Journalism is the gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information. The purpose of journalism is to provide citizens with the information about their lives, communities, societies, and their governments. Journalism jobs include a broadcast journalist, editorial assistant, editor, magazine journalist, etc. Universities like UBC and SFU offer journalism degrees.

Why is Canadian Journalism under threat or crisis?

Journalism has been under threat or crisis due to economic factors, such as the erosion of the traditional advertising model, have led to the widespread shuttering of local media outlets across the country – particularly newspapers. Further exacerbating this crisis of journalism have been government attempts to constrain the freedom of journalists to report, often through the auspices of restrictive national security legislation such as Bill C-51.

How is journalism connected with and necessary for a thriving democracy?

Journalism is necessary for a thriving democracy because the ability of citizens to participate effectively in a democracy requires them to be well-informed on the issues of the day. Providing credible, accurate information to the public is an essential function of journalism in a democracy. When local, regional or national issues are under-reported or neglected entirely, citizens are ill-equipped to fully participate in democratic decision-making.

Why are traditional Canadian journalistic outlets losing money?

Traditional news media in Canada (Radio, television, newspapers) face tremendous financial challenges as public attention and advertising dollars gravitate towards major online digital platforms like Facebook and Google.

How has the government of Canada further constrained journalism?

Further exacerbating the quality of journalism in Canada has been government efforts to limit the independence and autonomy of journalists in how they report.

What is freedom of expression? How has it been attacked? Why is it important?

Freedom of expression is the freedom of an individual to articulate their opinions and ideas without fear of retaliation, etc. These attacks on journalists’ freedom to report have not gone unnoticed. In response to the spying scandal in Quebec, the provincial government has promised to implement the recommendations of the Chamberland Commission – the official inquiry into the scandal – including greater protections for journalists and their confidential sources.

The Good Place + Mean Girls 

(A short fan-fiction combining the series “The Good Place” and the movie “Mean Girls”)

*underlined sentences represent annotations, allusions to the show or movie.

Eleanor Shellstrop wakes up in the afterlife and is introduced by Michael to “The Good Place”, a highly selective Heaven – like utopia he designed, as a reward for her righteous life. She is then introduced to her assigned soulmate, Aaron Samuels, one of the most popular guys in North Shore, Good Place. 

However, she realizes that she was sent to the ‘Good Place’ by mistake and must hide her morally imperfect behavior while trying to become a better and more ethical person. 

Eleanor tells Aaron that she has been mistaken for someone else and he agrees to teach Eleanor to become a better person to earn her place for real.  

Eleanor: “I mean somebody royally forked up. Forked up. Wait why can’t I say forked?” 

Aaron: “Well, this is the good place, you can’t swear.” 

Upon realizing the rules of the Good Place, Eleanor comes across the ‘burn book’: an old journal full of secrets, rumors and insults of everyone in ‘Good Place.’ Eleanor decides to steal and read the book so she can discover other people like her who don’t entirely deserve to be in the Good Place.

Before she could do anything, her neighbor is introduced to her as a silent Buddhist monk named Jianyu Li (who happens to be wearing pink on a Wednesday). Jianyu reveals that he is actually a dimwitted DJ from Florida named Jason Mendoza, who also believes he has been sent to The Good Place by mistake. Jason, floored with happiness, realizes that he isn’t the only mistake in the “Good Place” states “she doesn’t even go here!”

Amidst confusion and nervousness, Eleanor and Jianyu attempt to “fit in” with the good people to keep their spots in the Good Place.

The 20 annotations:

“The Good Place” : refers to the utopia designed by Michael which is inhabited by all the good people. Also alludes to the title.

“Assigned soulmate” : this term was underlined as it refers to the Good Place and how each person is being assigned their idea soulmate.

“Aaron Samuels” : a character in the Mean Girls, in this fan fiction, happens to be the protagonists’ soulmate.

“North Shore” : reference/ allusion to the high school in Mean Girls

“You must hide her morally imperfect behavior while trying to become a better and more ethical person.” : a popular line stated by Chidi, in the Good Place.

In both the movie and the show, characters pretended to be someone they weren’t.

In the Good Place, Chidi agreed to help the main protagonist with ethics and morals, similar to this fan fiction.

“I mean somebody royally forked up. Forked up. Wait why can’t I say forked?”  : a popular line stated by the main character in the good place.

“Well, this is the good place, you can’t swear.”  : alludes to how profanity is banned in the Good Place, and is replaced with other words.

“Burn Book” : reference to the burn book in the Mean Girls.

In both, they stole it.

Wearing Pink on Wednesdays is a common and popular line in the Mean Girls. Along with “she does not even go here.”

In both the movie and the series, the main characters wanted to fit in.

1. Why does Ralph believe that the savages will not leave him alone?

The deaths of Piggy and Simon assure him that he’ll also be murdered. He believes that Jack and his tribe are savages and can go to extremes.

2. What does Ralph do to the “Lord of the Flies”?

Upon seeing the Lord of the Flies, “A sick fear and rage swept over him” (page 205). He then punches it and backs away. 

3. Although he doesn’t like the idea of savages, why does he have such a strong desire to spend the night with them at Castle Rock?

“He felt his isolation bitterly” and liked the idea of being with the savages due to the “ambushing fears of the deep night” (page 206). He also wants companionship. 

4. When Ralph asks Samneric what the savages plan to do with him if they catch him, what is the boys’ response? What does the response suggest?

Sam and Eric claim that they Ralph will be hunted and killed. Sam and Eric state that Roger “sharpened a stick at both ends” (page 211). This suggests that he will be treated just like the “Lord of the Flies” was. They will leave his head on a stick. 

5. To the officer, what does it appear that the boys were doing?

He thought the boys were playing a game. 

6. Why was he disappointed in them?

He was disappointed in them because he thought that “English boys were better than that” (page 223). 

7. Why did the British officers come? What is ironic about that?

It is ironic that the boys are rescued by a member of the military because his actions in war require him to bring death and destruction. The irony can be found in the fact that the officer immediately chastises the boys for their behavior (of killing and committing savagery).

8. When the officer asks who is in charge, who replies? Is there any argument about this?

Ralph replies and a little boy tries to intervene, but steps back. There seems to be no argument about this. 

9. After condemning the boys for their behaviour, the author points out that the officer eyes his boat at anchor. After taking the boys on board, what will be the cruiser’s job?

The cruiser’s job is to look for enemies to kill.

10. A microcosm is a miniature world that mirrors the larger world. Consider the three previous questions and state how the island turns out to be a microcosm.

It is a microcosm because their small world represents our real world. Each person on the island symbolizes a certain person on this world. For example, Piggy represented rational and intelligence, where Jack represented savagery. Each character’s characteristics are different, and represent those in our world.   

11. In the miniature island world, what is it that these boys represent: Ralph, Piggy, Jack, Roger, and Simon?

Ralph: democracy, civilization 

Jack: savagery 

Roger: aggression, violence 

Simon: goodness 

Morality– the extent to which an action is right or wrong. It is the distinction between good and bad; morality can also be a system of values and principles of conduct, especially one held by a specific person. 

Spirituality– a sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves.

Martyr– a person who is killed because of their (religious) beliefs. 

Is Simon a martyr? Why or why not?

I believe that Simon is a martyr because he was killed due to his beliefs that didn’t align with Jack’s or anyone else’s. Simon carried great intuition and generosity. His remarks about the beast displayed his deeper understanding and maturity. These qualities are not seen in any of the other boys. He is the martyr because is his attempt to warn and save the others, he was savagely beaten and killed. Due to his beliefs and his spiritual nature, he was seen as an outsider or “strange” according to the others. 

How does spirituality lend itself to the pursuit of being a good person?

Spirituality puts a person on a “higher level” of consciousness with emphasis on spiritual thoughts and deeds. Spirituality leads to awareness about kindness, generosity, and allows one to not be plagued by the meaningless things in life. For example, in Lord of the Flies, Simon’s spirituality kept him away from savagery and from killing/ hunting. His spirituality allowed for acts of kindness and generosity. 

What are saintly qualities?

Generosity, kindness, empathy, sympathy, patience and integrity. 

Find three passages that highlight Simon’s good / spiritual /saintly qualities.  Describe how they illustrate Simon’s character?

Simon’s goodness, spirituality, and saintliness were evident in several parts of the novel. In chapter 4, Jack refused to give Piggy some meat. Despite Jack’s objection, Simon shares some meat with Piggy. “Simon, sitting between the twins and Piggy, wiped his mouth and shoved his piece of meat over the rocks to Piggy, who grabbed it” (page 78). This displays Simon’s generosity and goodness as he shares his food despite being in a situation where meat is limited. Simon’s helpfulness was evident in chapter 3 as he helped Ralph build shelters while the littluns played and Jack hunted. Ralph expressed his frustration by stating that “the littluns are hopeless. The older ones aren’t much better. All day I’ve been working with Simon” (page 51). This displays Simon’s helpfulness which is rare, especially on the island where there is a lack of responsibility and helpfulness. Furthermore, Simon also helps the littluns grab fruit. This was described in chapter 8 where his helpfulness towards the littluns was shown, contributing to his good qualities.

Answer the following question in a paragraph:  How does the Simon’s behavior and his treatment by the other boys so far sit into the larger allegory of the story this far?

Simon is the incarnation of goodness and saintliness. Simon represents saintliness and a kind of innate, spiritual human goodness that is deeply connected with nature. The other characters in the novel abandon moral behavior as soon as civilization no longer imposes upon them; they are not innately moral but have simply been conditioned to act morally. Out of all the other children on the island, only Simon acts morally not out of some guilt or shame but out of his inherent value. Simon’s natural goodness baffles the boys and leads them to think that he is “strange” or that “he is queer and funny” (page 56). This results in the brutal murder of Simon.

1. Piggy comes up with a plan, a speech he will approach Jack with. In this plan, he clearly shows he has no understanding of the “ways of the island.” What does Piggy believe Jack will respond to?

Piggy believes Jack will respond to the conch and his logic.

2. What is it that Samneric fear about the savages’ warpaint?

Sam and Eric fear that Jack and his group will become more savage when they put on their warpaint.

3. Who kills Piggy and how?

Roger kills Piggy by releasing a boulder that rolls Piggy over.

4. How does the tribe respond to Piggy’s death?

The tribe showed no remorse or concern. Instead, they seemed to celebrate it.

5. Why do Sam and Eric join the hunters?

They are forced to join the hunters due to the tribes’ torturous ways.

6. The last sentence states: “Roger advanced upon them [Samneric] as one wielding a nameless authority.” What is the “nameless authority” that clings to Roger? In other words, what is his position within the tribe? What is he associated with in the tribe and what keeps building up within him?

Roger is associated with violence and aggression.

Piggy says that the killing of Simon was an accident not murder, and that they are not to blame. To what extent do you think this is true?

Piggy claims that Simon’s death was an accident to justify his actions. Everyone participated in the killing, and they did it knowingly. Even though the killing ensued due to fear, it is certainly not an accident. There are many reasons for the murder, such as fear of the beast, being caught up in the moment and letting savagery take control of them. However, these reasons can not justify the murder. 

When Ralph says, “I’m frightened. Of us,” what does he mean that frightens him?

Ralph is beginning to realize their inner evil and savagery, causing him to be frightened of his own malicious capabilities.  

When they first meet up, are Sam, Eric, Ralph, and Piggy being truthful with each other? Explain.

Sam and Eric claim to not have participated in the murder and clearly aren’t being truthful with each other. Upon meeting Ralph and Piggy, Sam and Eric claim “so [we] left early because we were tired” (page 175). Their uncertainty and hesitance proves that they are being untruthful about witnessing/ participating in the murder.  

What is an example of Jack’s abuse of power?

Jack abuses his power as he punishes anyone he wants. According to Robert, Jack is “going to beat Wilfred because he got angry. He later tied him for hours” (page 176). This statement proves that Jack is abusing others for no stated reason but besides the fact that he is the chief and can do what he desires. 

How or why do the boys believe Simon was the beast yet are still worried about the beast’s existence?

The entire tribe, including Jack, seems to believe that Simon really was the beast, and that the beast is capable of assuming any disguise. Jack states that they must continue to guard against the beast because it is never truly dead.

When the “curtain” in Ralph’s mind is mentioned, what is suggested as happening?

The curtain is used as a metaphor. It symbolizes a difference between civilization and savagery.

In the raid, why are Piggy’s glasses taken but not the shell?

The conch no longer contains any significance or importance since democracy no longer exists. Jack doesn’t want/ need to know the opinions of his group members and hence doesn’t require the conch. 

At the beginning of the chapter, explain what Simon discovers and what he realizes he must do.

Simon sees the parachute rise and fall with the wind and realizes that the boys have mistaken this for the beast. He discovers that he must tell the others about what he’s seen.

In this chapter, what are signs of Jack’s power?

He was described as “sitting like an idol” on page 164. He commands others to give him food and drinks. He seems to have everyone under his control as many have joined his tribe and follow his commands obediently.

What, besides the meat, attracts the others and Ralph, too, to Jack’s life?

Jack’s group seems to have more fun because they have no responsibilities. This lack of responsibility and freedom attracts Ralph and Piggy.

What is “our dance” and what purpose does the dance and chant serve?

The dance and chant are often used before/ after hunting/ killing. Jack uses the dance as it moves him and his group away from reason and rational and leads them to violence.

What comes out of the darkness of the forest? What happens?

Simon comes out of the forest and the boys mistake him for the beast. Their violent tendencies take over and lead to the murder of Simon.

What happens to the body in the parachute?

The body in the parachute, along with Simon’s body, are both blown by the wind into the sea.

How does Jack view the hunters? How does Ralph view them?

Upon being asked by Jack about how Ralph views his hunters, he claims that they are just “boys with sticks” (page 137). This statement makes it clear that Ralph feels as if the boys are unable to do any tasks and are unhelpful. Jack thinks that his hunters are productive as they have managed to hunt successfully in the past.

After Jack calls a meeting, why does he end up leaving the group?

None of the boys voted Ralph out of leadership and Jack was furious about this.

With the beast looming on the mountain, what does Simon suggest the boys do?

Simon wants to climb up the mountain to find the beast, however, no one listens to him.

Instead of climbing the mountain, what “obvious” idea does Piggy suggest?

Piggy decides to build a signal fire on the beach.

Why do you think most of the bigger boys go off with Jack?

Many left Ralph’s group because Jack’s group was “more fun.” Some of the hunters might have been offended by Ralphs remarks about the hunters. Also, at this point in the novel, Ralph seems unconfident with his leadership and many might feel as if Jack has more to offer.

What is Jack’s plan to get more of the bigger boys of Ralph’s camp?

He plans on killing a pig and inviting the boys for a feast.

What does he plan for the beast?

Jack prepares an offering for the beast: the pig’s head impaled on the top of a stick.

For what expressed purpose do they need to “sharpen a stick at both ends?” (page 124)

They need a stick for leaving the pigs head as an offering for the beast. One end of the stick is forced into the ground and the head is impaled on the top.

What, in his mind, does Simon name the sow’s head?

Simon names the sow’s head “Lord of the Flies” because it was swarming with flies.

After getting over the initial scare, how do most of the boys feel about the raid by the hunters?

They feel as if the boys are having more fun than them and that its better than tending a fire.

Summary of Chapter 8:

News of the beast spreads and Jack takes the conch shell and blows into it, and calls for an assembly. Jack tells the others that there is definitely a beast on the mountain and goes on to claim that Ralph is a coward who should be removed from his leadership role. The other boys, however, refuse to vote Ralph out of power. Enraged, Jack storms away from the group, saying that he is leaving and that anyone who likes is welcome to join him. Ralph is sad at the idea of his group splitting but Piggy comforts Ralph by giving him the idea of building another fire on the beach. The boys set to work and build a new fire, but many of them sneak away into the night to join Jack’s group. Jack declares himself the chief of his group. As hunters, they kill a pig. The boys leave the pig’s head on a stick in the jungle as an offering to the beast. Jack tells Ralph and his group that they are welcome to come to his feast that night and even to join his tribe. Meanwhile, Simon wants to climb the mountain to find the beast. However, no one agrees to go along with him. So, he goes alone. Upon climbing, Simon sees the pig’s head, which is now swarming with flies. Simon begins to imagine that the pig (Lord of the Flies) is talking to him. The Lord of The Flies has a conversation with Simon.

Close Reading: (page 139-140)

This passage (page 139-140) is significant because it shows how the group is falling apart, and how Ralph’s leadership is unsuccessful. Jack leaves the group and decides to make his own. Jack’s ability to finally become chief gives him the liberation to act however he wants. The evil within him is unleashed. This passage also illustrates tribalism at its best. The groups/tribes are apparent now as Jack has fully declared that he is leaving Ralph’s group. This allows for the conflict of civilization and savagery since Jack prioritizes hunting, while Ralph prioritizes keeping the signal fire alive for rescue. The conflict between Jack and Ralph increases.

· What literary devices were employed? (Symbolism, imagery, allegory etc….)

• Alliteration

“Simon came stealing out of the shadows by the shelters” (138)

• Dramatic Irony

“—You knew, didn’t you? I’m part of you? (158)

The beast tells Simon that he is a part of him. Golding is trying to state that savagery is the natural state of human beings and that it exists in all. There is dramatic irony because the reader (and Simon) understand that the evil is within the boys. Only the other boys aren’t aware of the fact that the beast isn’t real and that it is only something within them. Simon continues to be the only selfless one.

• Simile

“High up among the bulging clouds thunder went off like a gun.”

Allegory:

This chapter makes the allegory more clear. The longer they remain on the island, the farther away they get from their civilized selves. For example, Jack’s increasing aggressiveness and savagery is evident as he kills another pig. His character is becoming increasingly violent. Meanwhile, Simon still represents goodness and is the only one who hasn’t been plagued by savagery. Piggy continues to represent intellect as he offers an idea to build the fire on the beach, so they can be rescued. The new addition of the beast (lord of the flies) represents their inherent evil that exists in each and everyone one.

On page 119 Ralph realizes how his appearance has deteriorated.  What does this description convey about how Ralph is coping on the island?

Ralph claims that “he would like to have a pair of scissors to cut his hair. He would like to have a bath and also decided that a tooth brush would come in handy” (page 119). Ralph later realizes that “these were the conditions he took as normal now and that he did not mind” (page 120).  This description indicates his transformation from civilization to savagery as his cleanliness is decreasing.

Define empathy:

Empathy is when you are able to understand and share feelings. 

On page 121 explain how Simon shows empathy for Ralph

Simon understands Ralph’s dissatisfaction and disappointment. He shows empathy by comforting Ralph by claiming that he’ll “get back all right” (page 121). 

Define nostalgia:

Nostalgia is longing or affection for a particular event of the past. 

Explain the purpose of the nostalgic reflection on page 122-123

The purpose of the reflection on page 123 is to portray Ralph’s longing for civilization. He is recalling his civil ways and this passage might be an indicator of possible savagery committed by Ralph.

On the top pf page 124 Ralph is described as , “full of fright and apprehension and pride”.  Explain this quote.

This quote manages to capture Ralph’s pride in hitting the boar, but also shows how frightening his first attempt was. 

How is Ralph, in particular, getting caught up in the savagery of the hunt provide insight into Golding view of the nature of man?

Ralph always opposed the idea of hunting and claimed that there were things of more importance. However, it seems as if Ralph, just like Jack, is caught up in hunting. Ralph’s civilization is disappearing and savagery is beginning to consume him. Golding tries to implicate that people often change with the circumstance provided.