Lecture notes
WJEC GCSE English Literature Lord of the Flies Character Essay Plans
Full essay plans for every character in Lord of the Flies. These helped me achieve an A* in the exam.
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JackIntro
Throughout dystopian novel, G presents J as main antagonist of fable. Characterisation – clear
example of message, dangers “mankind’s essential illness”. Device of descent to savagery – G able to
show how catalytic leader can turn to violent killer – “darkness of man’s heart”
Power struggle
Significant from outset – relationship and difference of J and R (protagonist)
“his hair was red” – connotations of anger and fire are opposite to R’s “fair hair”
“Jack and Ralph smiled at each other with shy liking” – mutual intimidation (shy) but respect (smiled)
“the Chief” – fascist leadership style, G doesn’t question effectiveness, just morality
C vs S
Novel progresses, J more entwines with obsession of hunt and power associated with murder –
distances further from R’s c
Masks “the face of red and white and black” – device of war paint reveals traits and liberates J from
“shame and self consciousness” – white (contrast), red (blood, danger), black (dark, death)
“we’ll close in and beat and beat and beat” – repetition, rule of 3 – brutal verb displays savage
dialogue
Conflict
Portrayed as catalytic, constantly creating conflict within their society
“you’re breaking the rules”, “who cares” – juxtaposition J and R, differences create potential for
conflict. Followed strong language “Bollocks to the rules”, growing power
Conclusion
Seems that G created J to create conflict, contrary to “Coral Island” idealism of situation from outset
but through development we learn he serves a higher purpose. Shows capability of men “mankind’s
essential illness” that G experienced in himself in aftermath of role in WW2. Therefore, through J, G
warns of “darkness in man’s heart”, his purpose of LOTF
, Roger
Intro
G conducts R carefully, only hinting at capacity for evil at start. As progresses, we learn of his
importance. G created R with purpose to explain “mankind’s essential illness”. Increased capacity for
darkness is symbol for evil in society and need to change
Foreboding
From outset, R signified as catalytic to watch out for
“inner intensity of avoidance and secrecy” – noun and adjectival choice displays foreboding of R
“shock of black hair… unsociable remoteness into something forbidding” – connotations of evil.
Unsociable nature -> potential for real violence
“he was noticeably darker” – left ambiguous, could be skin but metaphorical value of character
C vs S
Not as powerful as J but has savage capacity greater that’s revealed soon than J
“Roger’s arm was conditioned by a civilisation…in ruins” – Still has c within him but mention of
destroyed c at home reveals it won’t be long before he ignores values
“prodding with his spear wherever pigfish appeared” – metaphor for savagery, attacks vulnerable
P’s death
Towards end, G reveals R’s true capacity and extent of “darkness in man’s heart”
“Roger sharpened a stick at both ends” – metaphor for inescapability of R’s grasp, won’t escape hunt
or something more sinister, spreading “essential illness”
“hangman’s horror” – connotations of death and violence, savage concepts. Shows evil is harboured
even in a young boy
Conclusion
In R, G reveals extent of “mankind’s essential illness” within young boy and therefore reveals that
everyone is susceptible to injustice he witnessed during WW2. Vicious and cruel nature of F can be
seen as a warning of what we are all capable of
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