Lord of the Flies — Chapter 8 Worksheet for 13-Year-Olds (Reading & Analysis)

Instructions

Read the following questions and activities carefully. They are all based on Chapter 8, "Gift for the Darkness," of Lord of the Flies. Answer to the best of your ability, referring back to the text if you need to.

Part 1: Chronological Chaos

The key events of Chapter 8 are listed below, but they are mixed up. Number them from 1 to 6 to put them in the correct chronological order.

• [   ] Simon hallucinates and has a "conversation" with the Lord of the Flies.
• [   ] Jack and his hunters kill a sow in a brutal and ritualistic way.
• [   ] Jack calls an assembly and tries to get the boys to vote Ralph out as chief, but fails.
• [   ] Jack's tribe raids Ralph's camp to steal fire.
• [   ] The hunters place the sow's head on a sharpened stick as a "gift" for the beast.
• [   ] Humiliated, Jack declares, "I'm not going to play any longer. Not with you," and leaves to start his own tribe.

Part 2: Character Deep Dive

Answer the following questions to explore the characters' motivations and feelings in this chapter.

1. Jack: After the boys refuse to vote Ralph out, Jack leaves. What does he promise his new followers to convince them to join his tribe? Why are these promises so appealing?


2. Ralph & Piggy: After Jack and many of the older boys leave, Ralph is filled with despair. What is he most afraid of? How does Piggy try to boost morale and restore a sense of order?


3. Simon: Simon witnesses the brutal killing of the sow and the creation of the "Lord of the Flies." What does the Lord of the Flies seem to "say" to Simon during his hallucination?

Part 3: Decoding the Darkness

This chapter introduces one of the most important symbols in the novel: the Lord of the Flies.

1. The hunters leave the bloody pig's head on a stick as a "gift for the darkness." What do you think the head itself symbolizes? What is the "darkness" it's a gift for?


2. The Lord of the Flies tells Simon, "You knew, didn't you? I'm part of you? ... I'm the reason why it's no go? Why things are what they are?" What does this statement reveal about the true nature of the "beast" the boys have been fearing?

Part 4: Words in Context

Based on how they are used in the chapter, write a brief definition for each of the following words.

• Derision: The boys responded to Piggy's practical ideas with derision.
  Your Definition:


• Corpulent: His corpulent figure made it difficult for Piggy to keep up.
  Your Definition:


• Parody: The hunters' ritualistic chant had become a terrible parody of a normal boys' game.
  Your Definition:

Part 5: The Great Divide

Imagine you are one of the "biguns" on the island when Jack splits from the group. Would you choose to follow Jack or stay with Ralph? Explain your decision in at least three sentences, using evidence from the chapter to support your choice (e.g., what each leader offers, the atmosphere of each camp).

Answer Key

Part 1: Chronological Chaos

1. [ 1 ] Jack calls an assembly and tries to get the boys to vote Ralph out as chief, but fails.
2. [ 2 ] Humiliated, Jack declares, "I'm not going to play any longer. Not with you," and leaves to start his own tribe.
3. [ 3 ] Jack and his hunters kill a sow in a brutal and ritualistic way.
4. [ 4 ] The hunters place the sow's head on a sharpened stick as a "gift" for the beast.
5. [ 5 ] Jack's tribe raids Ralph's camp to steal fire.
6. [ 6 ] Simon hallucinates and has a "conversation" with the Lord of the Flies.

Part 2: Character Deep Dive

1. Jack: Jack promises his followers fun, hunting, meat, and freedom from rules. These promises are appealing because the boys are tired of the responsibilities (like maintaining the fire and building shelters) that Ralph represents. Jack offers them a return to savagery and immediate gratification.
2. Ralph & Piggy: Ralph is afraid that they will not be able to keep the signal fire going with so few boys, meaning they will never be rescued. Piggy tries to boost morale by suggesting they start a new fire on the beach, away from the "beast" on the mountain. This practical idea shows Piggy's intelligence and his attempt to maintain civilization.
3. Simon: The Lord of the Flies tells Simon that the beast is not something he can hunt and kill because it is inside all the boys. It mocks Simon's goodness and warns him that the other boys will turn on him if he tries to reveal the truth.

Part 3: Decoding the Darkness

1. The head symbolizes savagery, evil, and the decay of civilization. The "darkness" is the evil and primal instinct that exists within the boys themselves, not an external monster. The gift is an offering to this inner savagery.
2. This statement reveals that the "beast" is not a physical creature on the island. It is the inherent capacity for evil and violence within human beings. The reason things are "no go" (falling apart) is because of the boys' own savage nature, not an external threat.

Part 4: Words in Context

• Derision: Contempt, ridicule, or mockery.
• Corpulent: Fat or overweight.
• Parody: A poor or ridiculous imitation of something.

Part 5: The Great Divide

(Answers will vary, but should be well-reasoned. Here are examples for both choices.)

Example for staying with Ralph: I would stay with Ralph because he is focused on what is truly important: being rescued. Even though his group is smaller, he and Piggy represent logic and the hope of returning to civilization. Jack's group is only focused on hunting and fun, which seems dangerous and short-sighted.

Example for following Jack: I would follow Jack because he offers protection, food, and fun. Life with Ralph has become boring and full of rules, and we are all still scared of the beast. Jack is a strong hunter who isn't afraid, and his tribe seems more exciting and powerful.