to control or influence someone so that you gain an advantage, often in a dishonest or immoral way

someone who considers themselves to be very important and able to do anything that they want

the absence of civilisation/ the presence of considerably cruelty and brutality

Considering Jack's dictatorial leadership and antagonism in 'Lord of the Flies'

English

In 'Lord of the Flies', students explore central questions about what gives us authority within society and whether power inevitably corrupts those who hold it. In 'Animal Farm: The Pigs and Power', students also explore the corrupting influence of power and question whether those who hold power are bound to abuse it. 

In 'A Monster Within', students look at villains in gothic fiction and, through their study of context, explore whether they are in fact made monstrous due to social fears and prejudices. In 'Lord of the Flies', students explore the powerful influence of social hierarchy and, using very different context, unpick what Golding's central message about human civilization might be. 

In this unit, pupils read and explore 'The Lord of the Flies' by considering Golding's message about human nature. They first read the novel, before analysing the characters Ralph, Simon, Jack and Piggy. They then look at setting and symbolism before planning and writing an essay on human nature.

'Lord of the Flies'

Depiction or discussion of distress or humiliation e.g. bullying.

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

the character who opposes the main character in a text

Which of the following is the correct definition for the term 'antagonist'?

Which of the following leadership qualities does Jack possess in 'Lord of the Flies'?

A {{ }} is a ruler with total power over a country, typically one who has obtained control by force.

Which of the following words means 'the absence of civilisation' or 'the presence of considerably cruelty and brutality'?

He creates a "beast" and hangs it in the trees.

He bullies Piggy to show what happens if the boys disagree with him. 

He paints his face to frighthe boys into submission.

How does Jack create a culture of fear on the island in 'Lord of the Flies'?

Dictatorial leadership is the most successful style of leadership.

Dictators like Jack pose a threat to people's autonomy and freedom.

Democracy poses a distinct threat to civilisation and morality.

Dictatorial leadership poses a distinct threat to democracy.

What do we learn from the character of Jack in 'Lord of the Flies'?

What colour hair does Jack have in 'Lord of the Flies'?

What colour is Jack's robe in the beginning of 'Lord of the Flies'?

{{ }} is when the writer subtly hints at events that are yet to come in the text.

using an object to represent an idea or concept

using a colour to represent an idea or concept

combining colours together to create descriptions

using objects and colours together to represent the novel's central themes

Which of the following words might mean 'someone who considers themselves to be very important and able to do anything that they want'?

Jack is leader of the choirboys in 'Lord of the Flies'.

Jack was a savage hunter from the beginning of the novel.

Thinking about 'Lord of the Flies', which of the following statements about Jack are true?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of serious crime

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Considering Jack's dictatorial leadership and antagonism in 'Lord of the Flies'

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.