Thursday, November 13, 2014

British Lit--Thursday, Nov 13

Objective: Analyze the intricacies of the novel--TEST REVIEW (test is next Wednesday)

Get in groups and thoroughly discuss the following things:

1. Answer the following questions from the end of the novel

Chapter 11
The boys discuss the option of “cleaning up” before they confront Jack and his gang.  Why? What does this signify?

“But they’ll be painted. You know how it is!” What is so frightening about the boys having painted faces? How have their actions in the book corresponded with the masks they wear? What does this show about humanity?

Why does Piggy cling to the conch—both literally and figuratively? When we better understand what the conch symbolizes, we’ll better understand the answer to this question.

There is a final power play right before Piggy dies—between Ralph and Jack. What does this signify?

What is significant about the conch breaking into a thousand pieces as Piggy is murdered?

Roger and Jack are both considered Savage and Evil, but what makes them different? Is one more vicious than the other?


Chapter 12
If it isn’t Bill, then who is it?  “This was a savage whose image refused to blend with that ancient picture of a boy in shorts and shirt” What or else could Bill be?


What is the indefinable connection that Ralph acknowledges exists between himself and Jack? page 184—think of what each boy represents. Why will Jack never leave him alone?


“He walked slowly into the middle of the clearing and looked steadily at the skull that gleamed as white as ever the conch had done and seemed to jeer at him cynically” (page 185). This comparison between the Lord of the Flies and the Conch symbolizes what?


Why does Ralph feel the need to smash the Pig’s head (Lord of the Flies) to pieces? Is he perhaps trying to rid himself of his own mistakes committed on the Island?


Because Ralph had sense, he was an outcast. Why?


While the boys are hunting Ralph, he compares himself to a Pig, wondering what the Pig would do to escape. What does this show about how he views himself?



What is ironic about the ship seeing that smoke from that particular fire? Also what is ironic about the last line in the text?

2.  Go over all the symbols: Use the internet if you aren't sure what these represent
Glasses
Fire
Conch
Beast/Lord of the Flies
Scar
Characters as symbols: Jack, Roger, Simon, Piggy, Ralph

3. Next discuss themes:Themes—civilization vs. society, Man vs. Man (struggle for power) Man vs. Self (struggle against the inner beast) Discuss any other themes you think are relevant

4. Discuss the Setting--remember setting is both time period and place

5. Did the island destroy the boys or did the boys destroy the island?


HOMEWORK:

Pretend you are interviewing the characters after they get off the island. type 5 GOOD interview questions you would ask Ralph, Piggy, Simon, Jack, Roger, and the Naval officer--30 Questions total