Lord of the Flies Lesson 7 and HOMEWORK 7

Aim: How do the fears of the littleuns lead to a power shift on the island?

CLASSWORK
READ this summary of chapter 5 (we will read this as a group)

Ralph calls the assembly and reminds everyone of their agreement to maintain fresh water supplies, observe sanitation measures, build shelters, and keep the signal fire going. He then addresses the growing fear that he knows is beginning to overwhelm many of the boys by opening up the floor for discussion. Meanwhile, darkness is falling.

Jack takes the conch to point out that if a beast were on the island, he would have seen it during his hunting trips. Piggy adds that the field of psychology can be used as a tool to explain logically the experience of fear, thereby invalidating it. When a littlun comes forward to describe a large creature he saw in the jungle the night before, Simon reveals that it was only he, going to his special place. Percival suggests that a beast could arise from the sea, then falls asleep on the platform from the effort of his revelation.

Simon attempts to explain that the boys themselves, or something inherent in human nature, could be the beast they fear. His unsuccessful explanation leads to talk of ghosts, so Ralph holds a vote to see who fears ghosts. This vote sparks an outburst from the rational Piggy with a corresponding reaction from Jack. Now in open mutiny, Jack aggressively disputes Ralph's authority and leads the boys onto the beach in a sort of tribal dance. Remaining on the platform, Piggy and Simon urge Ralph to summon everyone back to the platform but he resists, his confidence shaken. Suddenly, the three boys are startled by an unearthly wail as Percival wakes up to find himself alone in the dark.

THIS WILL BE COLLECTED (we will work on this as a group)

1- Simon and Piggy are the most logical and rational characters. How come the things
they said did not help the situation?
2- Which group on the island is the most influenced by fear of the beast? Which group doesn’t believe in the beast?
3- How are Simon and Piggy unlike all the other boys on the island?
4- Why would the young boys find it believable that a beast could rise from the sea?
5- After the mutiny, why would Ralph be afraid to blow the conch?
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HOMEWORK #LF7 (DUE FRIDAY)

READ chapter 5

On the handout, underline every line where they argue about the conch, who gets to speak, or shout down or insult another character.

In a essay of at least a full page, explain why Jack finally revolted against Ralph, who was left with Ralph at the end of the chapter, and why the whole situation was escalated by the littleuns.