Lord of the Flies Creative Assignment

Man is least himself

when he talks in his
own person. Give him
a mask, and he will
tell you the truth.
-Oscar Wilde

Masks allow us to choose how the world sees us. In a sense, we put on a mask every
day: The way we present ourselves to the world school, public places, work. Maybe only
those closest to us see us as we really are. The face we give to the world lets us show
and hide specific things about ourselves, just like Jack can hide behind the charcoal on
his face

He knelt, holding the shell of water. A rounded patch of sunlight fell on his face and
brightness appeared in the depths of the water. He looked in astonishment, no longer
at himself but at an awesome stranger. He spilt the water and leapt to his feet,
laughing excitedly. Beside the mere his sinewy body held up a mask that drew their
eyes and appalled them. He began to dance and his laughter became a bloodthirsty
snarling the mask was a thing on its own, behind which Jack hid, liberated from
shame and self-consciousness. (Golding 66)

TASK
1. Create two masks. One mask represents a character in Lord of the Flies. Create
another mask that represents you. Both masks should represent elements of the
face that the public sees and elements of the face that depicts how you feel
you really are.

2. Write three paragraphs describing your mask:

(Make sure you are including introductory and concluding sentences, as well as
following the point proof comment format)

o Paragraph 1: Explain the mask. How have you represented the internal and
external characteristics of the character? What symbols have you used and
how do they represent the character. Support your choices using evidence
(quotes) from the text.
o Paragraph 2: Describe what you wanted to show and hide about yourself in
your mask, and explain how your mask accomplishes this. What does your
public face depict? What does your real face depict? Explain the
symbolism in your mask. What rationale do you have for your colour
choices? Is the size/shape of the mask important? Etc.
You may use first person point of view
o Paragraph 3: Describe the idea of masking. When do people wear masks?
Why do they? What do the masks give them, or how do the masks change
them? Think about some of the different personas you wear on a regular
basis. Why do you employ them? Are they necessary? Do they help or hinder
you? Use specific examples to support your observations.
You may use first person point of view

TO BE SUBMITTED:
TWO masks
THREE paragraphs (typed; double spaced; do not do one per page if there is
 extra room on your page start your next paragraph on the same one lets try to
conserve paper )
Planner
Rubric

Due Date: ____________________________________________________

Mask Assignment Planner

Mask One

Character:

Brainstorm ideas for Public

symbols, colours, sizes, Significance Evidence or
designs, etc. Hidde
n
Face?
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.
10.

Mask Two
Character: YOU
Brainstorm ideas for Public
symbols, colours, sizes, Significance Example from your life or
designs, etc. Hidden
Face?
Ex. Butterfly designs Butterflies represent social - butterflies represent the many social P
beings (a social butterfly) circles I am a part of (soccer, relay for
life committee, friend circles, family)- I
prefer spending time in groups than
alone (this is where I thrive and I am
my best self)
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.
10.

Paragraph Three Planner: Describe the idea of masking

Prompt Response Example

When do people
wear masks?

Why do they?

What do the
masks give
them, or how do
the masks
change them?

Think about
some of the
different
personas you
wear on a
regular basis

Why do you
employ them?

Are they
necessary?
Do they help or
hinder you?