Activity #1
Character Map
Character #1: Ralph
- Character Trait Description: Ralph is charismatic, natural-born leader, and focused on civilization but struggles with the moral and social chaos that develops on the island.
Character #2: Jack
- Character Trait Description: Jack is aggressive, authoritarian, and power-hungry, representing the primal instincts of humanity and the desire for dominance and control.
Short Paragraph
The main character Ralph from the novel, Lord of the Flies, interacts with Jack throughout the novel.
In one instance, their conflict escalates when Ralph insists on maintaining a signal fire for rescue, while Jack prioritizes hunting and indulging in savagery. This clash of philosophies leads to a split among the boys, further deepening the division within the group.
This occurrence really drives the plot forward in the novel by contributing to the rising action. As Ralph and Jack's rivalry intensifies, it highlights the struggle between civilization and savagery, ultimately leading to chaos and disaster on the island.
Activity #2
400-Word Essay
Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, uniquely presents the plot structure, theme, and setting in a way that captivates the reader.
The setting is described in the exposition of Lord of the Flies as being “a tropical island with beaches, forests, and mountains.” This idyllic appearance initially suggests a paradise; however, the exposition goes on to relate how the boys quickly abandon the hope of rescue and descent into chaos characterizes their stay on the island.
The rising action is marked by the increasing tension between Ralph's desire for order and Jack's embrace of savagery. As the boys' priorities shift from rescue to hunting, Ralph's attempts to uphold societal norms become fraught with challenges, highlighting the battle between civilization's influence and humanity's primal instincts.
The climax occurs when Ralph and Piggy confront Jack and his tribe at Castle Rock. The feelings of the characters are described when the narrator states, “There was a silence, and in the silence a sound of a conch being smashed.” These words demonstrate the ultimate rejection of order and the complete embrace of chaos among the boys, symbolizing the breakdown of their societal structure.
The falling action follows the chaos as Ralph is hunted by Jack's tribe, culminating in the tragic death of Piggy, further emphasizing the consequences of their descent into savagery.
The resolution of the novel reveals the boys' rescue by a naval officer, who is shocked by their transformation. This encounter serves as a stark contrast to their initial innocence and underscores the darkness within human nature.
The primary theme of Lord of the Flies is the inherent evil within humanity and the fragility of civilization. An example, in the climax, as to when Golding clearly demonstrates this theme is when Jack proclaims, “We’re not savages. We’re English!” The reader can discern that despite their civilized backgrounds, the boys succumb to their primal instincts when placed in an isolated environment.
In conclusion, Lord of the Flies is a profound commentary on the human condition. The setting and plot of the novel demonstrate the theme and show the reader that civilization is a fragile construct that can easily disintegrate in the absence of societal norms.