Lord of the Flies

Lesson 22
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ELA

Unit 10

9th Grade

Lesson 22 of 26

Objective


Explain the ways in which Simon can be understood to be the “Christ” figure in the novel.

Readings and Materials


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Target Task


Multiple Choice

What does the line, “The beast was harmless and horrible and the news must reach the others as soon as possible,” on p. 147 reveal about Simon?

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The conflict between Jack and Ralph escalates mostly because

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Writing Prompt

Does the conflict between Jack and Ralph cause Simon’s death? If not, what did? Explain.

How does Simon’s death serve to develop Golding’s message about humanity? Explain, using evidence from the chapter.

Key Questions


  • How does Christ die? Who kills him? What is their motivation for killing him?
  • Who is the Christ character in the novel? How do you know? What evidence makes you draw this conclusion?
  • What is Golding foreshadowing by making Simon a Christ character? How did he foreshadow this even in the previous chapter?
  • p. 147 - “The beast was harmless and horrible and the news must reach the others as soon as possible.” Why does Simon want the others to know this?
  • p. 148 - “’P’raps we ought to go to.’ …Ralph squirted water again…” What does this interaction between Ralph and Piggy reveal about the two characters? Do they actually go?
  • p. 150 - “The conch doesn’t count at this end of the island.” What does Jack mean? Trace the escalating conflict between Jack and Ralph. What is it revealing about order/civilization vs. chaos/savagery?
  • What are the other boys doing when Simon returns?
  • “Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!” Why is this significant? How is it different than previous cries of the boys?
  • What happens on p. 153? How do you know?
  • In his description of Simon’s body on p. 154, why does Golding include such a vivid description of the setting? How does this add to the development of the mood? The theme?
  • “The beast lay huddled on the pale beach and the stains spread, inch by inch.” Why is it significant that Golding used the word “beast” to describe Simon’s dead body on the sand? What does this choice of words reveal?
  • Optional: Many critics refer to Lord of the Flies as an allegory for the biblical story of the “Fall of Man” and the tension between good and evil in humanity. How do we see this reflected in today’s reading?
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Lesson 21

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Lesson 23

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