Golding's use of symbolism in 'Lord of the Flies'
I can explain the symbolism of the conch and Jack's face paint in the novel.
Golding's use of symbolism in 'Lord of the Flies'
I can explain the symbolism of the conch and Jack's face paint in the novel.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Arguably, the conch is a symbol of democracy and civilisation on the island.
- Jack despises the conch because it is representative of Ralph's leadership and because it is a threat to his campaign.
- The destruction of the conch arguably represents the downfall of civilisation and democracy and descent into savagery.
- Jack's painted face could mark the emergence of the real (savage) Jack, who has surrendered to his dark impulses.
- The boys are appalled by Jack’s mask because it makes him unrecognisable as human in both appearance and demeanour.
Keywords
Symbolism - the use of images, words or nouns to represent abstract ideas or qualities
Innate - used to describe a quality we are born with - something that is instinctive and natural
Bloodlust - an uncontrollable desire to hurt or kill others
Appalled - feeling horrified and disgusted
Common misconception
Students think that symbols in a text have to be physical objects that represent ideas.
Symbolism is the use of images, words or nouns to represent abstract ideas or qualities - symbols do not have to be physical objects that can be picked up and held.
To help you plan your year 9 english lesson on: Golding's use of symbolism in 'Lord of the Flies', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 english lesson on: Golding's use of symbolism in 'Lord of the Flies', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 english lessons from the 'Lord of the Flies' unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
A copy of the Faber & Faber 1997 edition of 'Lord of the Flies' is essential for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the use of images, words or nouns to represent abstract ideas
used to describe a quality we are born with
an uncontrollable desire to hurt or kill others
feeling horrified and disgusted