ENVELOPE TOPICS FOR LORD OF THE FLIES
Compiled by Tammy Lilly
Religious Imagery
Look for passages that describe imagery that has a literal and/or possibly symbolic religious connotation. (Examples: a cross, good vs. “evil,” Garden of Eden, sin, redemption, etc.)
Setting – The Island
Look for passages that describe the island itself. Think about the physical description as well as the changes that occur, the conflicts that arise (think: man v. environment or man v. nature), and the possible symbolic or deeper meanings that the island might hold.
Point of View
While the point of view in the novel is primarily omniscient, there are different characters’ feelings or understandings that are in focus at different times. Look for passages that provide insight from a specific person’s point of view. Which person is “telling” this part of the story? What is significant about that particular character’s perspective at the particular place in the novel? Especially be aware of times that the point of view seems to SHIFT.
Civil vs. Savage Behavior
Look for passages that describe the boys’ behavior. What rules are established? Why? To what degree or in what situations are those rules followed, and broken? How does the tension play out between personal morals and beliefs on one hand and government or social systems’ expectations on the other hand? Where does the civilized code of behavior break down? Why?
Power of Emotion
Look for passages that show passion or emotion. Especially focus on the emotion of fear. How does emotion link to actions? to interaction with others? to decisions that are made? What causes and contributes to the emotions that are significant in Lord of the Flies?
Rituals
Look for passages that show ritual types of behavior. What roles do rituals play? What use do rituals have? How and where and why do the boys enact rituals? How do their rituals change and develop over time? What meaning is there behind rituals?