Name__________________________
Sophomore English
Annotation Guide
Lord of the Flies – chapter 4 -- “Painted Faces and Long Hair”
Throughout our study of Lord of the Flies, you will pay particular attention to four central
ideas upon which William Golding focuses. As you read and annotate the novel, be
aware of these topics and mark passages wherever you notice that they come up, both
directly and indirectly.
RULES/ORDER: Consider the importance of rules and order in the island
society and what happens in its absence.
HUMAN NATURE: Consider Golding’s position on how humans instinctively
behave in ways that are good, evil, and everything in between.
LEADERSHIP: Consider the most important and the most effective qualities in a
leader.
OBLIGATION: Consider the obligations we have as humans as the events
unfold on the island. Consider how the roles of perpetrator, victim, and bystander
can be applied to the characters on the island.
Stylistic Devices
Make marginal notes identifying/explaining the following stylistic devices as you see
them.
Characterization-analysis of characters based upon what they do, say, think and
what others say and think about them.
o Major characters to note: Ralph, Piggy, Jack, Simon
Symbolism-when something stands for something else
o Major symbols to note: conch shell, fire, Piggy’s glasses, beastie
Foreshadowing-hint of what is going to happen later in the story
Irony-words that mean exact opposite of literal or normal meaning
o Dramatic-contrast between what a character knows about events and what
reader knows
o Situational-contrast between what the reader expects and what actually
happens
o Verbal-writer says one thing but really means something completely
different
