Question 12
GCE_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1
•
2018
•
LITERATURE_IN_ENGLISH
•
objective
Both Nathaniel Hawthorne's *The Scarlet Letter* and William Golding's *Lord of the Flies* employ the colour red as a symbol. Explain how the symbol of red functions differently in each novel, and state what each usage reveals about the author's view of human nature.
Answer Options
A.
In *The Scarlet Letter*, red (the scarlet ‘A') stands for passionate love and personal freedom, showing Hawthorne's belief that individual desire can triumph over social constraints. In *Lord of the Flies*, red (the hunters' blood) represents the boys' yearning for civilization, indicating Golding's view that humans are innately cooperative.
B.
In *The Scarlet Letter*, red (the scarlet ‘A') symbolizes wealth and social status, suggesting Hawthorne's view that morality is tied to economic power. In *Lord of the Flies*, red (the pig's head) denotes the boys' fear of authority, revealing Golding's belief that fear, not savagery, drives human behavior.
C.
In *The Scarlet Letter*, red (the scarlet ‘A') is a sign of redemption and forgiveness, reflecting Hawthorne's optimism about moral improvement. In *Lord of the Flies*, red (the blood on the hunters) illustrates the boys' heroic sacrifice, showing Golding's belief that humanity's strength lies in self‑sacrifice.
Correct Answer
D.
In *The Scarlet Letter*, red (the scarlet ‘A') symbolizes sin, guilt and social ostracism, revealing Hawthorne's view that morality is largely imposed by society. In *Lord of the Flies*, red (the blood on the hunters and the pig's head) symbolizes primal violence and loss of innocence, revealing Golding's belief that human nature contains an inherent capacity for savagery.
Correct Answer
D
Correct Option:
In *The Scarlet Letter*, red (the scarlet ‘A') symbolizes sin, guilt and social ostracism, revealing Hawthorne's view that morality is largely imposed by society. In *Lord of the Flies*, red (the blood on the hunters and the pig's head) symbolizes primal violence and loss of innocence, revealing Golding's belief that human nature contains an inherent capacity for savagery.
About This Question
This is
Gce Model Questions Vol1
2018
Literature In English
Question 12.
It is one of the
objective
questions from the
2018
Gce Model Questions Vol1
Literature In English
examination.
Difficulty level:
Hard
.