Analyzing Moral Development in Lord of the Flies: Chapter 10 Essay

In Chapter 10 of William Golding's "Lord of the Flies," the main characters react to Simon's murder in different ways. Using Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development, analyze how Jack, Ralph, and Piggy explain or deny their involvement in Simon's death. Consider the level of moral reasoning each character demonstrates (pre-conventional, conventional, or post-conventional), provide specific evidence from the text, and explain your reasoning.

You have 2 attempts to write this, which means you will receive feedback after your first attempt, and the second time you Turn In your assignment is final.

Essay Prompt: Moral Reasoning and the Death of Simon

Objective: Analyze how the characters in Chapter 10 of Lord of the Flies process their involvement in Simon’s murder through the lens of Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development. This is very similar to what you did with Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: 4 paragraphs with a claim, evidence, and support.

The Task

In a well-structured essay, analyze the reactions of Ralph, Piggy, and Jack to Simon’s death. For each character, you must:

1. Identify the Stage: Categorize the character’s reaction into one of Kohlberg’s three levels of moral reasoning:

• Pre-conventional (Self-interest/Punishment avoidance)
• Conventional (Social order/Group expectations)
• Post-conventional (Universal ethics/Internalized principles)

2.Provide Textual Evidence: Use specific quotes or actions from Chapter 10 to show how they explain away or deny their role in the "dance."

3.Connect to Theory: Explain why their specific excuse or denial fits that level of moral development by discussing how the quote proves their level of moral development.