Considering ideas of rules and human nature in relation to 'Lord of the Flies'
I can use context to make predictions about the text's themes and purpose.
Considering ideas of rules and human nature in relation to 'Lord of the Flies'
I can use context to make predictions about the text's themes and purpose.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Rules and laws are put in place to try and ensure that society remains civilised and peaceful.
- 'Lord of the Flies' was written and published shortly after WWII.
- The novel is set against the backdrop of WWII.
- The novel explores human beings' capacity for persecution and brutality.
- Golding himself experienced the brutality and savagery of humans, whilst at war.
Keywords
Civilised - an advanced state of social existence in which people are polite and well-mannered in their interactions with one another
Brutality - immense cruelty and savagery
To persecute - to subject someone to cruelty and unkindness
Savage - cruel, violent and out of control
Common misconception
When pupils think about the role of rules in society, they tend to focus on the role of more punitive rules and argue that rules are restrictive.
Try to get pupils to understand the necessity for rules and laws - particularly those that ban harming others. Get students to imagine what life would be like if harming others was not prohibited.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies'.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
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).
Lesson video
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