1. Lord of the Flies
by William Golding

2. Background
The story takes place during WWII, probably on an island somewhere in the Atlantic.
Several boys between the ages of 6 and 12 have been evacuated from their war-torn boarding school.

3. Chapter 1: The Sound of the Shell
Name & describe the first two characters we meet. How are their attitudes about the island different?
Why does Ralph’s talk of rescue sound naïve or innocent?
What seems to be the importance of the conch shell?
Who is Merridew and what is our first impression of him?

4. Chapter 1: The Sound of the Shell
How can we see that Jack is used to leading?
Who is elected leader?
Although Piggy seemed to be the smartest and Jack is an obvious leader, why is Ralph elected chief?
How is the division of labor arranged?

5. Chapter 1: The Sound of the Shell
In what ways did Ralph disappoint Piggy?
What is the first act of willful destruction? What is the boys’ reaction?
What takes place when Jack, Ralph, and Simon find a piglet caught among the creepers?
At this point, what is the relationship b/w Jack & Ralph?

6. Chapter 2: Fire on the Mountain
What function has the clearing by the lagoon, described as a platform, seem to have assumed?
How does the conch become the visible symbol of authority?
What are Jack’s feelings about rules?
What does the frightened boy tell the group, and how does it affect them?

7. Chapter 2: Fire on the Mountain
Who accepted the responsibility for tending the fire?
What does Piggy reluctantly contribute to the fire?
What changes had to be made as a result of the fire?

8. Chapter 2: Fire on the Mountain
What further characteristics of Piggy are revealed in this chapter?
On what ominous note does this chapter end?

9. Chapter 3: Huts on the Beach
How successful is Jack in the second hunt?
Why is Ralph getting frustrated?
Who is the only one who helps Ralph build the huts?
When Jack is hunting or talking about hunting, what kind of look does he have? What does this seem to signify?

10. Chapter 3: Huts on the Beach
What conflict arises between Jack and Ralph?
Why is Ralph so concerned about the “littluns”?
What is revealed about Simon in this chapter?
What literary term is used in this quotation: “They walked along, two continents of experience and feeling…”?

11. Chapter 4: Painted Faces & Long Hair
Describe the activities of the “littluns.”
Why do Roger and Maurice knock over the sand castles of the “littluns”?
What literary terms are used in the following quotation: “The sun gazed down like an angry eye”? (58)

12. Chapter 4: Painted Faces & Long Hair
What is revealed about Roger by his actions in this chapter?
Why does he stop short of actually hitting Henry?
What comment is made about civilization?
How is the comment foreshadowing?

13. Chapter 4: Painted Faces & Long Hair
How do the hunters prepare for another hunt?
How does the mask free Jack?
Describe the hunters’ return.
How do the hunters react to Ralph’s angry tirade?

14. Chapter 4: Painted Faces & Long Hair
What incident creates yet another barrier between Jack and Ralph?
What two worlds does the narrator say that Jack and Ralph depict?
Describe the confrontation between Jack and Piggy.

15. Chapter 5: Beast from Water

16. Chapter 5: Beast from Water

17. Chapter 5: Beast from Water

18. Chapter 5: Beast from Water

19. Chapter 6: Beast from Air

20. Chapter 6: Beast from Air