Golding's use of symbolism in 'Lord of the Flies'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the symbolism of the conch and Jack's face paint in the novel.
Key learning points
- Arguably, the conch is a symbol of democracy and civilisation on the island.
- Jack despises the conch because it is representative of Ralph's leadership and because it is a threat to his campaign.
- The destruction of the conch arguably represents the downfall of civilisation and democracy and descent into savagery.
- Jack's painted face could mark the emergence of the real (savage) Jack, who has surrendered to his dark impulses.
- The boys are appalled by Jack’s mask because it makes him unrecognisable as human in both appearance and demeanour.
Keywords
Symbolism - the use of images, words or nouns to represent abstract ideas or qualities
Innate - used to describe a quality we are born with - something that is instinctive and natural
Bloodlust - an uncontrollable desire to hurt or kill others
Appalled - feeling horrified and disgusted
Common misconception
Students think that symbols in a text have to be physical objects that represent ideas.
Symbolism is the use of images, words or nouns to represent abstract ideas or qualities - symbols do not have to be physical objects that can be picked up and held.
Teacher tip
You could get students to create their own visual representations of the symbols in the novel to dual code them.
Equipment
A copy of the Faber & Faber 1997 edition of 'Lord of the Flies' is essential for this lesson.
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.What is symbolism?
Q2.Which of the following symbols represents rationality and logic in 'Lord of the Flies'?
Q3.What is the conch used for in 'Lord of the Flies'?
Q4. is a form of government in which people choose leaders by voting.
Q5.What colours does Jack paint his face with in Chapter 4 of 'Lord of the Flies'?
Q6.Why was William Golding so interested in man's innate savagery?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which character in 'Lord of the Flies' does not respect the conch?
Q2.What might the conch represent in 'Lord of the Flies'?
Q3.How does Jack undermine the rules of the conch in 'Lord of the Flies'?
Q4.What might the black charcoal in Jack's face paint in 'Lord of the Flies' represent?
Q5.Which of the following words is used to describe Jack with the face paint on in 'Lord of the Flies'?
Q6.Match the key words up to their definitions.
the use of images, words or nouns to represent abstract ideas
used to describe a quality we are born with
an uncontrollable desire to hurt or kill others
feeling horrified and disgusted
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Golding's use of symbolism in '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: Golding's use of symbolism 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.
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.