Critical Essay Structure How would you structure your

Critical Essay Structure

How would you structure your answer? How does a character change throughout the novel?

Write the introductory paragraph…

Write the introductory paragraph… The character of Jack Merridew from William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies” is a very interesting character. He begins the novel as the “head boy of the choir” but descends into ruthless barbarity with a painted tribal face. This decline into savagery, Golding suggests, is a direct result of the boys’ isolation. With no adults there is no society to maintain the rules of civlisation and the character of Jack experiences the greatest deterioration.

How do you structure the main body paragraphs?

P E A R

P Begin your paragraph by stating your point. This introduces the paragraph and tells the reader what you will be discussing. e. g. As a character Jack experiences the biggest change throughout the novel. When the boys first crash land on the island Jack is the epitome of polite English schoolboy.

E EXAMPLE This is when you give an example of the technique by using a quotation. e. g. This is clearly demonstrated when Jack fights to maintain the society they knew well before the plane crash. "We've got to have rules and obey them. After all, we're not savages. We're English, and the English are best at everything. "

A ANALYSIS Once you have quoted you must explain how the technique is working in the poem. What is the writer doing here? What effect is he creating? e. g. This comment clearly demonstrates Jack’s background. However his repeated use of “English” emphasizes the cultural profile of this young boy and suggests an upbringing within strict social confines. The final section: “the English are best at everything" also demonstrates the arrogance of this egomaniacal character.

R RESPONSE Now you need to respond to the use of the technique. e. g. The description of Jack in these terms evokes the impression of a polite, wellmannered boy to whom the idea of not having rules is abhorrent. His mention of ‘savages’ foreshadows his ultimate decline into cruel barbarism.

Every main body paragraph that you write must follow this model. As a character Jack experiences the biggest change throughout the novel. When the boys first crash land on the island Jack is the epitome of polite English schoolboy. This is clearly demonstrated when Jack fights to maintain the society they lived in before the plane crash. "We've got to have rules and obey them. After all, we're not savages. We're English, and the English are best at everything. ” This comment clearly demonstrates Jack’s background. His repeated use of “English” emphasizes the cultural profile of this young boy and suggests an upbringing within strict social confines. However, the final section: “the English are best at everything" also demonstrates the inherent arrogance of this egomaniacal character. The description of Jack in these terms evokes the impression of a polite, well-mannered boy to whom the idea of not having rules is abhorrent. However the mention of ‘savages’ foreshadows his ultimate decline into cruel barbarism.

Now to conclude…