English 11: Lord of the Flies--Essay Assignment Mr. McPherson

        You are to choose one of the topics listed below and write a critical essay of between 600 and 700 words. This essay will be double spaced, written in ink or typed and be presented in STANDARD WRITTEN ENGLISH which means NO first person point of view or contractions--the tone must be formal. A critical essay is one that has an argumentative edge to it--in other words, your job is to make a claim about some item in the story and defend it; you must be aware of both sides of your claim and consider how your argument might be challenged.

• Trace the development of one of the major symbols in the novel--make sure you show how its role changes over time and how it is perceived by the characters as they change.
  

• This essay will examine the roles of Ralph and Jack and show how the conflict between them reflects the larger conflict of good vs evil.
  

• By examining the changing ways the boys see the "beastie," it can be shown that fear is the strongest human emotion.
  

• By applying Darwin's notion of "survival of the fittest" to the island society, it can be proved that Jack is better equipped to lead than Ralph.
  

• I expect you all to proofread this essay carefully before submission. I will be marking especially carefully. I will be looking for good clear flow of ideas within and between paragraphs, effective use of examples and professional presentation (no simple errors). I suggest you proofread aloud.

  Get someone else to proof your work.
  

  Due Date: (Will be given with paper copy of this form)

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