View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who slaps Johnny when he bursts into tears during the impromptu meeting the morning after the beast has been spotted in Chapter 6: “Beast from Air”?

2. Of the twins, the narrator says in Chapter 6: “Beast from Air” that “they could never manage to do things sensibly if that meant” what?

3. Ralph wheels on the hunters during the assembly in Chapter 5: “Beast from Water” and says “You can laugh! But I tell you the smoke is more important than” what?

4. What word used in Chapter 4: “Painted Faces and Long Hair” refers to a warlike or aggressively hostile nature or attitude?

5. What color are the pig droppings that Jack finds in the forest in Chapter 3: “Huts on the Beach”?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Piggy perceived by the other members of the group in Chapter 2: “Fire on the Mountain”? Why?

2. What is foreshadowed at the vote for the leader at the meeting in Chapter 1: “The Sound of the Shell”? Who is chosen?

3. What is found at the castle rock in Chapter 6: “Beast from Air”? Where do the boys go next?

4. What does the conch shell come to represent symbolically in Chapter 2: “Fire on the Mountain”? Why?

5. What can be interpreted by Jack’s behavior toward Piggy in Chapter 4: “Painted Faces and Long Hair”?

6. What leads to the impromptu meeting in Chapter 6: “Beast from Air”? What decision is made at the meeting?

7. What characteristics serve to develop the conflict between Ralph and Jack in Chapter 5: “Beast from Water”?

8. What events have led to the boys’ arrival on the island in Lord of the Flies?

9. What is an example from Chapter 2: “Fire on the Mountain” that illustrates Piggy’s position within the group?

10. Why do you think Piggy’s statements during the meeting are largely ignored in Chapter 2: “Fire on the Mountain”?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the characters of Percival, Johnny, and Henry, as introduced in Chapter 4. How old are the majority of the “littluns” on the island? How do these characters spend most of their time on the island? What fears compel the littluns in the story?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of “The Individual versus Community” in Lord of the Flies. How has Ralph’s “community” been destroyed in the course of the novel? How does Ralph feel this loss? Do you think Ralph would choose to join Jack’s tribe if he were given the chance? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the use of face paint by Jack and his fellow hunters in Chapter 4: “Painted Faces and Long Hair.” Why does Jack decide he and his hunters need to wear makeup? What does this suggest about their level of civility? How does this mark a change in their behaviors?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 965 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample