PDS 7th and 8th graders engage in a mock trial of Lord of the Flies and arrive at a verdict.
By guest blogger, Andrea Tufts, Advancement Communications Coordinator
The 7th and 8th
PDS 7th and 8th graders engage in a mock trial of Lord of the Flies and arrive at a verdict.
By guest blogger, Andrea Tufts, Advancement Communications Coordinator
The 7th and 8th grade English classes enter the courtroom after being “scanned” by security Head of School Josie Holford. Here they will play out the drama of William Golding’s Lord of the Flies during a mock trial in which charismatic and controlling Jack is tried for the murders of Piggy and Simon. The trial is the culmination of active reading, annotating, making inferences, and lively classroom discussion. Each student, playing a witness, defense or prosecution attorney, has prepared a written persuasive argument for his or her position and must speak publicly. The jury is made up of the 8th grade class, who studied the novel and put on their own trial, last year.
“You are now in a courtroom and you must behave accordingly, or our Bailiff Molly will remove you,” announces Judge Rinaldi. She then proceeds to explain the protocols involved in a court of law – when to use objections, the role of the jurors and witnesses, and closing statements. “Jurors, your job is to find Jack either guilty or not guilty of killing Piggy and Simon, two separate murders.”
Witnesses Take the Stand
The trial begins as Piggy is sworn in, laying his hand on a spare copy of Lord of the Flies. “I swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me Golding,” he repeats after the bailiff. Piggy gives his opening statement, citing evidence from the book to support his arguments. “Jack is not directly responsible for killing Simon. Everyone in the hunting circle is responsible for killing Simon. It would be unfair to prosecute Jack. “ And then speaking to the second charge, “I believe Roger is responsible for my death.”
Then bright-eyed Simon takes the stand. “I believe Jack is responsible for my death on the island. I believe Jack is also the killer of Piggy,” he says. During his argument, he cites evidence from the book to persuade the jury. The jury listens attentively while fervently taking notes.
Judge Rinaldi calls other witnesses: Roger, who enjoys being cruel, civilized Ralph and the Little ’uns. Each character has prepared a written statement with carefully cited evidence from the book to support their argume