LOTF Moral Theme Essay - Points, context and Answers

Question 1

Para 1 Point

Answer 1

We observe Jack’s self-righteousness emerge due to arbitrary prerequisites which immediately establishes Jack as smug and priggish, as re-enforced by “arrogance.” Golding’s proficient word choice and use of irony highlights the moral theme of civilisation vs savagery. T

Question 2

Para 1 (quote 1) answer of question

Answer 2

““I ought to be chief,” said Jack with simple arrogance, “because I’m chapter chorister and head boy. I can sing in C sharp.””
This contrast conveys the concept of civility vs savagery through an exploration of the corruption of Jack’s principles, created by the island irrevocably altering the attributes he places value on, from accolades to aptitude in killing.

Question 3

Para 1 (quote 2) answer of question

Answer 3

““I agree with Ralph. We’ve got to have rules and obey them. After all, we’re not savages. We’re English; … so, we’ve got to do the right things””
This emphasises Jack’s initial innocence and civility which vividly illustrates the drastic nature of his descent into savagery by creating a stark contrast to his later savage behaviours.

Question 4

Para 2 Point

Answer 4

Golding skilfully utilises imagery and word choice to convey the ethical theme of civilisation vs savagery, enabling an exploration of Jack’s descent into savagery and his propensity for evil which is beginning to rear its head.

Question 5

Para 2 (quote 1) answer of question

Answer 5

“Jack drew his knife again with a flourish … There came a pause, a hiatus … The pause was only long enough for them to understand what an enormity the downward stroke would be.”
Despite this, this moment illustrates the inception of Jack’s descent as the isolation withers his civility and begins to challenge his principles, allowing his innate brutality and his character of true malice to gain sway.

Question 6

Para 2 (quote 2) answer of question

Answer 6

“Then dog-like, uncomfortably on all fours yet un-heeding his discomfort”
“Discomfort” highlights that Jack’s civility and morality is waning with his increasing embrace of primal behaviour and disregard for his own comfort, which manifests in growing animalistic savagery.

Question 7

Para 3 point

Answer 7

Through adept use of captivating key moments and imagery, Golding clarifies the morally consequential concern of civility vs savagery.

Question 8

Para 3 (quote 1) answer of question

Answer 8

“…the mask was a thing on its own, behind which Jack hid, liberated from shame and self-consciousness.”
There is no accountability, no adults and no consequences, and Jack’s eradication of morals allows him to transform into an unbridled savage.

Question 9

Para 3 (quote 2) answer of question

Answer 9

“The spear moved forward inch by inch and the terrified squealing became a high-pitched scream. Then Jack found the throat and the hot blood spouted over his hands. The sow collapsed under them, and they were heavy and fulfilled upon her.”
At this point, any links to civilisation, however tenuous, fail to restrain him and this moment accentuates Jack’s transformation, from civility to savagery, by highlighting how his inherent aggression now drives him illogically toward murder. The use of sexual imagery likens the killing to rape, underscoring Jack’s savagery and the complete retrogression of his morality by illustrating his intoxication with domination and absolute power.

Question 10

Para 4 Point

Answer 10

We see Jack discard civilisation and morality for his encapsulation of depraved savagery, re-enforced by Golding’s skilful use of sentence structure and word choice.

Question 11

Para 4 (quote 1) answer of question

Answer 11

“The crowd surged after it, poured down the rock, leapt on to the beast, screamed, struck, bit, tore.”
This makes apparent Jack’s transition as he has incited such viciousness – he has become so corrupted by his time on the island that he now enkindles the barbarity in others, which propels them into a collective loss of civility.

Question 12

Para 4 (quote 2) answer of question

Answer 12

“Roger sharpened a stick at both ends”
These re-enforce Jack’s savagery by emphasising that he has become so debauched and depraved that he now leads the other boys from humanity into depravity; which furthers how malign and powerful his effect on them is.