LOTF essays
Essay Topics for Lord of the Flies
Advanced English 10 – Mr. Rockett
Choose one of the following and answer the prompt with at least a five-paragraph, MLA formatted, typed, double-spaced essay. Include at least one quote from the book in each body paragraph, properly cited according to MLA guidelines.
1. Defend and/or criticize Ralph’s actions as leader. What were his motivations? Did he contribute to the tragedy in any way? Could he have acted to prevent any of the deaths? What would you have done differently in his situation?
2. Describe the religious imagery in Lord of the Flies: the forces of good and evil, a fall from grace, a savior, and eventual redemption. How does Golding’s depiction of the island compare to the Garden of Eden?
3. Some readers of Lord of the Flies have argued that each and every one of the boys’ actions is nothing more than an attempt to survive in difficult conditions. Think about the mounting of the sow’s head, Simon’s ascent up the mountain, and the murder of Piggy in particular, as well as any other key scenes that stand out for you. Is it fair to say that the boys’ actions were merely the result of the human survival instinct? Why or why not? If so, can you use these examples to draw some general conclusions about the human instinct to survive?
4. Support the argument that Simon is a “Christ Figure.” Do you agree or disagree with the idea that Simon is a Christ Figure? Discuss the development of this character from the frail, shy, fainting kid to the well-developed character that faces the Lord of the Flies and the beast, eventually being sacrificed as a result.
5. The conch is an all-important symbol in the novel. It is almost a character in its own right. Trace the development of this symbol. How does Golding develop this shell into this symbol? Discuss what it means, and the effect it has on the group of boys, from the first assembly to its eventual destruction. You may want to include in your
Advanced English 10 – Mr. Rockett
Choose one of the following and answer the prompt with at least a five-paragraph, MLA formatted, typed, double-spaced essay. Include at least one quote from the book in each body paragraph, properly cited according to MLA guidelines.
1. Defend and/or criticize Ralph’s actions as leader. What were his motivations? Did he contribute to the tragedy in any way? Could he have acted to prevent any of the deaths? What would you have done differently in his situation?
2. Describe the religious imagery in Lord of the Flies: the forces of good and evil, a fall from grace, a savior, and eventual redemption. How does Golding’s depiction of the island compare to the Garden of Eden?
3. Some readers of Lord of the Flies have argued that each and every one of the boys’ actions is nothing more than an attempt to survive in difficult conditions. Think about the mounting of the sow’s head, Simon’s ascent up the mountain, and the murder of Piggy in particular, as well as any other key scenes that stand out for you. Is it fair to say that the boys’ actions were merely the result of the human survival instinct? Why or why not? If so, can you use these examples to draw some general conclusions about the human instinct to survive?
4. Support the argument that Simon is a “Christ Figure.” Do you agree or disagree with the idea that Simon is a Christ Figure? Discuss the development of this character from the frail, shy, fainting kid to the well-developed character that faces the Lord of the Flies and the beast, eventually being sacrificed as a result.
5. The conch is an all-important symbol in the novel. It is almost a character in its own right. Trace the development of this symbol. How does Golding develop this shell into this symbol? Discuss what it means, and the effect it has on the group of boys, from the first assembly to its eventual destruction. You may want to include in your