Lord of the Flies Chapter 8: Simon as a Christ Figure
Explore Lord of the Flies Chapter 8 through an evidence-based discussion of Simon as a possible Christ figure. Students examine symbolism and allusion, evaluate connections to the novel’s themes, and consider the strengths and limits of this interpretation.
← All Lord of the Flies unit lessons
Learning Goals
- I will be able to identify and understand the symbolic significance of Simon’s encounter with the pig’s head.
- I will gain insights into the application of psychoanalytic theory in literature, particularly in interpreting the pig’s head as a representation of the collective unconscious.
- I will be able to provide support for my ideas with evidence from the text and the article.
Materials
LotF Digital Copy
LotF Audio Chapter 8 (40:11)
Teen Ink: Simon as a Christ Figure
Chapter 8 Questions
Process
- Before reading Lord of the Flies Chapter 8, read the attached article from Teen Ink.
- Read Chapter 8 of Lord of the Flies.
- Answer the chapter questions.
Lord of the Flies Chapter 8 Questions
- In what ways is Simon’s encounter with the pig’s head an analogy for Christ’s temptation by Satan?
- In the scene, Simon is being tested. Explain this.
- Explain the pig’s head using a psychoanalytic lens. Hint: it has something to do with the collective unconscious.
- Explan Roger and his actions using a psychoanalytic lens.
Curriculum Connections
Ontario Grade 9 English (ENL1W)
- C3.1: Analyze literary devices, including allusion, and explain how they create meaning.
- C3.2: Make inferences using explicit and implicit evidence.
- C3.3: Analyze complex literary and informational texts and formulate conclusions.
Common Core State Standards (Grades 9–10)
- RL.9-10.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence.
- RL.9-10.2: Analyze the development of themes or central ideas.
- RL.9-10.4: Analyze the impact of word choice, figurative language, and connotation.
Differentiation and Extensions
Differentiation: Pre-teach the idea of literary allusion and provide a two-column organizer for evidence and interpretation. Students who need more support can work from a small set of teacher-selected details before finding an additional example independently.
Extension: Ask students to evaluate the limits of the Christ-figure interpretation by identifying evidence that supports it and evidence that complicates it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do students need detailed biblical knowledge for this lesson?
No. Provide the background needed for the specific allusions being discussed so the lesson remains focused on literary analysis.
Should students be told that Simon is definitively a Christ figure?
It is more useful to frame this as an interpretation and ask students to evaluate how strongly the textual evidence supports it.
How can I keep the discussion analytical?
Require students to connect each claimed parallel or allusion to a specific detail from the novel and explain its effect on meaning.
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