The Razor bush and Makeup tree are essential components to survival on any island. It is fortunate for most desert islanders we see in shows like Lost and dating even as far back as Gilligan’s Island that these two plants grow in abundance anywhere fit for the marooned. This keeps both male and female characters looking their top despite the difficulties of island living. 
Thanks to the Razor bush, men with stubble have the same facial growth from episode 1 to 100, while those clean shaven remain so until the very end. Women’s armpits stay smooth and their legs shiny and hairless throughout the whole ordeal. The comforts of civilized living, even in savage environs.
The Makeup tree, contrary to popular belief, works for both sexes as well. Women’s lips and eyebrows stay well defined, adding elegance to even the most winded. These same traits benefit men, too, improving emotional communication through facial gestures, both aggressive and pleasant. The complexion of all characters retains vigor, with cheeks rosy and pores clean.
Obviously
Lost has filled my time the past few days and I see strains of Lord of the Flies all through the show. The first 5 minutes of the pilot episode work as an intro to the novel, followed by discussion. What would you do in that situation? What does Jack Shephard do? What should Ralph do? What does he end up doing? What similar concerns do these characters have?
Show different bits of the program throughout the reading of the novel. Compare how Jack and Ralph deal with the two factions to how the beach dwellers and cave dwellers on the show interact. Who are the leaders? What similar/different characteristics do they have? Discuss how Jack, Ralph, Simon, and Piggy work together to show different aspects of human nature. Which characters from Lost do the same things?
You’ve got a good way to hook students into the relevance of Golding’s story, particularly those who watch the show on their own. It can also work to stimulate curiosity: spend some time watching episodes in class (they are each about 40 minutes), assign reading that night, then discuss both the next day. After watching Lost, students may be interested in how the characters in the novel deal with similar circumstances.
Any other shows link so well into literature?
1. Laurie says:
[8/21/2007 - 3:12 pm]
I just watched the opening of Lost…and LOTF is all over it…from plane crash to names (Jack). You’re right, great way to bring the intensity of a plane crash for the charachters in LOTF.