Grade 9 Lord of the Flies Essays (AQA English Literature
Paper 2)
Essay Questions:
1. How does Golding present the theme of civilisation versus savagery
in Lord of the Flies?
2. How is the character of Ralph presented in the novel?
3. How does Golding explore the idea of human nature?
4. How is the character of Jack presented?
5. How does Golding use the symbol of the conch?
Essay 1: How does Golding present the theme of civilisation
versus savagery in Lord of the Flies?
Golding presents civilisation and savagery as opposing forces that exist
within all human beings. Throughout Lord of the Flies, he shows how
fragile civilisation is and how quickly it can be replaced by savagery when
societal structures break down.
At the beginning, the boys try to maintain order through democratic
systems, such as the conch. The conch represents civilisation, law, and
order, and its power is respected: “I'll give the conch to the next person to
speak.” Golding uses this symbol to show that the boys initially value
structure.
However, this order gradually disintegrates. Jack rejects the conch and
what it represents: “We don't need the conch anymore.” Golding uses
Jack’s rebellion to show the allure of savagery and the desire for power
without rules.
The descent into savagery becomes more visible in the boys’ appearance
and behaviour. Their painted faces and chants — “Kill the pig! Cut her
throat! Spill her blood!” — symbolise the loss of identity and inhibition.
Golding uses violent imagery and repetition to highlight the
transformation from civilised children to brutal hunters.
By the end, civilisation is completely destroyed. The conch is shattered,
Piggy is killed, and Jack rules through fear. Golding’s message is clear:
Paper 2)
Essay Questions:
1. How does Golding present the theme of civilisation versus savagery
in Lord of the Flies?
2. How is the character of Ralph presented in the novel?
3. How does Golding explore the idea of human nature?
4. How is the character of Jack presented?
5. How does Golding use the symbol of the conch?
Essay 1: How does Golding present the theme of civilisation
versus savagery in Lord of the Flies?
Golding presents civilisation and savagery as opposing forces that exist
within all human beings. Throughout Lord of the Flies, he shows how
fragile civilisation is and how quickly it can be replaced by savagery when
societal structures break down.
At the beginning, the boys try to maintain order through democratic
systems, such as the conch. The conch represents civilisation, law, and
order, and its power is respected: “I'll give the conch to the next person to
speak.” Golding uses this symbol to show that the boys initially value
structure.
However, this order gradually disintegrates. Jack rejects the conch and
what it represents: “We don't need the conch anymore.” Golding uses
Jack’s rebellion to show the allure of savagery and the desire for power
without rules.
The descent into savagery becomes more visible in the boys’ appearance
and behaviour. Their painted faces and chants — “Kill the pig! Cut her
throat! Spill her blood!” — symbolise the loss of identity and inhibition.
Golding uses violent imagery and repetition to highlight the
transformation from civilised children to brutal hunters.
By the end, civilisation is completely destroyed. The conch is shattered,
Piggy is killed, and Jack rules through fear. Golding’s message is clear:
