intelligent and perceptive - sees things differently from other people

two characters that are contrasted with one another to highlight specific traits and qualities

being in touch not only with oneself, but the world around one too, in a sensitive and intuitive way

suggestive of a grand and formal occasion

Exploring Simon's role as an outsider and as Jack's foil in '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'

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

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

the protagonist and the antagonist are also known as foil characters

two characters that are very similar, used to highlight specific qualities

characters that are interacting with one another at any given point

two characters that have opposite traits used to highlight specific qualities

We learn that Simon is a popular choir member.

We learn that Simon is Jack's second-in-command.

We learn that Simon is part of Jack's choir.

Which of the following statements are true about Simon in Chapter 1 of 'Lord of the Flies'?

He refuses to get involved with the politics of the group.

He is rude to the other boys, which isolates him from them.

He physically isolates himself from the group - he seeks comfort in nature.

Simon refuses to help with any of the group's chores, like making shelters.

In what way is Simon a self-imposed outsider in 'Lord of the Flies'?

Which of the following words are used to describe the ceremonious burial of Simon in 'Lord of the Flies'?

being in touch not only with oneself, but the world around one too

Match the vocabulary up to its definition.

to explore the idea of innate evil and the savagery we are all capable of

to remind us of the innate good that exists within humanity

to symbolise the death of innocence and purity on the island

to show us how to form a respectful relationship with the world around us

Why might Golding have created the character of Simon in 'Lord of the Flies'?

an aggressive, strong-willed member of the group

a quiet, introspective member of the group 

an intelligent and strategic voice of reason within the group

he drowns while trying to escape the island

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

Who is the only character to acknowledge how Simon really died in 'Lord of the Flies'?

that it is a figment of the boys' imagination

that the true beast is the evil inside mankind

What does Simon come to understand about the "beast" on the island in 'Lord of the Flies'?

the idea that a small number of men are born with evil in their hearts

the idea that every man has evil within their heart

the idea that men are not born evil, but made evil

the idea that men can never be truly evil 

Jack struggles to kill a pig, but vows to be ruthless next time.

A parachutist's dead body falls onto the island and hangs in a tree.

Jack and his hunters put a pig's head on a stick as a gift for the beast.

Simon discovers the truth about the beast, but is killed before he can reveal it

Piggy and Ralph go to Castle Rock to confront Jack about Piggy's stolen glasses.

Piggy is murdered by Roger. Jack orders the hunting and killing of Ralph.

Starting with the first, put the events of 'Lord of the Flies' in chronological order. 

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of serious crime

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz