Curriculum / ELA / 9th Grade / Unit 10: Lord of the Flies / Lesson 21
ELA
Unit 10
9th Grade
Lesson 21 of 26
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Explain the symbolism of the Lord of the Flies and the significance of Simon’s interaction with him.
Book: Lord of the Flies by William Golding pp. 132 – 144 — focus on 143-144 and the description of Beelzebub
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Tasks that represents the peak thinking of the lesson - mastery will indicate whether or not objective was achieved.
What, actually, is the “Lord of the Flies” that Simon talks with on p. 143 and 144?
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What does Beelzebub (the “Lord of the Flies”) represent in the novel?
Many critics consider this scene between Simon and the Lord of the Flies to be the most important scene in the novel. What is so important about this silly scene between a pigs’ head and a hallucinating boy? Show your understanding by supporting it with evidence from the text.
Questions about the text that will help guide the students understanding
“Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? And if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” (Matthew 12:25-28)
Suggestions for teachers to help them teach this lesson
Consider using the passage Matthew 4:1-11 from the Bible (New International Version) about the temptation of Jesus by the devil in the wilderness and draw parallels between this story and Simon's experience.
Next
Explain the ways in which Simon can be understood to be the “Christ” figure in the novel.
Explain how Golding’s experiences impacted his writing.
Formulate a position on some of the central thematic questions posed by the novel.
Evaluate Golding’s opinion of humanity.
Describe the power-dynamic between Ralph and Piggy by closely analyzing the author’s diction and descriptions.
Analyze word choice and characterization to draw conclusions about characters (Ralph, Piggy, Jack Merridew, the choir), evaluate the dynamics between them and make predictions about what the characters represent.
Summarize non-fiction and make connections between the non-fiction article and the novel.
Identify evidence of theme, power dynamics, symbols, conflict, etc.
Closely read a portion of the text in order to analyze the author’s word choice.
Analyze how the author uses and develops symbols to convey important ideas.
Read the article independently, drawing connections between the article and the novel.
Consider how Golding is developing the major themes of the novel, and to compare that with how the author of the article develops the same theme.
Track major symbols/characters and explain how their development reveals theme.
Trace the escalating conflict between Jack and Ralph.
Explain Simon’s symbolic significance on pages 55 and 57.
Analyze specific lines of text and use them to draw conclusions about the theme of order and chaos.
Explain how Golding develops the theme of chaos vs. order in pages 64-75.
Identify the most important lines in this section of text and explain what makes the line significant.
Explain Freud’s theory of mind and define the three parts of the subconscious brain. Students will also be able to evaluate the major characters of the novel based on Freud’s archetypes.
Analyze the symbol of the Beast and explain the role it plays in the novel.
Describe the growing conflict between Ralph and Jack.
Explain how Ralph’s internal conflict is developing.
Draw parallels between the biblical story of “The Fall of Man” and the boys’ experiences on the island.
Analyze the language Golding uses to describe the fight between the tribes of Ralph and Jack, making inferences about the author’s purpose.
Analyze Golding’s development of Piggy as a character and his significance in the novel.
Analyze specific excerpts of Chapter 12 and explain how they help to develop Golding’s message and themes.
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