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Year 9

An exploration of Chapter 7 of 'Lord of the Flies'

I can explain and explore the key events of Chapter 7 in 'Lord of the Flies'.

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New
New
Year 9

An exploration of Chapter 7 of 'Lord of the Flies'

I can explain and explore the key events of Chapter 7 in 'Lord of the Flies'.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The boys stage a mock pig hunt using Robert as the pig; Robert is badly hurt.
  2. For the first time, Ralph joins in the violence and savagery.
  3. Ralph, Jack and Roger go to look for the beast.
  4. Golding uses the flashback of Ralph's memories to depict a happier time.
  5. The flashback also hints at the ever present existence of war.

Common misconception

Pupils may be puzzled by Ralph's seemingly sudden descent into the violence and savagery that seems to have captured the other boys.

Point out how Jack's more aggressive behaviour appeals to the boys.

Keywords

  • Savage - extremely violent, wild or frightening

  • Chatham - a town in Kent which is home to a naval dockyard

  • Devenport - a large naval base in Plymouth

  • Flashback - a memory, or a short part of a movie, story or play describing past events.

Encourage pupils to explain their reactions to the change in Ralph. How significant is this change in terms of the plot and what they predict might happen?
Teacher tip

Equipment

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

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

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).

Video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following statements best explains why Ralph is popular with most of the boys on the island in 'Lord of the Flies'?
He is the oldest boy and that gives him authority.
He is the best at hunting for meat.
Correct answer: He is focused on getting them rescued.
He takes Piggy's advice and Piggy is wise.
Q2.
What does Ralph's father do for a living in 'Lord of the Flies'?
He is a teacher in a school.
Correct answer: He is a commander in the Navy.
He is a pilot in the Air Force.
He is a parachutist.
Q3.
In 'Lord of the Flies', Jack is able to take some of Ralph's authority from him. Which two of the following reasons best explain why?
Jack is taller and that makes him seem more like a leader.
Correct answer: Jack's aggression makes the boys feel safe.
Correct answer: Jack learns how to hunt for meat.
Jack is kind to the younger boys.
Jack is able to scare the beast away.
Q4.
What is the correct term for a word that describes or modifies a noun?
Correct Answer: adjecive, an adjective
Q5.
Which war provides the context for the novel 'Lord of the Flies?'
World War I
Correct answer: World War II
Boer War
Crimean War
Q6.
How does the presence of war enter into the novel 'Lord of the Flies'?
The boys talk about war all the time.
There are soldiers on the island.
Correct answer: A parachutist is shot down by a military plane.
Most of the boys were members of military academies.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the significance of the reference to Chatham and Devenport in 'Lord of the Flies'?
It reminds the reader of Ralph's earlier experiences of leadership.
Correct answer: It reminds the reader of the presence of war.
It reminds the reader of the beauty of the countryside.
It reminds the reader of the boys' ongoing conflicts.
Q2.
Which word beginning with 's' would fill the gap in the following sentence: 'In 'Lord of the Flies' Ralph becomes for the first time in Chapter 7.'
Correct Answer: savage
Q3.
A is when a writer includes a detailed account of something that happened in the past.
Correct Answer: flashback, flash back
Q4.
What do we learn about Ralph's mother in Chapter 7 of 'Lord of the Flies'?
She has died.
She has left the family home
Correct answer: Ralph called her "Mummy".
She used to read books to Ralph.
Q5.
Select all the things that Ralph remembers in the flashback part of Chapter 7 of 'Lord of the Flies'.
Correct answer: snow
Correct answer: ponies
neighbours
Correct answer: books
grandparents
Q6.
Which of the following best explains Golding's use of a flashback in Chapter 7 of 'Lord of the Flies'?
Correct answer: It creates the opportunity to compare and contrast Ralph's former life.
It adds a different atmosphere to the novel which keeps things interesting.
It allows the reader to compare Ralph's former life with the other boys' lives.
It is an interesting structural technique for a writer to use.