Golding deliberately created a story featuring young, prepubescent boys. Do you think the story would have turned out differently if it were a group of young girls? What if it were grownups rather than children?
At the beginning of the story, Jack is unable to kill a pig because of “the enormity of the knife descending and cutting into living flesh; because of the unbearable blood.” As the story progresses, it becomes easier and easier for Jack to kill, as we see in chapter 8 with the violent killing of the sow. Part of his bravery comes from wearing the colored clay on his face, like a costume. Why does this mask make it easier for Jack and the boys to kill? In what way does anonymity (wearing a mask or costume) allow people to do things they would not otherwise do? Where have you seen this play out in real life or in history?
“Here, invisible yet strong, was the taboo of the old life. Round the squatting child was the protection of parents and school and policemen and the law. Roger’s arm was conditioned by a civilization that knew nothing of him and was in ruins,” (chapter 4, p. 61). In his allegory, Golding argues that society (the law, authority, etc.) is what keeps us from behaving badly. Is this true?
The novel Lord of the Flies is considered an allegory (a symbolic story with a deeper meaning), where the author’s central claim is that men are savage at heart, and it’s only society that keeps us from killing each other. What do you think of this claim? Are people basically evil?
This novel is considered an allegory (a symbolic story with a deeper meaning), where the author’s central claim is that men are savage at heart, and it’s only society that keeps us from killing each other. What do you think of this claim? Are people basically evil?
If you were stranded on an island with a group of people, what five rules would you want in place for everyone to follow? Explain why you chose these rules.
Do you think most people, if they were faced with the princess’s hard choice, would save their loved one or send him/her to his/her death? In other words, are people mainly motivated by their desires or by a concern for others?
Stories are particularly exciting, scary, or funny when something happens that you do not expect (this is called situational irony). Give the name of a story (book, movie, TV show, etc.) where the writer uses situational irony. Why do you think the writer decided to surprise you at that part of the story?
In his famous short story, Graham Greene argues that it is human nature to want to destroy things, and that “[d]estruction, after all, is a form of creation.” What does he mean by this? Is he right? Is tearing something down a way to make something new?
The story we will read in literature this week by Richard Connell is considered a classic adventure story. The protagonist is faced with a series of difficulties that challenge his/her abilities, and in the end he/she conquers those challenges and comes out on top. What other adventure stories have you read or seen? Why do you think they are so popular?
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Composition: 8th GradeGuidelinesThe whole purpose of this assignment - whether you're reacting to an idea, sharing your own story, or analyzing the reading - is to discuss the ultimate issues of life. With that in mind, make sure that you: Archives
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