Author: William Golding
Year of Publication: 1954
Genre: Allegorical Fiction
Setting: Post WW2 on a deserted island
Themes: Savagery vs. civility: “Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!” (152). Following this quote the boys kill one of their own in a frenzy.
About William Golding:
In Summary:
Lord of the Flies is a fictional novel set in a post WW2 era. A large group of boys finds themselves stranded on an island, and must fight to keep things civil. Two boys struggle for power, and must prove themselves the most effective leader. Things get ugly and the boys must make a choice between civility and savagery. Will the ancient primal desires to rule and reign trump the code of conduct created by modern life?
Year of Publication: 1954
Genre: Allegorical Fiction
Setting: Post WW2 on a deserted island
Themes: Savagery vs. civility: “Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!” (152). Following this quote the boys kill one of their own in a frenzy.
About William Golding:
- Lived 1911-1993
- Attended Oxford to study English
- Married in 1939 and had two children in the following years
- He served in the Royal Navy during WWII
- His debut novel was Lord of the Flies, and he went on to write 11 more novels during his career
- Died of heart failure in 1993
In Summary:
Lord of the Flies is a fictional novel set in a post WW2 era. A large group of boys finds themselves stranded on an island, and must fight to keep things civil. Two boys struggle for power, and must prove themselves the most effective leader. Things get ugly and the boys must make a choice between civility and savagery. Will the ancient primal desires to rule and reign trump the code of conduct created by modern life?
In one iconic scene, one of the boys wanders far into the jungle and comes face to face with a severed pig head on a spike. The pig begins talking to him, however it is eventually revealed that the pig head simply symbolized man and his savage nature. This nature is experienced in many shapes and forms by the boys fighting for survival. They seem to be devolving. The struggle for power and survival causes savage acts of killing. The boys are slowly becoming desensitized to the things that would have appalled them on the streets of London. The struggles continue and they wonder whether or not they will ever be saved. Savagery is at an all time high when... well, I won't give away the ending :)
My Thoughts:
I would recommend this book to anyone who can separate the events in this book from real life. While it is very interesting and very well-written, it could be frightening for anyone who has trouble separating fact from fiction. Otherwise, it is a great read and has many symbolic elements. Its perfect for a literature class with guided discussion.
I was assigned to extend the book as a writing assignment, and I have linked the finished product of that assignment if you want a quick fun read!
I would recommend this book to anyone who can separate the events in this book from real life. While it is very interesting and very well-written, it could be frightening for anyone who has trouble separating fact from fiction. Otherwise, it is a great read and has many symbolic elements. Its perfect for a literature class with guided discussion.
I was assigned to extend the book as a writing assignment, and I have linked the finished product of that assignment if you want a quick fun read!