to intentionally not include somebody in a social group or activity

dealing with things in a sensible and realistic way

using language to express the opposite of what is expected, for humour

able to be hurt physically or emotionally

The dehumanisation and death of Piggy in Golding's 'Lord of the Flies'

English

In 'Lord of the Flies', students explore central questions about what gives us authority within society and whether power inevitably corrupts those who hold it. In 'Animal Farm: The Pigs and Power', students also explore the corrupting influence of power and question whether those who hold power are bound to abuse it. 

In 'A Monster Within', students look at villains in gothic fiction and, through their study of context, explore whether they are in fact made monstrous due to social fears and prejudices. In 'Lord of the Flies', students explore the powerful influence of social hierarchy and, using very different context, unpick what Golding's central message about human civilization might be. 

In this unit, pupils read and explore 'The Lord of the Flies' by considering Golding's message about human nature. They first read the novel, before analysing the characters Ralph, Simon, Jack and Piggy. They then look at setting and symbolism before planning and writing an essay on human nature.

'Lord of the Flies'

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of distress or humiliation e.g. bullying.

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Who is the first character to exclude Piggy in 'Lord of the Flies'?

What characteristics make Piggy different from the other boys in 'Lord of the Flies'?

Choose one word to complete the following sentence: Throughout 'Lord of the Flies', Piggy is {{}} by the other boys. 

to deal with things in a sensible and realistic way

to use language to express the opposite of what is expected, for humour

to intentionally not include someone in a social group or activity

What might Piggy represent in 'Lord of the Flies'?

Piggy behaves like an animal throughout the text.

he is arguably one of the most human characters, so Golding is using irony.

it reflects the idea that he is treated like an animal throughout the text.

it reflects the savagery of the people around him.

it represents the physical vulnerabilities he has e.g. asthma and poor sight.

Golding may have chosen the name Piggy for his character in 'Lord of the Flies' because ...

a name that the character was called in school.

The name 'Piggy' in 'Lord of the Flies' is ...

What condition does Piggy have in 'Lord of the Flies'?

that they abandoned him when he was a baby

What do we learn about Piggy's parents in Chapter 1 of 'Lord of the Flies'?

What is Piggy's main priority on the island in 'Lord of the Flies'?

he is mistaken for a pig and beaten to death by Roger

he is murdered by Roger during a dispute with Jack

How does Piggy die in 'Lord of the Flies'?

able to be physically or emotionally hurt

Piggy is a very vulnerable character in 'Lord of the Flies'. What might the word 'vulnerable' mean?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of serious crime

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Adult supervision required

Introduction

What will you need for this lesson?

Are you ready to learn?

Equipment

Content guidance

Supervision

Worksheet