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      An exploration of Chapter 3 of 'Lord of the Flies'

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain and explore the key events in Chapter 3 of 'Lord of the Flies'.

      Key learning points

      1. Ralph and Simon are the only boys interested in trying to build shelters for warmth and safety.
      2. Instead, the other boys' instincts is to play in the sea, free from the law and order of adults.
      3. A rift forms as Ralph criticises Jack's lack of support in hut-building and failures with hunting.
      4. Simon is presented as being helpful and seems at home in the beauty of nature.
      5. Jack, on the other hand, wants to dominate nature by killing pigs.

      Keywords

      • Dialogue - conversation that is written for a book, play or film

      • Cross purposes - not understanding each other because of different intentions

      • Resentment - a feeling of anger because you have been forced to accept something that you do not like

      • Rift - something that divides partners or friends

      • To immerse - to become completely involved in something

      Common misconception

      Pupils may think that the rift in the novel is only between Ralph and Jack.

      Draw attention to how the boys are increasingly living separately: Piggy is on his own, the "littluns" are a group by themselves and Simon sneaks away to be alone.

      Teacher tip

      Try to get students to imagine the physical challenges of living on the island. Think about camping or bushcraft workshops. How would they go about making shelter?

      Equipment

      You will need access to a copy of William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies'.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

      Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      In 'Lord of the Flies', the choir is under the control of which of the boys?

      Ralph
      Correct answer: Jack
      Piggy
      Simon

      Q2.
      In 'Lord of the Flies', on the island the choir become the ...

      Correct Answer: hunters, hunting group

      Q3.
      What does it mean to say that there are divisions between people?

      that they look different to each other
      that they are connected by shared goals and ambitions
      Correct answer: that they are separated by different beliefs, opinions or social status
      that they are connected by the fact of having similar life experiences

      Q4.
      Which of the following is frightening the "littluns" in 'Lord of the Flies'?

      Correct answer: a beast
      the dark
      the cold
      the sea
      the beach

      Q5.
      In 'Lord of the Flies', in order to be rescued, what is the one thing they must do?

      build strong huts so people can see where they live
      Correct answer: keep a fire burning to send out smoke signals
      hut down pigs so that they survive
      remember to use the conch to manage debate

      Q6.
      In 'Lord of the Flies', how do the boys start fires on the island?

      they use matches
      they rub sticks of wood together
      they use fire lighters
      Correct answer: they use Piggy's spectacles

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      If two people are talking at cross purposes, what are they doing?

      they are having a friendly conversation
      they are arguing about important matters
      they are disagreeing over minor matters
      Correct answer: they don't realise they are talking about different subjects

      Q2.
      Which of the following is the best synonym for "rift"?

      agreement
      connection
      Correct answer: break
      togetherness

      Q3.
      Resentment describes a feeling of ...

      annoyance and irritation.
      indifference and boredom.
      Correct answer: bitterness and anger.
      fear and anxiety.

      Q4.
      Starting with the first, put the following events of Chapter 3 of 'Lord of the Flies' in chronological order.

      1 - Jack is in the forest, trying to hunt pigs but they escape him.
      2 - Ralph and Simon are struggling to build shelters by themselves.
      3 - Ralph and Jack argue about the importance of shelters versus hunting.
      4 - Simon picks fruit for the "littleuns".
      5 - Simon goes into the forest to be by himself.

      Q5.
      In 'Lord of the Flies', which of the boys is described as "dog-like"?

      Correct answer: Jack
      Ralph
      Simon
      Piggy
      the "littleuns"

      Q6.
      In 'Lord of the Flies', which character seems "accustomed" to the forest?

      The "littluns"
      Jack
      Correct answer: Simon
      Ralph
      Piggy

      To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: An exploration of Chapter 3 of 'Lord of the Flies', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...