Chapter 1 questions

• Written analysis: Write an analysis of the opening chapter of Lord Of The Flies. How effective is it in introducing the characters, concerns and language of the text?

• Introduction: Explain why/why not the opening chapter is important and effective.

• Character: Discuss how Golding presents the characters who are introduced in this chapter. Include: Backgrounds and lifestyle before arriving on the island (if revealed); how Golding has chosen to introduce each character; appearance and physical characteristics; other characteristics (including leadership qualities); relationships with other characters (and contrasts between them); what is suggested about how the characters will develop and what role they will have in the rest of the text. Use quotations and discuss Golding’s use of language.

• Life on the island: Discuss how the boys respond to being on the island and how they decide to organise themselves. How do they feel about being stranded and how do they spend their time. Comment on the contest for leadership, what it reveals about the characters and the themes it raises.

• Foreshadowing: Signs that all is not well on the island and there will be problems ahead: There are many ominous, disturbing signs as early as the first page of the text. How does Golding hint that life on the island is going to deteriorate? Is the sense of order the boys try to establish under threat from the beginning? If so, from what? The warning signs may be obvious from Golding’s use of language as well as just the actions that are described.

Themes: What themes emerge in the opening chapter?