Loss of Innocence

Question 1

How does Golding present loss of innocence

Answer 1

• Gradual process
• showing the boys descent from civilisation to savagery
• fragile and once lost cannot be regained

Question 2

Loss of Innocence

Answer 2

• Maintained trough social rules
• Deteriorating as violence escalates
• Boys have fully lost moral compass

Question 3

‘We’ll have rules! Lots of Rules!’

Answer 3

• His enthusiasm shows their initial belief in maintaining structure
• Reflecting childhood innocence
• Determination to follow democracy and create a civilised society

Question 4

‘The conch was the most important thing on the island’

Answer 4

• The conch symbolises democracy and order
• Their respect of the conch shows there fairness and morality

Question 5

‘kill the beast. Cut his throat. Spill his blood.’

Answer 5

• The chant demonstrates their tribal instincts and deterioration of morals
• Assertion of dominance and using savagery as power = loss of morals
• Primal nature and violent energy

Question 6

‘Tearing of teeth and claws’

Answer 6

• Metaphor - shows a transformation into animals with creature like behaviours
• Alliteration draws attention to the violence of the action
• Simon is a symbol of good and innocence
• His murder is turning point where violence overtakes reason

Question 7

‘The conch exploded into a thousand white fragments’

Answer 7

• Metaphor symbolises the destruction of order and democracy
• The final collapse of civilisation on the island

Question 8

‘Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart.’

Answer 8

• Ralph’s tears reflect his grief over their moral decay
• Metaphor represents innate evil
• ‘Darkness’ implies evil is inescapable/inherent evil

Question 9

The boys loss of innocence warns the readers…

Answer 9

Without rules and moral guidance
Innocence can be corrupted by violence and savagery