Lord of the Flies Essay Topics

Instructions:
Pick 1 of the following topics and write a 5 paragraph essay. Your essay should
include:
Introduction Paragraph- with a hook, state the situation, and thesis.
3 Body Paragraphs-include concrete details (especially quotes!) and commentary to
support your examples.
Conclusion Paragraph
#1 The sows head and the conch shell each wield a certain kind of power over the boys.
In what ways do these objects powers differ? In what way is Lord of the Flies a novel
about power? About the power of symbols? About the power of a person to use symbols
to control a group?
#2 Develop an explanation of why some critics feel that Golding's main themes are that
there is no hope for mankind, or that evil is an inborn trait of mankind. Be sure to use
examples from the book and describe your own ideas.
#3 William Golding writes: "The theme (of Lord of the Flies) is an attempt to trace the
defects of society back to the defects of human nature. The moral is that the shape of
society must depend on the ethical mature of the individual and not on any political
system however apparently logical or respectable." In a well constructed essay, discuss
the statement this novel makes about this theme and whether you agree or disagree.
Avoid plot summary. Instead deal with what different characters symbolize and the
statement they make about individuals and their government. Be as specific as possible.
#4 Identify the most significant symbol(s) in the novel and justify your choice (be able to
explain why they are important). Be sure to use examples from the book and describe
your own ideas.