"Lord of the Flies" by William Golding: Critical Essay

Essay by cheeky74High School, 11th gradeB-, June 2007

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William Golding's classic novel "Lord of the Flies" presents a very distinguishing example of what can happen when a group of young boys are left by themselves on a deserted island. The author positions the reader to accept this idea through the heavy use of symbolism which makes this novel more than an adventure story. As well as this the characters show how easily evil can triumph given the right circumstances where chaos and fear flourish.

The chaos and fear started when a group of English choir boys were stranded alone on an uninhabited island and are left to orchestrate life with out elders. At first the boys act like the well-mannered English boys they are, just innocently having fun, but this rapidly turns. First Ralph and the others thought it would be fun to be on this island, but soon their games turn violent and savage. "This is our island.

It's a good island. Until the grown-ups come to fetch us we'll have fun." (pg.30 )At the start there was order and respect towards the chief who was Ralph mostly because he had the conch but he was also one of the oldest. But soon democracy is ruined as inner savagery and evil rupture out, finally resulting in three boy's deaths. The first signs of evil acts were the other boys teasing Piggy, this may seem harmless but it was just the start to the evil habits of the boys.

"You're talking too much," said Jack. "Shut up, Fatty.""He's not fatty," cried Ralph "his real name's piggy!" (pg. 28)Soon murders were taking place and hunting of a human, being Ralph. As samneric told "They hate you Ralph, they're going to do you." (Pg 232) soon the fear of the unknown turns the boys hysterical and apprehensive. The conflict...