Why should you read “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding? - Jill Dash

Summary

William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies' is a profound exploration of human nature, inspired by his disillusionment with humanity due to World War II and the Cold War. The novel satirizes the idyllic island adventure genre by portraying British schoolboys stranded on an island, who devolve into savagery without adult supervision. Golding challenges colonialist narratives and societal beliefs, presenting a timeless examination of morality and civilization.

Takeaways

• 📚 William Golding wrote 'Lord of the Flies' as a commentary on the darker aspects of human nature.
• 🌍 Golding's experiences in WWII and the Cold War influenced his views on humanity and violence.
• 📖 The novel was initially rejected by 21 publishers before being published in 1954.
• 🏝️ 'Lord of the Flies' is a bleak satire of the classic island adventure genre.
• 👦 The novel features British schoolboys who devolve into savagery, challenging colonialist narratives.
• 🎭 Golding uses the setting and character names from R.M. Ballantyne’s 'Coral Island' to subvert expectations.
• 🗣️ The story explores the rapid disintegration of order and cooperation without adult supervision.
• 🔥 Jack's leadership and the boys' darker urges lead to chaos and a descent into barbarism.
• 🌐 The novel's themes of morality, civility, and society make it a timeless literary classic.
• 🌿 The island setting serves as a microcosm for the broader themes of human nature and societal collapse.
• 🌑 The novel ends with an unsettling reflection on the state of the world and the nature of humanity.

Q & A

What was William Golding's profession before becoming an author?

Before becoming an author, William Golding was a philosophy teacher.

How did William Golding's experiences in World War II influence his writing?

Serving in World War II and witnessing the atrocities of war led Golding to question human nature, which influenced his writing, particularly his novel 'Lord of the Flies'.

What was the title of Golding's first and most famous novel?

Golding's first and most famous novel is titled 'Lord of the Flies'.

How many publishers rejected 'Lord of the Flies' before it was finally published?

The novel 'Lord of the Flies' was rejected by 21 publishers before it was finally published in 1954.

What does the title 'Lord of the Flies' signify in the context of the novel?

The title 'Lord of the Flies' is derived from Beelzebub, a demon associated with pride and war, which are central themes in the novel.

How does 'Lord of the Flies' differ from traditional island adventure stories?

While traditional island adventure stories often depict young boys mastering nature and teaching native inhabitants British values, 'Lord of the Flies' presents a darker narrative where the boys succumb to their darker urges and lose their sense of order.

What is the significance of the boys' uniforms in 'Lord of the Flies'?

The boys' black uniforms symbolize their initial civilization and order, which contrasts with their eventual descent into savagery.

What is the role of the conch shell in the novel?

In 'Lord of the Flies', the conch shell serves as a symbol of order and civilization. It is used by Ralph to call meetings and maintain a semblance of structure among the boys.

How does the character Jack represent the darker side of human nature in the novel?

Jack, who vies for leadership with Ralph, represents the darker side of human nature as he leads the boys towards savagery, forgetting their plans for rescue and succumbing to their primal instincts.

What is the significance of the 'beastie' in the woods mentioned in the novel?

The 'beastie' in the woods symbolizes the boys' fears and the unknown, which contributes to their descent into chaos and savagery.

How does 'Lord of the Flies' challenge the colonialist narrative?

The novel challenges the colonialist narrative by turning the British schoolboys, who are usually portrayed as civilized, into savage caricatures, thus critiquing the notion of inherent superiority.

What is the broader implication of the boys' struggle on the island in 'Lord of the Flies'?

The boys' struggle on the island serves as a microcosm of the larger, more destructive war that brought them there, reflecting the universal themes of morality, civility, and society.