Lord of the Flies Study Questions

In order to study for the exam, read through all of your notes and related writing assignments. Next, answer at least 15 of the study questions below. You may choose the 15, but it is in your best interest to answer the 15 that are most difficult for you. Study questions are due before the exam on ______.

1. What significant historical event takes place at the same time as the novel takes place? How is that event connected to the meaning of the novel? (i.e. What are the connections between the actual event and the boys on the island?)

2. What do the following objects symbolize? Conch, Specs, mask, fire, the lord of the flies, the stick sharpened at both ends

3. What is Ralph and Jack's relationship like at the beginning of the novel? Be specific.

4. How does Ralph and Jack's relationship change throughout the novel?

5. Analyze how Jack and Ralph rule differently.

6. What happens to Jack when he paints his face?

7. What was the beast and why did it have such a strong effect on the boys?

8. What did Simon mean when he said that the beast was in themselves?

9. Describe and analyze the scene between Simon and the Lord of the Flies.

10. Why is the book entitled, "The Lord of the Flies?"

11. How does Simon die? What important news is lost when he dies? What is the function of his character in the novel?

12. Why do Samneric join Jack's tribe?

13. Why did Ralph cry at the end of the novel? What did he cry about?

14. How does Ralph treat Piggy at the beginning of the novel? How does that change?

15. Reflect on the sow killing and gift giving scene.

16. Would the book have been totally different if it had been a group of girls stranded on an island? Explain.

17. List three examples of foreshadowing events to the ending conflict between Jack and Ralph.

18. List several foils from the novel and then choose one foil and analyze it.

19. What is ironic about the final scene of the novel? What is the symbolism behind this scene?

20. What is Golding trying to say about human nature by writing this book? What do you think Golding thinks of war, violence, government, and morality.

21. List and briefly explain several themes of the novel.

22. What does Golding mean when he explains that the theme of Lord of the Flies “is an attempt to trace the defects of society back to the defects of human nature.”