Starter quiz
- What colour hair does Jack have in 'Lord of the Flies'?
- black
- brown
- red ✓
- blonde
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- What colour is Jack's robe in the beginning of 'Lord of the Flies'?
- red
- white
- green
- gold
- black ✓
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- ______ is when the writer subtly hints at events that are yet to come in the text.
- 'Foreshadowing' ✓
- What is colour symbolism?
- using an object to represent an idea or concept
- using a colour to represent an idea or concept ✓
- combining colours together to create descriptions
- using objects and colours together to represent the novel's central themes
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- Which of the following words might mean 'someone who considers themselves to be very important and able to do anything that they want'?
- eccentric
- pious
- egomaniacal ✓
- conscientious
- duplicitous
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- Thinking about 'Lord of the Flies', which of the following statements about Jack are true?
- Jack and Piggy went to school together.
- Jack is leader of the choirboys in 'Lord of the Flies'. ✓
- Jack was a savage hunter from the beginning of the novel.
- Jack murders Piggy in cold blood.
- Jack is the novel's antagonist. ✓
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Exit quiz
- Which of the following is the correct definition for the term 'antagonist'?
- the most dislikeable character in a text
- the main or central character in a text
- the character who opposes the main character in a text ✓
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- Which of the following leadership qualities does Jack possess in 'Lord of the Flies'?
- morality
- honesty
- intelligence ✓
- loyalty
- decisiveness ✓
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- A ______ is a ruler with total power over a country, typically one who has obtained control by force.
- 'dictator' ✓
- Which of the following words means 'the absence of civilisation' or 'the presence of considerably cruelty and brutality'?
- egomaniacal
- barbarism ✓
- dictatorial
- antagonist
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- How does Jack create a culture of fear on the island in 'Lord of the Flies'?
- He creates a "beast" and hangs it in the trees.
- He bullies Piggy to show what happens if the boys disagree with him. ✓
- He exploits the fears of the littluns. ✓
- He paints his face to frighthe boys into submission.
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- What do we learn from the character of Jack in 'Lord of the Flies'?
- Dictatorial leadership is the most successful style of leadership.
- Dictators like Jack pose a threat to people's autonomy and freedom. ✓
- Democracy poses a distinct threat to civilisation and morality.
- Dictatorial leadership poses a distinct threat to democracy. ✓
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Worksheet
Presentation
Video
Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Jack is the novel's antagonist because he opposes Ralph both personally and politically.
- Jack arguably represents dictatorial leadership and savagery.
- Jack creates and maintains a culture of fear and intimidation, which gives him power and authority.
- Jack repeatedly undermines Ralph, Piggy and the rules of the conch, showing his lack of respect for democracy.
- Jack's devotion to barbarism and savagery illustrates the great cruelty and wickedness man is capable of.
Common misconception
Pupils often think that the island turned Jack into the cruel and bloodthirsty leader he is by the end of the novel.
From the very beginning, Jack was characterised as unpleasant and egomaniacal. He treats the choir terribly in the first chapter. Jack arguably always had the traits of a dictatorial leader. The island has exacerbated these traits, not created them.
Keywords
Antagonist - a character who opposes the protagonist
To manipulate - to control or influence someone so that you gain an advantage, often in a dishonest or immoral way
Egomaniac - someone who considers themselves to be very important and able to do anything that they want
Dictatorial - typical of a ruler with total power
Barbarism - the absence of civilisation/ the presence of considerably cruelty and brutality