By William Golding

Gifted Sophomore English

Fall 2005

Deadline to read the novel: October 10, 2005

Requirements:

1. Questions for Socratic Seminar

Bring in 10 questions on the novel to use in a two-day Socratic Seminar. Be sure to write QUALITY questions (see handout) and be prepared to give QUALITY responses. Consider: plot, tone, irony, figurative language, character development, conflicts, theme, point-of-view, symbolism, etc.

Grading Criteria: Written questions prepared as homework: 20 points

(2 per question)

Inner Circle Discussion: 21 points

(7 points per quality response, minimum of three)

Outer Circle Responsibilities: 15 points

Total: 56 points

2. Two Thought Commentaries

The goal of this assignment is for you to respond personally to the literature based on your own intimate reading of the text and for you to relate the novel to your own life in a meaningful way. However, in order for you to be successful, you must always respond to specific details from the novel and always explain your choice of topics.

The commentaries should be at least a page (typed, single-spaced, 12-point font) each. If the commentary is handwritten, it should be at least 2 pages (front and back).

Possible Thought Commentary Topics:

Characterization

1. Compare yourself or someone you know to one of the main characters in the work. Point out the similarities and try to account for the differences between the two.

2. Express your disagreement with a character’s actions, values, or behaviors. Why is the character thinking or acting this way? What do you see wrong with it? What would you suggest as a better response or behavior?

Setting

3. What effect does the setting (time, place, etc.) have on the character’s thoughts, actions, or choices? What would be your reaction to having to adapt to that environment?

4. How does the setting of the work differ from your world? What environment do you prefer and why?

Symbolism, Theme, and Other Literary Stuff

5. Point out an idea or theme—either a stated or an implied theme—which is meaningful to you. Explain its significance in the work and why it is meaningful to you.

6. Pick three or four symbols from outside the novel that you would associate with a particular character. Explain the appropriateness of each one with reference to the section.

7. Does this work call to mind any other literary work (prose, play, film, story, novel, poem, etc.)? Describe the work that it reminds you of and explain the connection between the two works.

8. Compare a character in this work with a character from another piece of literature. Explain the similarities and differences between these two.

9. Pick out three or four archetypes you see in the novel, and explain the meaning of the archetypes and how they affect the story.

Miscellaneous Topics

10. Compare a specific event in the story’s plot with a situation from your own life. Show the similarities and differences. Explain the reasons for the differences.

11. Select what you consider the most important episode in the section of work. Explain what happens. Tell why you think it is important to the section. Describe your reaction and explain why you reacted this way.

12. What changes would you suggest for this piece of literature? Explain why you would make the changes.

13. What questions would you like to ask the author? Explain why you would ask those questions.

Also, be prepared for:

1. Quotations discussion quiz (October 10)

2. Literary analysis paper on the novel