Understanding Allegory in Lord of the Flies

English
Grade 8
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet explores the allegorical meanings in Lord of the Flies, emphasizing connections to mythology. Students will engage with comprehension and analysis questions focusing on thematic symbolism and literary techniques.

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Understanding Allegory in Lord of the Flies

Subject: EnglishGrade: Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade Grade 8
A

Scene Summary and Context Guide

In William Golding's Lord of the Flies, a group of boys stranded on a deserted island find themselves immersed in a struggle between their primal instincts and the desire for order. The novel can be viewed as an allegory reflecting broader themes of human nature and mythology. Many characters and symbols evoke mythological figures, such as gods and monsters, illustrating the inner battles between chaos and civilization. The conch shell, for example, signifies order and authority, reminiscent of divine symbols used in myth to denote power. The descent into savagery parallels mythic tales of heroism and darkness, highlighting the eternal conflict between civilization's laws and primal chaos. Golding’s work invites readers to reflect on the allegorical meaning behind these symbols, emphasizing that the struggle depicted in the story mirrors universal myths about good versus evil, order versus chaos, and the human condition.
1.
What is the significance of the conch shell in the story, and how does it relate to mythological symbols of power?
[2 marks]
2.
Describe how the character of the 'beast' functions as an allegory for primal chaos, referencing mythological themes.
[3 marks]
3.
Identify a literary device used to connect the story's themes to mythological ideas, and explain its effect.
[3 marks]
4.
Compare the descent into savagery in the novel to a mythological story of a hero's fall or transformation.
5.
Select the option that best explains the allegorical meaning of the 'Lord of the Flies' symbol.
Aa) A physical monster representing fear
Bb) A representation of evil within humanity
Cc) An actual deity from mythology
Dd) A symbol of hope and salvation
6.
Explain how Golding’s portrayal of the island reflects mythological themes of exile and paradise.
[3 marks]
7.
Identify and describe one technique Golding uses to evoke the mythic quality of the story.
[2 marks]
8.
Creative Writing Prompt: Imagine you are a mythological deity observing the events on the island. Write a brief speech explaining what the chaos reveals about human nature.

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Details

Created
12/31/2025
Updated
12/31/2025
Type
worksheet