HONORS - Lord of the Flies, Chapter 2 - Civilization vs Savagery

Jack Merridew: “I agree with Ralph. We’ve got to have rules and obey them. After all, we’re not savages. We’re English and the English are the best at everything. So we’ve got to do the right things.” (Golding 42)

"Beneath the capering boys a quarter of a mile square of forest was savage with smoke and flame... Startled, Ralph realized that the boys were falling still and silent, feeling the beginnings of awe at the power set free below them. The knowledge and the awe made him savage." (Golding 44)

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In chapter 2 of Lord of the Flies, William Golding depicts rising tension between Jack and Ralph. The conflict between the boys symbolizes a central conflict in the novel: civilization vs savagery. Each boy on the island will have to confront this conflict. Jack and Ralph's strained relationship also foreshadows important events from later in the novel.

In a thoughtful post of at least two paragraphs, please explore some of the following questions:

• How would you define "savage"?
• What does Jack mean by saying that the boys are not "savages"?
• Why is Ralph "savage" as a result of power?
• Does power make people savage?
• What do you think Golding is foreshadowing, and why?
• How does this conflict relate to our thematic essential questions of How might evil come to flourish in a society? and How do societal structures function and why might they break?

How you organize your thoughts is up to you. But take this as an opportunity to look into your views and analyses of what we have read thus far. You may use first-person pronouns, if appropriate for your post, but please avoid second-person pronouns, and be sure to use present tense verbs when discussing the text.

DUE: Friday, February 28, 10pm

CP - Ralph vs Jack = Civilization vs Savagery

In chapter 2 of Lord of the Flies, Jack states, “I agree with Ralph. We’ve got to have rules and obey them. After all, we’re not savages. We’re English and the English are the best at everything. So we’ve got to do the right things” (Golding 42). 

In this chapter, William Golding builds tension between Jack and Ralph. The conflict between the boys symbolizes a central conflict in the novel: civilization vs savagery. Each boy on the island will have to confront this conflict.

In a thoughtful blog post of at least two paragraphs, please explore some of the following questions (at least 2):

• Who seems like a better leader, Ralph or Jack? Why?
• How would you define "savage"? Are people savage by nature or do they become that way later?
• What does Jack mean by saying that the boys are not "savages"? Is he right?
• How would you explain the conflict between civilization and savagery? Have you ever felt this tension yourself? If so, what were the circumstances?
• How does the conflict of civilization vs savagery relate to our thematic essential questions of How might evil come to flourish in a society? and How do societal structures function and why might they break?

How you organize your thoughts is up to you. But take this as an opportunity to look into your views and analyses of what we have read thus far. You may use first-person pronouns, if appropriate for your post, but please avoid second-person pronouns, and be sure to use present-tense verbs when discussing the text.

DUE: Friday, February 28, 7am

Semester 1 Writing Reflection

Now that we have reviewed the mid-year exam and the mid-year benchmark writing assessment, you will have an opportunity to reflect on your writing. You will post your reflection on your blog.

First, re-read your work. Review (or think about) the Google Presentation we viewed in class. In your blog post of 1-2 paragraphs, be sure to identify specific things you need to work on, or would like to work on, this semester. Communicate what improvements you are hoping to make this semester and how you will make them.

This post will be graded; it is worth 10 points in the Essays category of your grade.

• 9-10: thoughtful, accurate reflection on steps student should take to improve
• 7-8: thoughtful reflection on steps student should take to improve
• 6: attempt to reflect on steps student should take to improve
• 0-5: post is not complete or demonstrates little thought 

DUE - Friday, Feb. 7

Semester 2 - Blog Kick-Off

Welcome to 2nd semester! If you've had me before, take a moment to double-check your use name, blog title, and your digital identity (first names only!). Feel free to change the look of your blog, too. Then, move ahead to the writing prompt.

For new students, you'll do 2 things today: create a blog and write your first post.

1. Log into your school Google account.

2. Navigate to Blogger. (Open this site in a different tab or window.)

3. Click "New Blog" on the left-hand side of your page to create your blog.

4. Give your blog a title that follows this format: First name Last initial's English 9 Blog. For example, if your name is John Smith, your blog should be called John S. English 9 Blog.

5. Give your blog a custom URL that follows this format: First name Last initial English 9 Blog. For example, if your name is John Smith, your blog URL should be johnsenglish9blog.blogspot.com. 

6. Choose a template (you may choose whatever template you like, and you can feel free to change this later).

7. Once your blog is set up, fill out this form to make sure I have all of your blog information. THIS STEP IS VERY IMPORTANT! I will be reading and commenting on your blog posts throughout the semester, and I will need this URL.

8. Finally, write a response to the following topic. Please use the subject line An Important Lesson. 
What is the biggest lesson you have learned in your first semester of high school? Your lesson may be about academics, athletics, friends, sports, family, or anything else you wish to write about. Remember that this will be posted publicly, so keep your identifying information private.

Please review this article about online safety for teens. Remember, you should never post personal information online!