Lord of the Flies

Definition

Lord of the Flies is a novel by William Golding that explores the inherent darkness of human nature and the breakdown of civilization when a group of boys is stranded on an uninhabited island. The title refers to a severed pig's head mounted on a stick, symbolizing the primal instincts and savagery that emerge in the absence of societal structure. Through this narrative, Golding critiques the idea of innate goodness in humans and highlights how quickly order can devolve into chaos.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The novel is set during an unspecified war and follows a group of boys who crash-land on a deserted island.
2. Golding uses characters like Ralph, Piggy, and Jack to represent different aspects of human nature and social order.
3. The 'beast' symbolizes the fear and primal instincts within each boy, reflecting Golding's belief that evil is inherent in humanity.
4. The story illustrates how quickly social order can collapse when individuals are left without rules or authority.
5. The eventual rescue of the boys at the end highlights the ironic return to civilization and the loss of innocence experienced on the island.

Review Questions

• How does Golding depict the theme of savagery in Lord of the Flies through the characters' actions and decisions?
  • Golding illustrates the theme of savagery primarily through characters like Jack and his followers, who gradually abandon their civilized behaviors to embrace primal instincts. As they prioritize hunting and power over cooperation and order, their descent into barbarism becomes evident. The transformation from schoolboys to savage hunters showcases how quickly moral constraints dissolve when societal structures are removed, emphasizing Golding's view on human nature.
• Discuss the significance of symbols such as the conch shell and the Lord of the Flies within the context of human nature and society as presented in the novel.
  • The conch shell symbolizes civilization and democratic order, initially uniting the boys under a system of rules. However, as savagery prevails, its power diminishes until it is destroyed, reflecting the collapse of societal structure. Conversely, the Lord of the Flies—a pig's head—represents the darkness within humanity. These symbols highlight Golding's argument that civilization is fragile, easily dismantled by our baser instincts.
• Evaluate Golding's critique of human nature as depicted in Lord of the Flies, considering both individual characters and broader societal implications.
  • Golding critiques human nature by suggesting that beneath a veneer of civility lies an intrinsic capacity for evil. Through characters like Ralph, who represents order and leadership, and Jack, who embodies chaos and brutality, Golding reveals how quickly individuals can succumb to their primal urges when removed from societal expectations. This critique extends to society at large; it questions whether civilization can truly suppress our darker impulses or if chaos is an inevitable outcome when order breaks down. Ultimately, Golding's narrative serves as a chilling reminder of humanity's potential for savagery.

Related terms

Savagery: The quality of being fierce, violent, and uncontrolled; a central theme in the novel illustrating how quickly civilized behavior can be abandoned.

Civilization: A complex society characterized by established laws, governance, and cultural norms; in the novel, it contrasts sharply with the boys' descent into barbarism.

The Conch Shell: An important symbol in the novel representing order, authority, and democratic power; its destruction signifies the complete breakdown of civilization among the boys.