‘Lord of the Flies’ by William Golding: Chapter 2 Lesson Objectives: to explore symbolism and consider its effect on the reader

“By the time Ralph finished blowing the conch the platform was crowded” page 42 This is the first sentence of the chapter. What does this quote tell us about … Ralph? The conch? How does it make the reader feel?

Chapter 2: Fire on the Mountain What are fires used for? What difficulties might the boys face in starting a fire? How could they overcome them?

What are fires used for? light security cooking comfort warmth

Chapter 2: Fire on the Mountain In this chapter … Jack calls a meeting and reports what he Ralph and Simon have discovered about the island One of the “littluns” (one with a birthmark) talks about a ‘beast’ he saw in the night They agree to start a fire to attract attention The fire starts to burn out of control The “llittlun” with the birthmark disappears

The “snake-thing” Look at the description Piggy relays to the group about the “beastie” the Littlun with the birthmark speaks about (page 32-35 in this edition ). What other stories can you think of that feature a snake? What do snakes symbolise?

The descriptions of the fire Note down words and phrases which describe the growing power and destructiveness of the fire (pages 40-44 in this edition )

Negative imagery List all of the words and phrases used in this chapter to create a negative impression of the island What effect do you think this has on the reader?

Chapter 2: key question Is the island still a utopia? What has happened in this chapter to change your view?