LOFT character concepts

Question 1

Simon

Answer 1

Golding uses the character of Simon to display “the darkness in mans heart”. When Simons VUNERABILITY and GOODNESS are juxtaposed to the violence and evil within the other boys, it becomes clear to the reader that mankinds essential illness can be controlled

Question 2

Roger

Answer 2

Golding constructs the character of roger carefully only hinting at his capacity of evil at the start but as the novel progresses we learn of Rogers importance. Roger has a purpose to explain “mankinds essential illness”. Rogers INCREASED CAPACITY FOR DARKNESS IS A SYMBOL FOR THE EVIL WHICH EXSISTS WITHIN SOCIETY and therefore the need to change

Question 3

Jack

Answer 3

Golding presents the character Jack as the main antagonist of the novel. With Jack, Golding can provide a clear example of his message THE DANGERS OF “MANKINDS “ESSENTIAL ILLNESS”. Through the device of Jacks descent into savagery, Golding is able to show how a catalytic leader can turn into a violent killer- due to “darkness in mans heart”

Question 4

Piggy

Answer 4

Golding presents Piggy as DEFENCLESS and WEAK to act as a symbol for all that is VUNERABLE in society. Golding is able to show the condemnation of the weak by the strong due to the “darkness of mans heart”. Piggy is victimised to show the injustice within society and therefore the need to change our actions.

Question 5

Ralph

Answer 5

Golding relies heavily on Ralph as LOFTs protagonist to portray its message. Throughout the novel Ralph is A SYMBOL OF CIVILISATION AND ORDER. As his power diminishes and the novel progresses Golding can show “mankind’s essential illness” can infect the strongest and moral of innocents