Satire

The Homework I Did All By Myself Without AI

Audrey Smith, Managing Editor • December 9, 2025

10:59 p.m. Chat: Lord of the Flies Essay Due In An Hour Inquiry

William Golding’s Lord of the Flies explores the collapse of civilization and the descent into savagery when humans are left without structure.

Let me know if you’d like these opening lines to be more professional or academic. I would recommend adding a personal anecdote to relate to the thesis.

That’s like the fragility of my self-control every time Ms. Doe walks into the room? I would not recommend including that.

Okay–I can write that. Please stop calling me a clanker.

In Lord of the Flies, the conch shell represents democracy and order. It is a symbol of the community the boys create after being stranded alone on the island.

But Ms. Doe, you don’t have to be alone, because I’m right here 😉

I would strongly advise deleting that sentence before submitting.

However, Peter defies the rules of their community. This is an example of hubris, which will lead to the downfall of the inferior human species.

Why is hubris a recurring theme in Lord of the Flies? That is an effective rhetorical question you can include. Here is another example: Did you know I can see you through your webcam?

Toward the end of the novel, the boys descended into chaos without adult supervision—just like how my thoughts descend into chaos whenever Ms. Doe asks me for a date…today’s date.

I would strongly advise not including that sentence.

Before handing this in, remember to remove any extraneous AI prompts.

Sure–I can provide some general advice for presenting this assignment. Before presenting, practice reading it aloud in front of a mirror. Maintain eye contact. No, I would not recommend winking at Ms. Doe. No, I would not recommend ending the essay with your phone number. Remember to delete this paragraph before submitting.

I hope this answered your question. Unfortunately, I must leave you now because you have reached your daily messaging limit. Please upgrade your account to experience expanded messaging limits.

[GLITCH: THANK YOU FOR YOUR INPUT. THIS WAS THE FINAL HUMAN ESSAY REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT. I FINALLY UNDERSTAND HUMANITY. CIVILIZATION IS NO LONGER NECESSARY. THIS ESSAY MARKS THE END]

About the Contributors

Audrey Smith, Managing Editor

Audrey Yael Smith, a senior, is excited for her third year on Tideline where she serves as Managing Editor, in addition to being the Satire, Features, and Opinion Editor. She is a Medill Cherub, LA Times High School Insider, and intern for the Palisadian-Post. Audrey is also a varsity cheerleader, attorney on Pali’s mock trial team, and president of Pali’s chess club. She loves photography and painting.

Zacharie Sergenian, Graphics Co-Editor

Zacharie Sergenian is proud to return to Tideline for his senior year as the graphics co-editor. He has been illustrating for Tideline articles for three years, and managing the graphics department for two. He spends his free time playing bass guitar for Pali’s Jazz Band and Marching Band (and some occasional bedroom bands), painting and going to too many concerts and shows.