The Lord of the Flies: Activities and Assignments In Pre AP English classes the students are expected to analyze fiction and nonfiction in depth on several levels. Beginning with The Lord of the Flies and throughout the year, writing assignments and discussions will go beyond basic plot summary and will focus on an author s use of language and literary devices. Developing a habit of annotating will enhance your ability to think critically about literary devices. Below are some suggestions for annotation. Find what works for you some students use different colored highlighters to mark significant passages, important character insights, etc. Some use post it notes, and some a separate notebook. Mark s of the setting that connect to the plot. Mark unfamiliar words and look up the meanings. Mark any conflict that develops between characters (external) or a conflict within a character (internal.) Identify any motifs (ex. The conch) or passages that indicate a theme. Mark any quotes that puzzle you or interest you. Mark figurative language metaphors, similes, personification. Ask yourself why the author chose the particular comparison or image. If something is confusing, write down your question. Highlight or mark key words that describe important characters. Creating an annotation system that organizes your notes and reactions will increase your understanding of this novel and future assigned reading in high school and college. In addition to annotating, completing the following activities will prepare you for graded assignments the first few weeks of class. 1) Completing the civilization and leadership charts will enhance your understanding of the author s themes. 2) Complete the character chart follow the directions at the top of the page. Examples have been provided on the chart. We will use this page extensively in class. 3) Write down at least one question from each chapter that you would like to discuss with your classmates. 4) Find synonyms for the words on the vocabulary page. These words will be on the first vocabulary quiz. Picture from: http://www.blanchard2k.nildram.co.uk/mark/pics/lotf.jpg
SHIP LEADERSHIP Good Leadership Qualities Poor Leadership Qualities In a few complete sentences, summarize qualities necessary for good leadership. Who Should Lead? Good Qualities Poor Qualities Ralph Jack Piggy
Chart for Tracing Characterization in Lord of the Flies The technique an author uses to develop characters is characterization. Characterization can be developed through physical, through comments by the narrator, through comments of characters and through a of the character s speech and actions. This chart will help you to trace the characterization of Ralph, Piggy, Simon, and Jack. As you come across references to a character, determine if they contribute to your understanding of him, and write a short on line in the appropriate box, using proper quotes. Give the chapter and page references. See the examples below. (3: 56 = Chapter 3: page 56). Technique Description of Character 1. Ralph d. Descriptions of Ralph s Speech and Actions 2. Piggy Piggy was outsider (4:65) Only Piggy could have the intellectual daring (8:129)
d. Descriptions of Piggy s Speech and Actions 3. Simon d. Descriptions of Simon s Speech and Actions Simon found for them the fruit they could not reach (3:56) I don t believe in the beast (6:105) 4. Jack d. Descriptions of Jack s Speech and Actions
VOCABULARY Throughout the year, you will be quizzed on SAT vocabulary words found in our reading. To prepare for the first quiz, write two synonyms for the words below. Then, correctly use each word in an ORIGINAL sentence. credulous decorous/decorum derision/deride grave (adj)/gravity inscrutable officious oppressive speculate tumult vulnerable From anywhere in the novel, list five other words that are new to you. Provide two synonyms for each. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.