An exploration of Chapter 4 of 'Lord of the Flies'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain and explore the key events in Chapter 4 of ‘Lord of the Flies’.
Key learning points
- In Chapter 4, the boys’ behaviour changes as they become less and less respectful of their old values.
- The island’s climate seems hostile towards them.
- A ship was seen on the horizon but the hunters/the choir have let the signal fire go out.
- Jack and his hunters kill a pig and the boys feast on the meat.
- Ralph is angry that they missed the opportunity of being rescued and says they need to have a meeting.
Keywords
Morality - relating to the standards, not laws, of good or bad behaviour, fairness, honesty
To undermine - to make someone less confident, less powerful, or less likely to succeed, often gradually
Sincere - not pretending or lying; honest
Accountable - responsible for what you do and able to give a satisfactory reason for it
To model - doing something in a way that can be used as an example
Common misconception
Students might think that Golding's reference to a world order in "ruins" refers to the damaged sandcastles and their ruined life on the island.
Remind students of Golding's wartime experiences and the events of WWII. Golding is referring to the world the boys left behind as well as the world on the island.
Teacher tip
You could encourage students to think about the significance of the colours used in Jack's mask: they are white, red and black.
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
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The island in 'Lord of the Flies' has what type of climate?
Q2.Which of these is the best synonym for the verb 'to adjust'?
Q3.Why have the boys decided that it is important that the fire is never allowed to go out in 'Lord of the Flies'?
Q4.In 'Lord of the Flies', Jack is obsessed with ...
Q5.In 'Lord of the Flies', the smaller children are frightened of what they call the ...
Q6.In 'Lord of the Flies', what is the conch used for?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Another word for 'sincere' is ...
Q2.'To make someone less confident, less powerful, or less likely to succeed, often gradually', is to them.
Q3.If you set someone a good example, you might be said to be __________ proper behaviour.
Q4.Why does Jack call the choir away from the signal fire in 'Lord of the Flies'?
Q5.How does Jack get ready for the hunt in Chapter 4 of 'Lord of the Flies'?
Q6.In Chapter 4 of 'Lord of the Flies', even Piggy and Ralph - who are angry about the fire - want to eat the meat that Jack is cooking. Why?
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: An exploration of Chapter 4 of 'Lord of the Flies', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: An exploration of Chapter 4 of '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.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
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.