Lord of the Flies Conflict?

Man vs. Himself How is the novel, to date, representative of the conflict man vs. himself?

Man vs. Man? Could it also be considered man vs. man?

What are some other conflicts that arise in works of literature?

Chapter 2 Lord of the Flies Explorers return- meeting and the conch shell Sign of civilization Birthmark boy – beastie? Monster Fire on the mountain Piggy’s glasses are used to ignite it? Significance of the glasses here?

In chapter 1 the boys were eager to set up a civilized society but as early as chapter 2 their instinctive drive to play and gratify immediate desires undermines their ability to act collectively. (Individualism vs. Collectivism) Death of the young boy with the birthmark. Boys are ashamed-> morality still guides their behaviour at this point.

Ralph Protagonist Civilization, morality and leadership Piggy’s pleas fall on deaf ears. It is only when Ralph brings up the point that the boys listen. Charismatic -> natural speaker

Jack Antagonist Desire for power Selfishness Amorality

Piggy Scientific and intellectual aspects of civilization Still holds on to civilization even when others have succumbed to savagery Glasses are a symbol of rationality and intellect

Important symbols Signal Fire Barometer for the boys interest in civilization or maintaining ties to it at the very least. As long as it burns they retain hope of being found Beastie At this point it is merely an idea and a frightening one. As the novel progresses the beastie represents the instincts of power, violence and savagery that lurk within each human being.

Chapter 3 Huts on the Beach – civilization “People don’t help much” – people aren’t always who you want them to be. The hunt with Jack The huts with Simon Confrontation between Ralph and Jack Continues into the lagoon and mutual dislike festers and remains. Simon wandering into the jungle alone. Another side of the conflict

Jack and Ralph’s conflict Mirrors the overall theme of the novel. Ralph-> building huts – collective thought – the overall well-being of the group – thinks hunting is frivolous Jack-> hunting – drawn to the exhilaration of the hunt by his bloodlust and desire for power

Civilization vs. Savagery Although at this point in the novel the boys favour civilization over savagery, the stage is set for the switch. Jack, who is only seeking to fulfill his individual desires, by hunting and not thinking of the overall welfare of the group.

Simon Exists outside the conflict Helps with the huts – is kind and generous – helps the littluns gather fruit. Is connected to the natural world - bower Basic goodness and kindness – natural or innate goodness not taught by human society. Complicates the symbolic structure of Lord of the Flies

Chapter 4: Painted Faces and Long Hair Focus is on the Littlums – explains their vulnerability and in turn the vulnerability of the boys on the island all together. Bullying – Henry, Percival and Johnny were playing in the sand when Maurice and Roger came by and stomped through their sand castles. Maurice felt guilty and the societal pressures he would have received chastisement from a parent or a teacher. Natural instincts of human beings? Do unto others as you would have them do unto you? or Survival of the fittest & I’m bigger than you!

Quiz on Monday Need to Study : The Pose St. George Unknown Citizen Lord of the Flies Chapters 1 – 9 Vocabulary: Symbolism Rising Action Irony Climax Metaphor Falling Action Simile Denouement Personification Antecedent Action Onomatopoeia Tone Theme Symbol Motif Irony Foreshadow Exposition Initial Incident Quiz on Monday