Lesson
1
:
Learning About Courage from Literature
Grade
Grade 8
UNIT
5
•
Courage
In Unit 5, Lesson 1, “Learning About Courage from Literature,” students will learn examples of courage from a classic work of literature, Lord of the Flies by William Golding. Students will develop their critical thinking and writing skills by answering questions about the text. Additionally, students will advance their academic dialogue skills by discussing the book with classmates.
SUGGESTED TIME:
- 1 class period to introduce the book; 1 class period to discuss the book
- If desired, class periods can be devoted to in-class silent reading of the book.
- The book, Lord of the Flies by William Golding, is 285 pages and 12 chapters.
- The suggested reading assignment is 1 chapter per session for either in-class silent reading or homework.
- With this schedule, students will complete the book in 12 in-class reading sessions or 12 homework sessions.
- Students should complete the short-answer questions on the worksheet as they read the book.
- Allow 50 minutes for in-class discussion of the short-answer questions on the worksheet.
RELATED SUBJECT:
English Language Arts
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Read a classic work of literature
- Identify and analyze the book’s genre, point of view, characters, setting, and plot
- Identify and analyze the book’s central ideas
- Write answers to questions about the book, demonstrating an understanding of standard English sentence structure and grammar
- Engage effectively in collaborative discussions about the book
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
- Book: Lord of the Flies by William Golding
- Video: Why should you read “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding? - Jill Dash by Ted-Ed (~5 min)
- Prohuman Grade 8 Unit 5 Worksheet 1: Learning About Courage from Literature
ELA COMMON CORE STANDARDS MET
CHARACTER AND SOCIAL EMOTIONAL (CSED) NATIONAL STANDARDS MET
LESSON PROCEDURE
Step 1:
- Tell students that we will be reading a classic work of literature, Lord of the Flies by William Golding.
- This video provides a brief introduction to the book. Play video: Why should you read “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding? - Jill Dash by Ted-Ed (~5 min)
Step 2:
- Have students complete the book, Lord of the Flies by William Golding, either through multiple in-class silent reading sessions or as homework. Students should complete the short-answer questions on the worksheet as they read the book.
Step 3:
- After students have completed the book and short answer questions, allow at least 50 minutes for in-class discussion of the short-answer questions on the worksheet.
GRADE 8 UNIT 5 WORKSHEET 1: LEARNING ABOUT COURAGE FROM LITERATURE
QUESTIONS TO ANSWER WHILE READING Lord of the Flies by William Golding:
- In Chapter 2, what is the importance of Ralph blowing the conch shell and the boys having the assembly?
- Fear is one of the central themes throughout this book. What are the boys afraid of?
- In Chapter 4, Golding describes how Roger throws stones, but avoids hitting Henry: “Here, invisible yet strong, was the taboo of the old life. Round the squatting child was the protection of parents and school and policemen and the law. Roger’s arm was conditioned by a civilization that knew nothing of him and was in ruins.” Explain what Golding is saying here in your own words.
- In Chapter 4, Jack paints his face. What impact does this have on him? Why do you think it has this impact?
- In Chapter 5, Golding shows a conflict about rules. What are Ralph and Piggy’s views on rules? What is Jack’s view on rules? How does this conflict show Golding’s observation: “The world, that understandable and lawful world, was slipping away”?
- In Chapter 6, Golding uses dramatic irony, a literary device by which the reader’s understanding of events in a work surpasses that of its characters. What does Golding show readers about the “beast” that the boys do not know? How does the “beast” serve as a form of dramatic irony? How does Golding use dramatic irony to create suspense?
- In Chapter 8, what do we learn about the significance of the book’s title?
- In Chapter 8, what events and emotions motivate Jack to form a tribe?
- In Chapter 10, how do Ralph and Piggy respond to Simon’s death?
- In Chapter 11, Ralph asks, “Which is better, law and rescue, or hunting and breaking things up?” How does this question show two aspects of human nature?
- In Chapter 7 Golding writes that Ralph “fused his fear and loathing into a hatred.” The famous African American musician Daryl Davis often states that "Ignorance breeds fear, fear breeds hatred, hatred breeds anger, anger breeds destruction.” How do you see this cycle playing out in Lord of the Flies? What do you think may have happened if Ralph and the other boys had learned and showed courage, rather than allowing their ignorance and fears to control them?
Prohuman K-12 Curriculum © 2025 by Prohuman Foundation is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.
To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
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