Exploring Themes in Lord of the Flies Flashcards
Dive into key themes and character analysis of 'Lord of the Flies' with these engaging flashcards. (29 cards)
How is Lord of the Flies an allegory?
It’s an allegory of civilization vs. savagery, showing how society breaks down without rules.
What does the mock hunt at the beginning represent?
The boys’ growing obsession with violence and descent into savagery.
How does Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs affect Piggy?
Piggy lacks safety and belonging, so he can’t lead effectively despite his intelligence.
What does the conch shell represent?
Order, law, and democratic power, which fades as the boys become savage.
Why do the boys get stranded on the island?
Their plane crashes during a wartime evacuation.
What does the littlun say he saw in the forest?
A “snake-thing,” symbolizing the beast and inner fear.
What do the boys use to light the fire?
Piggy’s glasses.
What is the fire used for?
To signal rescue and represent hope/civilization.
Why was the signal fire out when the ship passed?
Jack let it go out while hunting a pig.
Why does Roger miss hitting Henry with rocks?
He’s still partly controlled by the rules of civilization.
Why does Jack paint his face?
To hide his identity and unleash his savage instincts.
What does Simon mean by ‘maybe it’s only us’?
The real beast is the evil inside each of them.
What lands on top of the mountain?
A dead parachutist.
How does Ralph react after hitting the boar?
He feels proud and excited, showing his inner savage.
Why does Jack leave the pig’s head for the beast?
As a sacrifice, treating the beast like a god.
What is the Lord of the Flies’ threat to Simon?
That he can’t escape and the evil is within them all.
What is Simon trying to tell the boys on the beach?
That the beast isn’t real—it’s the dead parachutist and their own fear.
What does Jack steal and why?
Piggy’s glasses, to make fire and gain power.
What happens to Piggy at Castle Rock?
Roger kills him with a boulder; the conch shatters too.
What happens to Samneric at Castle Rock?
They’re forced to join Jack and betray Ralph.
What happens to the conch?
It’s destroyed with Piggy, ending all order.
What do Samneric do while Ralph is hunted?
They reveal his hiding spot under pressure.
What tactic do the boys not use to attack Ralph?
Reasoning or negotiation—they use violence instead.
What happens at the end of the story?
A naval officer rescues them as Ralph flees for his life.
