‘Lord of the Flies’ by William Golding: Chapter 5 Lesson Objectives: to make comparisons between chapters to analyse language and consider its effects

Symbolic events in Chapter 4 What is the symbolic significance of these events? What are they suggesting to the reader? How are characters going to change? Write a paragraph about each event and explain what they signify for the future on the island. Jack is proud that he killed a pig and is excited by the amount of blood there was Ralph is bitter and angry that they missed a chance of being rescued. Piggy’s glasses are broken by Jack hitting him.

Chapter 5: Beast from Water Ralph remembers a more innocent time on the island, when they went exploring. He realises it is time to be serious and realistic – he cannot play at being a grown-up any more. He reflects how his tattered uniform and long hair show how far ‘standards’ have slipped on the island. He begins to appreciate Piggy and his logical way of thinking. At a meeting, he gets angry and takes control, the other boys are surprised by the change in him. Ralph reminds the boys of the need to be organised and how important the fire, water and shelters are to their survival. He acknowledges that some of the boys are frightened and says that they must talk about it if they are to deal with it.

The opening of chapter 5 The tide was coming in and there was only a narrow strip of firm beach between the water and the white, stumbling stuff near the palm trees. Ralph chose the firm strip as a path because he needed to think; and only here could he allow his feet to move without having to watch them. Suddenly, pacing by the water, he was overcome with astonishment. He found himself understanding the wearisomeness of his life, where every path was an improvisation and a considerable part of one’s waking life was spent watching one’s feet. He stopped, facing the strip; and remembering that first enthusiastic exploration as though it were part of a brighter childhood, he smiled jeeringly. He turned and then walked back towards the platform with the sun in his face. The time had come for the assembly and as he walked into the concealing splendours of the sunlight he went carefully over the points of his speech. There must be no mistake about this assembly, no chasing the imaginary . . . . He lost himself in a maze of thoughts that were rendered vague by his lack of words to express them. Frowning, he tried again. This meeting must not be fun, but business.

What does this reveal about Ralph’s character? This chapter represents an important turning point in Ralph’s character. If you got a question about Ralph’s character in the novel, you would be expected to comment on the changes in him and what triggered those changes. In order to succeed at this type of question, you must … Show understanding of what he was like at the beginning What caused him to change What he was like at the end For the purposes of today's lesson, we will focus on what he was like at the beginning and what causes him to change

The change in Ralph’s character Ralph in Chapter 1 Childish – he runs around like a fighter jet “fair hair” “bright excited eyes” Reluctant to be leader – but the boys listen to him Rude to Piggy Ralph in Chapter 5 “You voted me for chief. Now you do what I say.”

Treatment of the Littluns Ralph tries to rationalise what the Littluns are scared of and how they can deal with it … Jack has a different view … “We’ve got to talk about this fear and decide there’s nothing in it. I’m frightened myself, sometimes; only that’s nonsense! Like bogies. Then, when we’ve decided, we can start again and be careful about things like the fire … and be happy.” “You littluns started all this with the fear talk. Beasts! Where from? Of course we’re frightened sometimes but we put up with being frightened. Only Ralph says you scream in the night. What does that mean but nightmares? Anyway, you don’t hunt or build or help – you’re a lot of cry-babies and sissies. That’s what. And as for the fear – you’ll have to put up with that like the rest of us… The thing is – fear can't hurt you any more than a dream. There aren’t any beasts to be afraid of on this island … Serve you right if something did get you, you useless lot of cry-babies! But there is no animal –”

What can you say about this speech? “We’ve got to talk about this fear and decide there’s nothing in it. I’m frightened myself, sometimes; only that’s nonsense! Like bogies. Then, when we’ve decided, we can start again and be careful about things like the fire … and be happy.” What can you say about this speech? Do you think it will work on the Littluns?

How does Jack’s speech differ from Ralph’s? “You littluns started all this with the fear talk. Beasts! Where from? Of course we’re frightened sometimes but we put up with being frightened. Only Ralph says you scream in the night. What does that mean but nightmares? Anyway, you don’t hunt or build or help – you’re a lot of cry-babies and sissies. That’s what. And as for the fear – you’ll have to put up with that like the rest of us… The thing is – fear can't hurt you any more than a dream. There aren’t any beasts to be afraid of on this island … Serve you right if something did get you, you useless lot of cry-babies! But there is no animal –” How does Jack’s speech differ from Ralph’s? Do you think his speech will have more or less impact on the Littluns? Which speech do you think is most powerful? Why?

Reading and Study Guide Activities Use a dictionary to help you complete the first set of activities. Complete the other activities in as much detail as possible.