New
New
Year 9

An exploration of Chapter 3 of 'Lord of the Flies'

I can explain and explore the key events in Chapter 3 of 'Lord of the Flies'.

New
New
Year 9

An exploration of Chapter 3 of 'Lord of the Flies'

I can explain and explore the key events in Chapter 3 of 'Lord of the Flies'.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Ralph and Simon are the only boys interested in trying to build shelters for warmth and safety.
  2. Instead, the other boys' instincts is to play in the sea, free from the law and order of adults.
  3. A rift forms as Ralph criticises Jack's lack of support in hut-building and failures with hunting.
  4. Simon is presented as being helpful and seems at home in the beauty of nature.
  5. Jack, on the other hand, wants to dominate nature by killing pigs.

Keywords

  • Dialogue - conversation that is written for a book, play or film

  • Cross purposes - not understanding each other because of different intentions

  • Resentment - a feeling of anger because you have been forced to accept something that you do not like

  • Rift - something that divides partners or friends

  • To immerse - to become completely involved in something

Common misconception

Pupils may think that the rift in the novel is only between Ralph and Jack.

Draw attention to how the boys are increasingly living separately: Piggy is on his own, the "littluns" are a group by themselves and Simon sneaks away to be alone.

Try to get students to imagine the physical challenges of living on the island. Think about camping or bushcraft workshops. How would they go about making shelter?
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need access to a copy of William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies'.

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
  • Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
In 'Lord of the Flies', the choir is under the control of which of the boys?
Ralph
Correct answer: Jack
Piggy
Simon
Q2.
In 'Lord of the Flies', on the island the choir become the ...
Correct Answer: hunters, hunting group
Q3.
What does it mean to say that there are divisions between people?
that they look different to each other
that they are connected by shared goals and ambitions
Correct answer: that they are separated by different beliefs, opinions or social status
that they are connected by the fact of having similar life experiences
Q4.
Which of the following is frightening the "littluns" in 'Lord of the Flies'?
Correct answer: a beast
the dark
the cold
the sea
the beach
Q5.
In 'Lord of the Flies', in order to be rescued, what is the one thing they must do?
build strong huts so people can see where they live
Correct answer: keep a fire burning to send out smoke signals
hut down pigs so that they survive
remember to use the conch to manage debate
Q6.
In 'Lord of the Flies', how do the boys start fires on the island?
they use matches
they rub sticks of wood together
they use fire lighters
Correct answer: they use Piggy's spectacles

6 Questions

Q1.
If two people are talking at cross purposes, what are they doing?
they are having a friendly conversation
they are arguing about important matters
they are disagreeing over minor matters
Correct answer: they don't realise they are talking about different subjects
Q2.
Which of the following is the best synonym for "rift"?
agreement
connection
Correct answer: break
togetherness
Q3.
Resentment describes a feeling of ...
annoyance and irritation.
indifference and boredom.
Correct answer: bitterness and anger.
fear and anxiety.
Q4.
Starting with the first, put the following events of Chapter 3 of 'Lord of the Flies' in chronological order.
1 - Jack is in the forest, trying to hunt pigs but they escape him.
2 - Ralph and Simon are struggling to build shelters by themselves.
3 - Ralph and Jack argue about the importance of shelters versus hunting.
4 - Simon picks fruit for the "littleuns".
5 - Simon goes into the forest to be by himself.
Q5.
In 'Lord of the Flies', which of the boys is described as "dog-like"?
Correct answer: Jack
Ralph
Simon
Piggy
the "littleuns"
Q6.
In 'Lord of the Flies', which character seems "accustomed" to the forest?
The "littluns"
Jack
Correct answer: Simon
Ralph
Piggy