Id, Ego, and Superego

 Today we explore the id, ego, and superego through chapter 11.

For each of the following categories, identify at least two examples in chapter 11 which indicate behaviours that align with that specific aspect of Freud's Structure of the Psyche.

1. The Id: Jack and His Followers

The id represents the unconscious, primal instincts, seeking immediate gratification without regard for morality or societal rules. Jack embodies the id in this chapter, fully succumbing to savagery and his desire for power. His group at Castle Rock mirrors this descent into unchecked aggression and hedonism.

2. The Ego: Ralph

The ego mediates between the id’s desires and the superego’s moral standards, trying to operate within the bounds of reality. Ralph represents the ego in this chapter.

3. The Superego: Piggy

The superego represents the moral conscience and societal values. Piggy serves as the embodiment of the superego in this chapter.

And more :)

1. The conch is destroyed and Piggy dies in this chapter. How are these events connected symbolically, and what does this signify about the state of civilization on the island?
2. What role does Piggy’s speech about rules and morality play in the chapter? How does his argument reflect his character and his belief in civilization?
3. How does Jack’s leadership style evolve by this point in the novel? What tactics does he use to maintain control over his tribe?
4. Consider the role of fear in this chapter. How does fear influence the decisions and actions of the boys on both sides of the conflict?

English 11 group stuff!

1. Make a map of the island as though you are part of Ralph's camp. What would you label? Consider what the priorities are for this group. Include notes on your decisions!
2. Make a map of the island as though you are part of Jack's camp. What would you label? Consider what the priorities are for this group. Include notes on your decisions!
3. Write the word "FEAR" on the middle of your chart paper. Map out the meaning and effect of fear on the boys.
4. Symbolism: Pick 3 profound symbols from the text; how has the meaning of these symbols shifted?

Lord of the FRIES

Chapter 10

1. How much of their rationalization is self-deception, and how does this affect their ability to maintain their moral compass?
2. What does Ralph’s internal struggle reveal about his character in this chapter?
3. In what ways do the boys cope with the moral implications of Simon’s death?
4. How does the death of Simon affect the boys' perception of the beast, and what does it suggest about their growing savagery?
5. How does the condition of the glasses relate to the overall theme of civilization vs. savagery?
6. How does the idea of fear continue to influence the boys' actions and decisions in this chapter?
7. What role does fear of the unknown or fear of the beast play in their behavior?

Happy Friday

English 12: Politics and the English Language

1. Orwell argues that "language is political," and that unclear or deceptive language serves to obscure truth and manipulate thought. Do you think this is still true today? Can you identify contemporary examples where language has been used to mislead or control public opinion?
2. Orwell describes a "vulgarity" in the use of phrases like "as a matter of fact" or "the fact that." What role do clichés and overused expressions play in weakening communication?
3. In this essay, George Orwell states that political writing often uses language that "prevents thought" and "makes it easier to act in ways that are morally questionable." Do you think political language today is more transparent or deceptive than it was in Orwell's time? Provide examples!
4. Orwell mentions that "the great enemy of clear language is insincerity." Do you agree with this statement? Can a writer or speaker maintain clarity while also being insincere?

And the big question:

In what ways does Orwell's concerns presented "Politics and the English Language" appear in 1984?

HERE IS THE ESSAY THAT YOU SHOULD READ.

English 11

It's Simon time!

Here are some quotes related to Simon (sorry, no citations!):

1. “Maybe there is a beast… maybe it’s only us.” and “What I mean is… maybe it’s only us.”
2. “Fancy thinking the Beast was something you could hunt and kill!… You knew, didn’t you? I’m part of you?”
3. “The beast is harmless and horrible, and the beast is within.”

How do these quotes collectively contribute to our understanding of Simon’s unique insight into human nature and the concept of inherent evil?

English 11

 English 11: Time to meet the Lord of the Flies

Time for Simon

Today we've read chapter 8 and 9, and seen all there is to see about Simon. Unfortunately, I'm away today, but please feel free to use this little page to guide your writing and thinking as we begin to see what's going on behind his character. First read my quick summaries below.

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In chapter 7 Simon returns to the camp before the boys see "The Beast" at night time. In chapter 8, Simon is skeptical, and says there's nothing to do but return to the mountain. Time to take a close look at Simon.

In chapter 8, Simon determines to return to the mountain to confirm whether or not the beast exists. During this journey, meets The Lord of the Flies who taunts and threatens him. This is a stern warning for Simon, and only Simon is ever able to speak with this phenomenon. With the id, ego, and superego in mind, Simon is a problematic character; he exhibits no savage impulse. Further, The Lord of the Flies is an allusion to Beelzebub, prince of demons - the devil. The implications of this dialogue are far-reaching and profound.

In chapter 9, Simon ascends the mountain and discovers the truth about the beast. With this news in mind, he cuts some of the lines holding the dead parachutist in place and descends the mountain to bring this news to the other boys. For the rest, you'll have to read the chapter.😉

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To begin, we have some questions - and Friday a discussion/extended response. Please work through these questions below, first. Answers may become extensive; there's a lot of room here for inference and speculation. You might wonder about how the id, ego, and superego play a role - especially with Simon. Make inferences and support answers with some of the material we've used to support our reading. 

1. Who is the new character at the end of chapter 8, and why is Simon able to communicate with it?
2. Why wouldn't Simon conform to the discovery of the other boys on top of the mountain?
3. How does Simon see reality differently than the rest of the boys on the island? Consider how he experiences heat, sees the forest, and his skepticism of the beast.
4. How is his ability to see things differently a threat to the savagery of the island?
5. Why do the other boys perceive Simon differently at the end of chapter 9? (and no, it's not just because it's dark)

Once done, hand this in. I'm not assigning chapter 10, yet.

English stuff

English 12

Change the telescreen questions to the following:

1. (a) What does O'Brien identify as Winston's problem?
2. (b) How do we see thatO'Brien exists within the private confines of Winston's mind?
3. (c) Why does Winston struggle with memory when he is one of the author's of The Party's revised history?

English 10

Today we're beginning some work on TED Talks. How do you give a good ted talk? How do we speak so others will listen?

Before the examples, a great TED talk on speaking so people will listen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIho2S0ZahI

Some examples.

https://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_do_schools_kill_creativity?subtitle=en

https://www.ted.com/talks/joe_smith_how_to_use_a_paper_towel?subtitle=en

https://www.ted.com/talks/joe_kowan_how_i_beat_stage_fright?subtitle=en

Friday friday!

 English 11

We will be going to the 2nd ceremony today. For B1 we'll be working :)

Today we're going to work with some of the brainstorming from our PLT day. After discussing the implications and language of chapter 7, we're going to write an extended response to any one of the four positions we discussed. Notes are all posted on the wall.

The question: How does the quality of leadership determine the health of society in LOTF?

English 12

Winston's busted! Here's stuff.