Considering Jack's dictatorial leadership and antagonism in 'Lord of the Flies'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe how Jack is presented as the antagonist in the novel.
Key learning points
- Jack is the novel's antagonist because he opposes Ralph both personally and politically.
- Jack arguably represents dictatorial leadership and savagery.
- Jack creates and maintains a culture of fear and intimidation, which gives him power and authority.
- Jack repeatedly undermines Ralph, Piggy and the rules of the conch, showing his lack of respect for democracy.
- Jack's devotion to barbarism and savagery illustrates the great cruelty and wickedness man is capable of.
Keywords
Antagonist - a character who opposes the protagonist
To manipulate - to control or influence someone so that you gain an advantage, often in a dishonest or immoral way
Egomaniac - someone who considers themselves to be very important and able to do anything that they want
Dictatorial - typical of a ruler with total power
Barbarism - the absence of civilisation/ the presence of considerably cruelty and brutality
Common misconception
Pupils often think that the island turned Jack into the cruel and bloodthirsty leader he is by the end of the novel.
From the very beginning, Jack was characterised as unpleasant and egomaniacal. He treats the choir terribly in the first chapter. Jack arguably always had the traits of a dictatorial leader. The island has exacerbated these traits, not created them.
Teacher tip
It might be interesting to ask pupils who they would have sided with out of Jack and Ralph. Try to play 'Devil's Advocate' to spark debate. Pupils tend to like to think they would side with Ralph and morality, but even Ralph himself is tempted to join Jack at one point.
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 serious crime
Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What colour hair does Jack have in 'Lord of the Flies'?
Q2.What colour is Jack's robe in the beginning of 'Lord of the Flies'?
Q3. is when the writer subtly hints at events that are yet to come in the text.
Q4.What is colour symbolism?
Q5.Which of the following words might mean 'someone who considers themselves to be very important and able to do anything that they want'?
Q6.Thinking about 'Lord of the Flies', which of the following statements about Jack are true?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is the correct definition for the term 'antagonist'?
Q2.Which of the following leadership qualities does Jack possess in 'Lord of the Flies'?
Q3.A is a ruler with total power over a country, typically one who has obtained control by force.
Q4.Which of the following words means 'the absence of civilisation' or 'the presence of considerably cruelty and brutality'?
Q5.How does Jack create a culture of fear on the island in 'Lord of the Flies'?
Q6.What do we learn from the character of Jack in 'Lord of the Flies'?
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Considering Jack's dictatorial leadership and antagonism 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: Considering Jack's dictatorial leadership and antagonism 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.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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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.