Considering the presentation of Ralph in Golding's 'Lord of the Flies'
I can explain how Ralph changes throughout the novel and what he represents.
Considering the presentation of Ralph in Golding's 'Lord of the Flies'
I can explain how Ralph changes throughout the novel and what he represents.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- As elected leader, Ralph represents an early desire for law, order and civility.
- Golding uses colour symbolism to characterise Ralph as possessing the qualities of an effective and charismatic leader.
- Ralph's participation in the murder of Simon illustrates human beings' capacity for savagery and brutality.
- Ralph's naivety fades away as he begins to recognise the savagery that exists in supposedly-civilised people.
- Ralph's faith in democracy is arguably his greatest strength and his greatest weakness.
Common misconception
Students have a tendency to view Ralph as a morally-virtuous character who does no wrong.
Ralph does behave immorally and wickedly in the text - he is mean to Piggy about his asthma and he participates in the murder of Simon. What separates Ralph from the others is the remorse he shows for his actions and how he learns from them.
Keywords
Protagonist - the main character in a text
Charismatic - charming and compelling
Naïve - showing a lack of effective judgement, often based on a lack of experience or optimism
Heinous - extremely wicked and cruel
Democracy - a system of government whereby leaders are voted in by election
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 serious crime
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
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).
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