Students comment about their reflections on William Golding’s classic novel.

At the end of Chapter 11 (pg180-182), Piggy and the conch cease to exist.  During the events that led up to Piggy’s murder he clutched on to the conch, but for what reason?  What was it that Piggy felt was so powerful?  It is obvious that this shell was a symbol, but of what?  Develop a paragraph on the symbolism of the conch, relate it to symbols we use today.

Simon is perhaps the most complicated character in this novel.  On pages 143-144, he has an exchange with the “Lord of the Flies”.  Knowing that Simon seems to be the most pure of heart of all the boys, what could this conversation mean?  Develop a theory of what the author is saying and why it seems to have such an impact on Simon.

In Chapter 7, “Shadows and Tall Tress” the boys again encounter a “beast”.  (1) Make a prediction about what this “beast” really is and more importantly, (2) what does the author think is the REAL beast?  He gives and indication of his point on pages 114 & 115, (3) what is the clue?

In the first several pages of the chapter (5), Ralph realizes a few things about Piggy. (1) What were they?  Additionally, there were a few issues the boys needed to work out. (2) Describe what one of those issues are and why it is important?

In Chapter 4, a number of littluns were building castles on the beach.  Jack and Maurice came out of the forest and destroyed their work.  Jack marched on but, Maurice felt a shadow of “unease” with his actions despite no parent being there to chastise him.  Compare Jack and Maurice’s behavior.  Why did Maurice feel something but, Jack did not?  Reflect on a time when you felt guilty about something but did it anyway.  Why did you continue?  How is this a predictor for what is to come on the island?

Throughout the book, Mark and his father have been in conflict about what it means to be a “man”.  At what point does reality override tradition in being the “man” or “woman”?  In your opinion, what is the core of what it means to be a “man” or “woman”?  Does that “core” transcend all cultures and backgrounds?  Do you think Mark’s father is open-minded in letting Mark find his own way?  Why?

Education is valued by many countries around the world.  In chapter 30, Clyde says that Mark must be stupid because he was taught that blacks cannot learn due to the size of their “smaller” brain.  Do you think that if the blacks in South Africa had been educated that their living situation might have been better,  why or why not?  Do you value education, why or why not?

Reflect on Mark’s experiences in his early schooling.  On page 140, he shares four things that make him stay in school.  Identify those four factors and relate them to your experiences with school.  In the grand scheme of things, are your experiences that much different?  Why or why not?

At the end of chapter 18 (pg 103), Mark outlines his concerns and disbelief about much he has been taught by the tender age of 7.  In this response, explain why you think Mark feels the way he does.  What are his concerns, fears, deep rooted doubts, and choices he has?  Relate his position to a belief or position you had been taught to be true but, you realize may not be true for you.