ...
Lord of the Flies: Critical Essays
Get free homework help on William Golding's Lord of the Flies: book summary, chapter summary and analysis, quotes, essays, and character analysis courtesy of CliffsNotes. In Lord of the Flies , British schoolboys are stranded on a tropical island. In an attempt to recreate the culture they left behind, they elect Ralph to lead, with the intellectual Piggy as counselor.
Sample exam question
Take a look at a sample exam question and answers for William Golding's Lord of the Flies with BBC Bitesize GCSE English Literature (AQA).
≡Essays on Lord of The Flies: Top 10 Examples by GradesFixer
Barbarian, English-language films, Number of the Beast, Seashell, Uncanny X-Men. 1 2 … 4. Our free essays on Lord of The Flies can be used as a template for writing your own article. All samples were written by the best students 👩🏿‍🎓👨‍🎓 just for you.
Lord of the Flies
The English Literature Paper 2 requires you to answer four questions (three on poetry) in 2hrs 15min. That means you have approximately 45 minutes to plan, write and check your Lord of the Flies essay. Paper 2 is worth 96 marks and accounts for 60% of your overall GCSE grade. The Lord of the Flies essay is worth 34 marks in total, because it ...
Lord of the Flies: Suggested Essay Topics
Suggested Essay Topics. Previous. 1. Of all the characters, it is Piggy who most often has useful ideas and sees the correct way for the boys to organize themselves. Yet the other boys rarely listen to him and frequently abuse him. Why do you think this is the case?
80+ Essay Topics on 'Lord of the Flies' Blog
Date of the first publication: 1954. Genre: allegorical novel. 'Lord of the Flies' is a classic piece of literature, full of symbolism and moral dilemmas that are still relevant today. The book follows a group of young boys stranded on an island and their attempts to survive and govern themselves.
Essay planning
Lord of the Flies. A structured way to help students plan for essay questions on Lord of the Flies. Contains a step by step plan of an essay question, top tips for approaching an exam question as well as activities on evaluating the novel. A student worksheet with a step by step guide for answering an essay question on Lord of the Flies.
Lord of the Flies
The Lord of the Flies by William Golding is a novel in which the theme of savagery versus civilisation is explored. Some British boys are stranded on an isolated island at the time of an imaginary nuclear war. On the island we see conflict between two main characters, Jack and Ralph, who respectively represent civilisation and savagery.
Lord of the Flies: Questions & Answers
Physically, the Lord of the Flies is the pig head that Jack, Roger, and the hunters mount on a sharpened stick and leave as an offering for the beast. The head is described as dripping blood, eerily grinning, and attracting a swarm of buzzing flies. When The Lord of the Flies "speaks" to Simon, we can assume that his voice is a ...
Lord Of The Flies Thesis Statement
The Lord of the Flies is a perfect novel to discuss the "fear of the unknown" in regards to the reality of "the beast," the ignored reality of the paratrooper, and the reactions from any of the ...
Morality In Lord Of The Flies: [Essay Example], 605 words
The exploration of morality is a central theme in William Golding's novel, Lord of the Flies. Set on a deserted island, the novel follows a group of boys as they attempt to govern themselves without the constraints of civilization.
Lord of The Flies: Symbolism Analysis
Analysis of Symbolism. These symbols in Lord of the Flies serve to deepen the themes and ideas presented in the novel. The conch shell, for example, represents the fragility of civilization and the ease with which it can be shattered. As the conch loses its power, the boys become increasingly savage and violent, demonstrating the destructive ...
Lord of The Flies Essay Examples
The Symbolism of Piggy's Glasses. In William Golding's iconic novel, "Lord of the Flies" Piggy's glasses emerge as a powerful symbol that reflects the tension between civilization and savagery. This essay explores the symbolism behind Piggy's glasses, revealing their multifaceted meaning in the narrative and their role in highlighting the...
Essay Samples on Lord of The Flies
Loss Of Innocence Through The Lord Of The Flies Novel. 6. Fair Is Foul And Foul Is Fair In Macbeth And Lord Of The Flies. 7. The Elements Of Allegory In Lord Of The Flies. 8. Lord Of The Flies: The Imagery Used. 9. Spiritual Connections And Imagery In Lord Of The Flies. 10. Literary Analysis Of The Lord Of The Flies And The Veldt. 11.
Cruelty In Lord Of The Flies, By William Golding
The interest in wanting to know if we are genuinely good or evil can plague the mind to such an extent that the topic can transcend into the fictional world. As a result of this question, writers have produced media that hint at their beliefs of an answer, one being Lord of the Flies.

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Lord of the Flies

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Essay Samples on Lord of The Flies

"Lord of the Flies": Human Nature in William Golding's Novel

"Lord of the Flies" Book Review: the Dark Realities of Human Nature

Symbolism in "Lord of the Flies": The Power of Symbols in Literature

Loss Of Innocence Through The Lord Of The Flies Novel

Fair Is Foul And Foul Is Fair In Macbeth And Lord Of The Flies

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Lord Of The Flies: The Imagery Used

Spiritual Connections And Imagery In Lord Of The Flies

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Use Of Themes Of Savagery And Civilization To Portray Society Lord Of The Flies

The Battle Of Civilization And Savagery In Lord Of The Flies

Lord Of The Flies: Savagery Against Civilization

Lord Of The Flies By William Golding: Civilization Versus Savagery

Theme Of Individuality Loss In The Novel Lord Of The Flies And Movie Gattaca

Comparison of the Mastermind Manipulators Jack from William Golding’s Novel Lord of the Flies and Iago from William Shakespeare’s Play Othello

Using Fear to Control the Masses: Lord of the Flies and The Crucible

Sustaining Order and Democracy in Lord of the Flies and The Maze Runner

The Link Between Lord of the Flies and The Stanford Prison Experiment: How Power Turns People into Monsters

The Most Dangerous Game' and 'Lord of The Flies': Is Humankind Good or Evil?

Primary Elements of Civilisation in Lord of the Flies

Symbolism of the Abrahamic Religions in Lord of the Flies

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Archetypal Protagonists in William Golding's "Lord of the Flies"

Analytical Essay on Lord of the Flies