Exploring Simon's role as an outsider and as Jack's foil in 'Lord of the Flies'
I can explain what Simon represents in 'Lord of the Flies'.
Exploring Simon's role as an outsider and as Jack's foil in 'Lord of the Flies'
I can explain what Simon represents in 'Lord of the Flies'.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Arguably, Simon is characterised as a self-imposed an outsider.
- Simon is thoughtful, insightful and spiritual, and has a deep appreciation and respect for all living things.
- Simon's ceremonious burial is arguably symbolic of his close relationship with nature.
- Simon is arguably used as a foil character to Jack - the two are opposites.
- Simon's character reminds us that there is innate good in mankind as well as evil - we don't have to choose savagery.
Keywords
Compassionate - kind and considerate of others
Insightful - intelligent and perceptive - sees things differently from other people
Foil characters - two characters that are contrasted with one another to highlight specific traits and qualities
Spirituality - being in touch not only with oneself, but the world around one too, in a sensitive and intuitive way
Ceremonious - suggestive of a grand and formal occasion
Common misconception
Pupils often overlook Simon's significance in this novel.
Simon is a very important character because he shows us that, in a world of evil, we can still act in a compassionate and civilised manner. Through Simon, Golding reminds us that our behaviour is a choice.
To help you plan your year 9 english lesson on: Exploring Simon's role as an outsider and as Jack's foil 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: Exploring Simon's role as an outsider and as Jack's foil 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
You need a copy of the 'Lord of the Flies', Faber & Faber; Main edition (3 Mar. 1997) for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
- Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
kind and considerate of others
intelligent and perceptive - sees things differently from other people
being in touch not only with oneself, but the world around one too
suggestive of a grand and formal occasion