Historical Context LOTF

• What is the main theme explored in William Golding's Lord of the Flies?

  The descent from civilization to savagery
• What does the "beast" symbolize in Lord of the Flies?

  The children's fear and the savagery within themselves
• How does Golding's novel contrast Christianity and paganism?

  It explores the dualities of innocence and guilt, civilization and anarchy
• What historical context influenced the writing of Lord of the Flies?

  The immediate post-World War II era and the Cold War clash of ideologies
• What was William Golding's role during World War II?

  He was a junior officer in the Royal Navy
• How did Golding's war experiences shape his views on humanity?

  They led him to ponder the origins of violence and humanity's capacity for good and evil
• What did W. H. Auden refer to as the Age of Anxiety?

  The period following World War II characterized by themes of identity and isolation
• What atrocities were committed by Nazi Germany during World War II?

  Systematic extermination of millions of Jews and bombing of cities
• What happened to the Czech town of Lidice during World War II?

  It was destroyed in reprisal for the assassination of a Nazi official
• How did the bombing campaigns during World War II affect civilian populations?

  Civilians suffered greatly, with thousands killed in cities like London and Coventry
• What was the Bataan Death March?

  A forced march of American and Filipino troops by Japanese forces, resulting in many deaths
• How many Japanese-Americans were incarcerated in concentration camps during World War II?

  110,000
• What did Golding believe about the nature of humanity based on his war experiences?

  He believed humanity has an inherent capacity for evil
• How does Golding's portrayal of children in Lord of the Flies differ from earlier literature like The Coral Island?

  Golding suggests that evil resides within the children themselves, rather than external forces
• What role does the conch play in Lord of the Flies?

  It symbolizes authority and order among the children
• Who are the two main characters competing for leadership in Lord of the Flies?

  Ralph and Jack Merridew
• What does Ralph's leadership represent in the novel?

  Rationality and a hope for rescue
• How do the children's actions evolve throughout the story?

  They gradually abandon democratic ideas and turn on each other
• What are the key themes explored in Lord of the Flies?

  • Descent from civilization to savagery
  • Loss of innocence
  • Dualities: Christianity vs. paganism, innocence vs. guilt, civilization vs. anarchy
  • The nature of good and evil
• How does Golding's background influence the themes in Lord of the Flies?

  • Golding's experiences in World War II shaped his views on violence and humanity
  • He questioned the roles of good and evil
  • His military service exposed him to the capacity for cruelty in educated individuals
• How does the setting of the island contribute to the themes of the novel?

  • The island is a microcosm of society
  • It allows exploration of inherent savagery without external influences
  • The absence of civilization leads to the emergence of primal instincts
• What is the significance of the conch in the story?

  • Represents authority and order
  • Used to call assemblies and establish rules
  • Its eventual destruction symbolizes the complete breakdown of civilization among the boys
• What does the character of Ralph symbolize in the novel?

  • Represents order, leadership, and civilization
  • Strives to maintain structure and hope for rescue
  • Faces challenges from the more savage Jack
• What does the character of Jack symbolize in Lord of the Flies?

  • Represents savagery, chaos, and the desire for power
  • Challenges Ralph's authority
  • Embodies the primal instincts that emerge in the absence of civilization
• What opportunity does Golding give the children in the story?

  He allows them to enact familiar forms of self-government.
• What does the conch symbolize in the story?

  The conch symbolizes authority and order.
• What event does the sound of the conch call the children to?

  It calls them to an assembly where an election is held for leader.
• Who are the two candidates for leader in the election?

  Ralph and Jack Merridew.
• Why does Jack demand to be leader?

  Because he is “chapter chorister and head boy.”
• How does the conch influence the election process?

  The conch proves to be the deciding factor in the election.
• What does Ralph do after being elected leader?

  He directs the children to gather food, build shelters, and tend to a fire.
• What is Ralph's hope regarding the fire he tends to?

  He hopes that smoke will attract a passing ship for rescue.
• How does Ralph's approach to leadership compare to the children's behavior in Ballantyne’s Coral Island?

  Ralph's rational and logical approach reflects the Victorian can-do attitude seen in Coral Island.
• What does Jack do to build his own support?

  He reassigns the choir to the role of “hunters.”
• What does Jack realize about the children's behavior as time passes?

  He realizes they will respond to a show of strength as they get hungry and afraid.
• How does Ralph respond to Jack's reassignment of the choir?

  Ralph naively agrees to the arrangement.
• What does the act of the children discarding their school uniforms symbolize?

  It symbolizes the stripping away of a layer of civilization.
• Who is the first character to strip naked in the novel?

  Ralph is the first character to strip naked.
• How does Ralph feel about his school uniform initially?

  He finds it “strangely pleasing” and provides security and familiarity.
• How does Piggy react when he meets Jack for the first time?

  Piggy is intimidated and reduced to silence by Jack’s “uniformed superiority.”