Lord of the Flies

Lesson 21
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ELA

Unit 10

9th Grade

Lesson 21 of 26

Objective


Explain the symbolism of the Lord of the Flies and the significance of Simon’s interaction with him.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Lord of the Flies by William Golding  pp. 132 – 144 — focus on 143-144 and the description of Beelzebub

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

What, actually, is the “Lord of the Flies” that Simon talks with on p. 143 and 144?

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What does Beelzebub (the “Lord of the Flies”) represent in the novel?

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Writing Prompt

Many critics consider this scene between Simon and the Lord of the Flies to be the most important scene in the novel. What is so important about this silly scene between a pigs’ head and a hallucinating boy? Show your understanding by supporting it with evidence from the text.

Key Questions


  • According to the biblical passage below, who is Beelzebub and in what way does he pose a danger to society?

“Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? And if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” (Matthew 12:25-28)

  • p. 143 - What does the Lord of the Flies mean when he says he “is” the Beast? Explain. In what ways are the two symbols the same? Different?
  • p. 143 - Is Simon scared? How do you know?
  • p. 144 - “’We are going to have fun on this Island! So don’t try it on, my poor misguided boy.’” Who says this? What does he mean by “fun”?
  • p. 144 - “There was blackness within, a blackness that spread.” What is the significance of this description?

Notes


Consider using the passage Matthew 4:1-11 from the Bible (New International Version) about the temptation of Jesus by the devil in the wilderness and draw parallels between this story and Simon's experience.

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Lesson 20

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Lesson 22

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