Lord of the Flies – William Golding – 1954

The Lord of the Flies by William Golding tells the story of a group of British boys who are stranded on an uninhabited island and their attempts to govern themselves without adult supervision.

Initially, the boys attempt to organize themselves by electing Ralph as their leader, and they establish a system of rules and responsibilities. However, as time passes and their situation becomes increasingly dire, the boys begin to succumb to their primal instincts and their society descends into chaos.

The boys split into two factions: Ralph’s group, who prioritize building a signal fire to attract rescue, and Jack’s group, who prioritize hunting and indulge in savagery. The conflict between the two groups intensifies, leading to violence and ultimately tragedy.

Throughout the novel, Golding explores themes such as the inherent evil in human nature, the dangers of mob mentality, and the need for civilization and order to maintain societal stability.

Lord of the Flies is a microcosm of society and man with the key themes being:
Conch represents law and order, smoke symbolises hope, glasses represent voice of reason.

Golding’s main theme was to trace the problems of society on the sins of man. Anarchy defeats order and this is the underlying belief that Golding had about society. Law and order is a tenuous calm at best.

Lord of the Flies is considered a classic in much the way that Shakespeare is, in that human nature has not changed, and in the Flies it reduces society onto a small island where all the issues that man faces were brought to the forefront.

It has been continually debated for nearly 60 years and is still studied in schools.

Why is Lord of The Flies considered a microcosm?

“Lord of the Flies” is considered a microcosm because it is a small-scale representation of the larger world. The island on which the boys are stranded represents a miniature version of society, with the boys’ behavior serving as a commentary on the nature of human society as a whole.

The boys’ struggles on the island reflect the larger struggles of humanity, with the battle between civilization and savagery serving as a metaphor for the larger forces at work in the world. The breakdown of order and the descent into violence and chaos that occurs on the island is a reflection of the darker aspects of human nature that exist in all societies.

As a microcosm, “Lord of the Flies” provides a powerful commentary on the nature of humanity and the potential for violence and destruction that lies within us all. It shows how easily societies can break down and how quickly individuals can be driven to abandon reason and morality in the face of fear and uncertainty. The novel ultimately serves as a warning against the dangers of allowing our primal instincts to take over and the importance of maintaining order and civilization in the face of chaos and uncertainty.

Themes

Symbollism

Characters

Quotes

Chapter Summaries

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Author

THEMES

“Lord of the Flies” explores many complex themes, but some of the major ones include:

  1. Civilization vs. savagery: The novel is concerned with the tension between the instinctual drive toward violence and the need for social order and structure. The boys’ behavior on the island shows how easily individuals can descend into barbarism when civilization and societal norms are stripped away.
  2. Power and authority: The novel explores the way that power and authority can be wielded to manipulate and control others. The struggle for power between Ralph and Jack shows how individuals can become corrupted by their own desire for control and dominance.
  3. Loss of innocence: The story depicts the loss of innocence that occurs when individuals are forced to confront the harsh realities of life. The boys’ gradual descent into savagery and violence shows how easily innocence can be lost when faced with extreme circumstances.
  4. Fear and paranoia: The novel explores the way that fear can be used to manipulate and control others. The boys’ fear of the “beast” becomes a powerful force that drives them to increasingly irrational and violent behavior.
  5. The darkness within human nature: The story depicts the fundamental darkness that exists within all human beings. The boys’ descent into savagery shows how easily individuals can be consumed by their own primal desires and lose sight of their humanity.

Overall, “Lord of the Flies” is a powerful exploration of the darker aspects of human nature and the forces that can lead individuals to abandon reason and morality in favor of violence and savagery.

SYMBOLISM

“Lord of the Flies” is a richly symbolic novel, and some of the most important symbols include:

  1. The conch shell: The conch shell is a symbol of civilization and order. It is used to call the boys together and serves as a symbol of democracy and the rule of law. As the story progresses, the conch shell loses its power as the boys become more savage and the rules of society break down.
  2. The beast: The beast is a symbol of the darkness that exists within all human beings. It represents the boys’ fear and paranoia and serves as a metaphor for the primal and violent urges that can lead individuals to abandon reason and morality.
  3. The pig’s head (the “Lord of the Flies”): The pig’s head that Jack’s tribe mounts on a stick is a powerful symbol of the evil and darkness that lies at the heart of humanity. The head speaks to Simon, revealing the truth about the beast and the true nature of the island.
  4. Fire: Fire represents the boys’ hope for rescue and their connection to the civilized world. It is also a symbol of destruction and chaos, as the boys use it to start a forest fire that ultimately leads to tragedy.
  5. The glasses: Piggy’s glasses represent rationality, intelligence, and the power of science and technology. The boys use them to start fires and they are ultimately destroyed, symbolizing the loss of reason and the triumph of violence and savagery.
  6. The island itself: The island represents a microcosm of the larger world and the struggle between civilization and savagery. The boys’ behavior on the island serves as a commentary on the nature of humanity and the potential for violence and destruction that lies within us all.

Overall, the use of symbols in “Lord of the Flies” is a powerful tool for conveying the deeper themes and ideas of the novel. The symbols provide a richly layered and complex narrative that explores the darkest aspects of human nature and the struggle between reason and irrationality.

CHARACTERS

  1. Ralph: Ralph is one of the main protagonists of the story. He is elected as the leader of the boys and tries to maintain order and civilization on the island. He is characterized as a rational and logical thinker, but as the story progresses, he becomes increasingly overwhelmed by the boys’ descent into savagery.
  2. Piggy: Piggy is Ralph’s closest ally and adviser. He is characterized as an intelligent and logical thinker, but he is also physically weak and bullied by the other boys. Piggy is a symbol of reason and logic, and he provides a sense of stability and rationality in the face of the boys’ increasing madness.
  3. Jack: Jack is the main antagonist of the story. He is initially a member of Ralph’s group but eventually rebels against Ralph and establishes his own tribe. Jack is characterized as impulsive, aggressive, and authoritarian, and he becomes increasingly violent and savage as the story progresses.
  4. Simon: Simon is a gentle and sensitive character who is often misunderstood by the other boys. He is characterized as a spiritual and intuitive thinker, and he has a deep understanding of the nature of the island. Simon is the only character who understands the true nature of the beast and the darkness within the boys’ souls.
  5. Roger: Roger is one of Jack’s followers and becomes increasingly sadistic and violent as the story progresses. He represents the darkest aspects of human nature and is willing to commit horrific acts of violence against his fellow human beings.
  6. Sam and Eric: Sam and Eric are twins who are loyal to Ralph and try to maintain order on the island. They are often referred to as “Samneric” and are easily manipulated by Jack and his tribe.
  7. The littluns: The littluns are the younger boys on the island who are too young to participate in the more violent and aggressive aspects of the boys’ behavior. They represent the innocence and vulnerability of humanity and are often overlooked by the older boys.

Each character in “Lord of the Flies” represents a different aspect of human nature and the different ways in which individuals respond to extreme situations. The story explores the fundamental questions of human existence and the nature of good and evil.

Character comparisons to human nature – who represents what

  1. Ralph – represents the rational, democratic side of human nature. He strives to create order and maintain a sense of civilization on the island.
  2. Jack – represents the primal, violent side of human nature. He becomes increasingly savage and barbaric as the story progresses, eventually forming his own tribe and becoming a tyrannical leader.
  3. Piggy – represents the intellectual and scientific side of human nature. He is often marginalized and ignored by the other boys, who view his intelligence as a weakness.
  4. Simon – represents the spiritual and compassionate side of human nature. He is kind and empathetic, and is the only character who truly understands the nature of the “beast.”
  5. Roger – represents the sadistic and violent side of human nature. He is drawn to violence and takes pleasure in hurting others.
  6. Sam and Eric (the twins) – represent the conformist, herd mentality of human nature. They are loyal to whichever group has the most power and influence.
  7. The littluns – represent the innocent, vulnerable side of human nature. They are easily frightened and depend on the older boys for protection and guidance.

Overall, each character in “Lord of the Flies” represents a different aspect of human nature, from the rational and compassionate to the violent and primal. The story explores how these different elements of human nature interact with each other and how they can lead individuals and groups down different paths.

QUOTES

  1. “Maybe there is a beast… maybe it’s only us.” – Chapter 5
  2. “The thing is – fear can’t hurt you any more than a dream.” – Chapter 6
  3. “We did everything adults would do. What went wrong?” – Chapter 8
  4. “I’m scared of him… and that other thing. You know, the beast.” – Chapter 9
  5. “Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy.” – Chapter 12
  6. “The world, that understandable and lawful world, was slipping away.” – Chapter 5
  7. “Roger’s arm was conditioned by a civilization that knew nothing of him and was in ruins.” – Chapter 12
  8. “What are we? Humans? Or animals? Or savages?” – Chapter 6
  9. “The rules!” shouted Ralph, “you’re breaking the rules!” – Chapter 4
  10. “The conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist.” – Chapter 11

AUTHOR

William Golding (1911-1993) was a British novelist, playwright, and poet best known for his novel “Lord of the Flies”. He was born in Cornwall, England and educated at Oxford University, where he studied English literature and philosophy.

After graduation, Golding worked as a teacher, a writer, and a performer in a theater company. He also served in the Royal Navy during World War II, an experience that influenced his later writing.

Golding’s first novel, “Lord of the Flies”, was published in 1954 and became an instant success. The book tells the story of a group of boys stranded on a deserted island who descend into savagery and violence. The novel was widely praised for its exploration of the darker aspects of human nature and its commentary on the potential for violence and chaos in society.

Golding went on to publish many other novels, including “The Inheritors” (1955), “Pincher Martin” (1956), “Free Fall” (1959), and “The Spire” (1964). He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1983 for his contribution to world literature and his exploration of the human condition.

Golding was known for his complex and often dark explorations of human nature, which were influenced by his experiences in the war and his interest in philosophy and psychology. He was also a prolific essayist and wrote extensively on a wide range of topics, from politics to literature to ecology.

Golding died in 1993 at the age of 81, but his work continues to be widely read and studied today, both for its literary merit and its insights into the human condition.

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CHAPTERS SUMMARIES

The Island of Lord of the Flies

The island in “Lord of the Flies” is a remote, uninhabited tropical island somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. The boys are stranded on the island after their plane crashes, and they are the only human beings on the island.

The island is described as lush and beautiful, with a variety of fruit trees and vegetation, as well as animals like pigs and birds. However, it is also portrayed as dangerous and hostile, with rugged terrain, rocky cliffs, and a mysterious, dangerous beast lurking in the shadows.

Throughout the novel, the island serves as a microcosm of human society, reflecting the boys’ struggle to establish order and civilization in the face of their own primal instincts and the inherent chaos of their situation. As the boys’ behavior becomes increasingly savage and violent, the island itself seems to become more foreboding and threatening, highlighting the growing darkness of their situation.

Overall, the island is a critical element of the novel’s themes and serves as both a physical and symbolic setting for the story’s exploration of human nature, power, and morality.

CHAPTER ONE

In chapter 1 of “Lord of the Flies,” a group of British schoolboys find themselves stranded on an uninhabited island after their plane crashes. The boys are initially excited by their newfound freedom and lack of adult supervision, but they quickly realize the seriousness of their situation.

Two boys, Ralph and Piggy, meet and begin to explore the island. They find a conch shell and use it to call together the other boys who survived the crash. Ralph is elected as the leader of the group, and he establishes rules and responsibilities for the boys to follow.

The boys begin to explore the island further and discover that there are no adults or other signs of civilization. They are forced to fend for themselves and to find food and shelter. Ralph and Jack, another boy who is eager to take on a leadership role, clash over the priorities of the group. Ralph wants to focus on building a signal fire to attract rescuers, while Jack wants to hunt for food.

As night falls, the boys begin to feel scared and uneasy in their new environment. They hear strange noises and are afraid of the unknown dangers that may lurk on the island. Despite their fears, they eventually fall asleep, unsure of what tomorrow will bring.

CHAPTER TWO

In chapter 2 of “Lord of the Flies,” the boys continue to try to establish some form of order on the island. Ralph, Jack, and Simon go on an expedition to explore the island and assess their situation. They climb a mountain and see that they are indeed on an uninhabited island.

While they are away, the other boys are left to their own devices. They struggle to build a fire, which is supposed to be their main means of attracting rescuers. They also start to become more aware of their hunger and begin to look for food.

When Ralph, Jack, and Simon return from their expedition, they discover that the other boys have let the fire go out. This frustrates Ralph, who sees the fire as their best chance of being rescued. Jack offers to take his group of hunters and gather meat for everyone, which distracts from the more important task of keeping the signal fire going.

As the day wears on, the boys become increasingly restless and afraid. They hear strange noises in the jungle and are convinced that there is a beast lurking on the island. They begin to argue and accuse each other of being afraid.

At the end of the chapter, a young boy with a birthmark on his face, who had been missing for some time, is discovered. He claims that there is a beast on the island and that it came out of the sea. This revelation heightens the boys’ fears and adds to the growing sense of unease on the island.

CHAPTER THREE

In chapter 3 of “Lord of the Flies,” the boys begin to feel the effects of living on the island. They are dirty, hungry, and tired, and they are struggling to work together to survive.

Ralph calls a meeting to try to restore order and focus the boys on their task of being rescued. At the meeting, Jack announces that he and his hunters have killed a pig and that they can provide meat for everyone. This news excites the boys, and they begin to see Jack as a more valuable leader than Ralph.

Ralph tries to regain control of the group by emphasizing the importance of keeping the signal fire going, but he is increasingly frustrated by the boys’ lack of discipline. He appoints a group of boys to tend to the fire, but they quickly become distracted and let the fire go out once again.

Meanwhile, Jack and his hunters continue to hunt for pigs, and they become more savage and violent in their pursuit of meat. They paint their faces with clay and chant a hunting song as they search the island.

Simon, the quiet and introspective boy, wanders off into the jungle and discovers a secret clearing. He has a vision of a dead pilot, whose body has been carried to the island by the wind. Simon realizes that the beast that the boys fear is not a physical creature but rather a manifestation of their own fears and insecurities.

At the end of the chapter, a ship is seen on the horizon, but the boys are unable to light the signal fire in time to attract its attention. This failure leads to a sense of hopelessness and despair among the boys.

CHAPTER FOUR

In chapter 4 of “Lord of the Flies,” the boys continue to struggle with their survival on the island. Ralph is increasingly frustrated by the lack of progress in keeping the signal fire going, and Jack becomes more and more obsessed with hunting.

The boys’ physical appearance is also starting to deteriorate, and they are becoming more savage in their behavior. They begin to play violent games and indulge in cruel behavior towards each other.

One of the younger boys, Percival, has a breakdown and begins to cry, which further highlights the boys’ vulnerability and fear in their new environment.

Simon, who is still struggling with the knowledge that the beast is not a physical creature, wanders off into the jungle and has a conversation with the Lord of the Flies, which is a pig’s head on a stick that Jack’s hunters have placed as an offering to the supposed beast. The Lord of the Flies represents the evil that is inherent in human nature, and it speaks to Simon of the darkness within himself and the other boys.

Meanwhile, Jack and his hunters have become more and more brutal in their pursuit of pigs, and they begin to paint their faces with blood and wear masks made of pig’s heads. Their savage behavior terrifies the other boys and adds to the sense of chaos on the island.

At the end of the chapter, a dead airman falls from the sky and lands on the island. His parachute becomes tangled in the trees, and his body swings back and forth in the wind. The boys mistake the airman for the beast and are further convinced that there is a physical creature on the island.

CHAPTER FIVE

In chapter 5 of “Lord of the Flies,” the tension between Ralph and Jack continues to escalate as the boys struggle to maintain order and focus on their goal of being rescued.

Ralph becomes increasingly frustrated with Jack’s obsession with hunting and his lack of commitment to keeping the signal fire going. The fire has gone out again, and Ralph is concerned that they have missed another opportunity to be rescued.

During a meeting, Jack challenges Ralph’s leadership and suggests that the boys should follow him instead. Jack promises the boys that he will provide them with meat and fun, which appeals to their more primitive desires.

The group begins to fracture, with some boys aligning themselves with Jack’s hunters and others remaining loyal to Ralph. The division between the boys becomes more pronounced as they struggle to reconcile their desire for fun and adventure with their need for discipline and order.

In the midst of this turmoil, Simon has another encounter with the Lord of the Flies, which tells him that he will never be able to escape the darkness within himself and the other boys. Simon realizes that the beast is not a physical creature but rather a manifestation of the boys’ fear and savagery.

At the end of the chapter, a ship is seen on the horizon, but the boys are unable to light the signal fire in time to attract its attention. This failure leads to a sense of hopelessness and despair among the boys, and they begin to question whether they will ever be rescued.

CHAPTER SIX

In chapter 6 of “Lord of the Flies,” the boys’ descent into savagery becomes more pronounced as they continue to struggle with their survival on the island.

The chapter opens with Ralph and Piggy discussing their concerns about the boys’ behavior and their lack of commitment to keeping the signal fire going. They are interrupted by Jack and his hunters, who return from a successful hunt with a pig.

The boys hold a feast in which they eat the pig and celebrate their hunting success. However, as the night wears on, the boys become increasingly savage in their behavior. They dance and chant around a fire, and Jack encourages them to engage in violent games.

Simon wanders off into the jungle and has a vision of the dead airman, whose body has been carried away by the tide. He realizes that the boys are not alone on the island and that there is a world beyond their own.

Meanwhile, Ralph becomes increasingly frustrated with the lack of discipline and order among the boys. He is concerned that they will never be rescued and that they are becoming more and more savage in their behavior.

At the end of the chapter, Simon has another encounter with the Lord of the Flies, which tells him that the beast is within the boys themselves. Simon faints and is later found by Ralph, who tries to comfort him. However, the other boys mistake Simon for the beast and attack him, killing him in a frenzied act of violence. The chapter ends with the boys realizing the horror of what they have done and the darkness within themselves.

CHAPTER SEVEN

In chapter 7 of “Lord of the Flies,” the boys are haunted by the memory of Simon’s death and struggle to come to terms with the darkness within themselves.

The chapter opens with a storm brewing on the island. Ralph becomes increasingly anxious about the state of the boys’ shelters and their ability to survive the storm.

Jack and his hunters continue to pursue their obsession with hunting, and their behavior becomes more and more violent. They attack a pig and mutilate its body, leaving its head on a stick as a warning to the other boys.

Ralph and his group, meanwhile, are preoccupied with the task of maintaining the signal fire. They manage to light the fire, but it quickly gets out of control, and they are forced to deal with the consequences of their actions.

During a meeting, Jack challenges Ralph’s leadership once again and suggests that the boys should join his tribe instead. Ralph becomes increasingly frustrated with Jack’s behavior and realizes that they may never be rescued.

The chapter ends with the boys seeing a dead parachutist on the mountain, and mistaking it for the beast. Jack and his hunters become obsessed with killing the beast and set off into the jungle with their spears, leaving Ralph and his group behind.

The chapter highlights the boys’ growing sense of fear and their increasing susceptibility to violence and savagery. They are unable to control their emotions and impulses, and their behavior becomes more and more erratic as they struggle to survive on the island.

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CHAPTER EIGHT

In chapter 8 of “Lord of the Flies,” the boys’ descent into savagery becomes even more pronounced as they struggle to come to terms with their fear of the beast and their desire for power.

The chapter opens with Jack and his hunters returning from their unsuccessful hunt for the beast. They have become increasingly savage in their behavior and are covered in war paint.

Ralph becomes increasingly frustrated with Jack’s behavior and his lack of commitment to the group. He tries to maintain order and discipline among the boys, but his efforts are often met with resistance and hostility.

The boys continue to struggle with their fear of the beast, and their behavior becomes more and more erratic. They engage in violent games and indulge in their more primitive desires, ignoring the responsibilities of their survival.

Simon has another encounter with the Lord of the Flies, who tells him that the beast is within the boys themselves. Simon realizes that the boys’ fear and savagery are the real source of their problems and tries to share this insight with the others.

However, the boys mistake Simon for the beast and attack him, killing him in a frenzied act of violence. They are unable to recognize the horror of what they have done and continue to pursue their savage desires.

The chapter ends with the boys dancing around a fire, still covered in war paint, and oblivious to the darkness within themselves. They have become completely detached from the world of civilization and have fully embraced their own savagery.

The chapter highlights the boys’ growing sense of fear and their increasing susceptibility to violence and savagery. They are unable to control their emotions and impulses, and their behavior becomes more and more erratic as they struggle to survive on the island.

CHAPTER NINE

In chapter 9 of “Lord of the Flies,” the boys’ descent into savagery reaches its climax as they struggle to come to terms with the murder of Simon and their own inner demons.

The chapter opens with Piggy and Ralph discussing the murder of Simon and the need to maintain order and discipline among the boys. However, they are interrupted by Jack and his hunters, who steal Piggy’s glasses in order to start their own fire.

Ralph becomes increasingly desperate to maintain the signal fire and attract the attention of passing ships. However, he is unable to control the other boys, who have become more and more savage in their behavior.

The boys’ obsession with hunting and killing becomes more pronounced, and they begin to turn on each other. Ralph, Piggy, and Samneric are attacked by Jack and his hunters, who steal Piggy’s glasses and kill him in a brutal act of violence.

The chapter ends with Ralph and his remaining followers fleeing into the jungle, pursued by Jack and his tribe. The boys have completely abandoned the world of civilization and have become lost in their own savage impulses.

The chapter highlights the boys’ complete loss of control and their increasing susceptibility to violence and savagery. They are unable to recognize the horror of what they have done and have fully embraced their own primal desires. The murder of Piggy marks the point of no return for the boys, as they have completely abandoned the values of civilization and have become fully immersed in their own darkness.

CHAPTER TEN

In chapter 10 of “Lord of the Flies,” the boys continue their descent into savagery and violence as they struggle to survive on the island.

The chapter opens with Ralph and his followers hiding in the jungle and trying to come up with a plan to fend off Jack and his hunters. They realize that they must face their fears and confront the reality of their situation if they are to have any chance of surviving.

Meanwhile, Jack and his tribe continue their hunt for Ralph and his followers. They have become increasingly savage and have lost all sense of morality or compassion.

The boys’ behavior becomes more and more erratic as they struggle to survive on the island. They engage in violent games and indulge in their more primitive desires, ignoring the responsibilities of their survival.

Simon’s body is washed out to sea, and Ralph and his followers are forced to confront the reality of their situation. They realize that they are alone on the island and that their chances of survival are slim.

The chapter ends with the boys engaging in a brutal battle, as Jack and his hunters attack Ralph and his followers. The boys have completely abandoned the world of civilization and have become lost in their own savage impulses.

The chapter highlights the boys’ complete loss of control and their increasing susceptibility to violence and savagery. They are unable to recognize the horror of what they have done and have fully embraced their own primal desires. The boys’ behavior becomes more and more erratic as they struggle to survive, and they have completely abandoned the values of civilization.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

In chapter 11 of “Lord of the Flies,” the boys continue to struggle for survival on the island, as they are forced to confront the consequences of their own actions.

The chapter opens with Ralph and his followers retreating to the safety of Castle Rock, where they plan to make a stand against Jack and his tribe. However, they realize that they are outnumbered and outmatched by Jack’s hunters, who have become increasingly savage and violent.

As the boys prepare for battle, they begin to question their own actions and the morality of their situation. They realize that their behavior has led them down a path of destruction and that they must take responsibility for their own actions.

The boys engage in a brutal battle, as Jack and his hunters attack Ralph and his followers. The boys have completely abandoned the world of civilization and have become lost in their own savage impulses.

The chapter ends with the arrival of a naval officer, who rescues the boys from the island. The boys are forced to confront the reality of their situation and the horror of what they have done.

The chapter highlights the boys’ complete loss of control and their increasing susceptibility to violence and savagery. They are unable to recognize the horror of what they have done and have fully embraced their own primal desires. The arrival of the naval officer marks the end of the boys’ descent into savagery, as they are forced to confront the reality of their own actions and the consequences of their behavior.

CHAPTER TWELVE

In chapter 12 of “Lord of the Flies,” the boys are rescued from the island and forced to confront the reality of their situation.

The chapter opens with Ralph reflecting on his experiences on the island and the horror of what has happened. He is relieved to be rescued, but he realizes that he has lost a part of himself in the process.

As the boys are being taken away from the island, they are forced to confront the reality of their own actions. They realize that they have abandoned the values of civilization and have become lost in their own primal desires.

The chapter ends with the boys being taken to safety and the arrival of a rescue team. The boys are forced to confront the reality of their situation and the horror of what they have done.

The chapter highlights the boys’ complete loss of control and their increasing susceptibility to violence and savagery. They are unable to recognize the horror of what they have done and have fully embraced their own primal desires. The arrival of the rescue team marks the end of the boys’ descent into savagery, as they are forced to confront the reality of their own actions and the consequences of their behavior.

 

Ralph Piggy and Jack are the key characters. A group of boys are left stranded on an island after a plane crash.The conch shellis used as a signal to call all survivors and becomes the symbol of control.

Ralph is made leader and the goal of the group is to have fun and keep a signal fire burning for rescue. They use Piggy’s glasses to light it.

Jack begins to hunt for food and forms another group of boys which eventually separate and form another tribe.

This is the group that becomes more savage and eventually kill another boy.

Jack’s tribe steal Piggy’s glasses to take control of fire, kill Piggy in an accident and capture the last two remaining members of Ralph’s tribe. They set the island alight with fire searching for Ralph to capture him and the fire is seen by a passing ship and the boys are rescued.

Lord of the Flies is a microcosm of society and man with the key themes being:
Conch represents law and order, smoke symbolises hope, glasses represent voice of reason.

Golding’s main theme was to trace the problems of society on the sins of man. Anarchy defeats order and this is the underlying belief that Golding had about society. Law and order is a tenuous calm at best.

Lord of the Flies is considered a classic in much the way that Shakespeare is, in that human nature has not changed, and in the Flies it reducessociety onto a small island where all the issues that man faces were brought to the forefront.

It has been continually debated for nearly 60 years and is still studied in schools.

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