lord of the flies Essay

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Literature Review of: Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Summary: Lord of the Flies tells the story of a group of English schoolboys stranded on a marooned island after their plane is shot down during the war. It is the end of innocence and primal instinct for some unlucky children. Free from the rules and structure of civilization the group of boys descend into savagery for various reasons. Some soon rebel and two are killed until they are rescued by the navy.

Quotes: “Roger gathered a handful of stones and began to throw them. Yet there was a space round Henry, perhaps six yards in diameter, into which he dare not throw. Here, invisible yet strong, was the taboo of the old life. Round the squatting child was the protection of parents and school and policemen and the law” (pg 62). The quotation shows the psychological workings violence and physical force to get a sense of superiority over the younger boys, the littluns’. Without a civilized society evil starts to break through due to the loss of social order which is a big contribution to an inner beast.
“What I mean is… maybe it’s only us” (pg 89). An “inner” beast is a component to human nature and Golding stresses that innate human evil exists. We do not always realize because it is difficult to face reality but it is important that we have the capability to look beyond.
Historical Context: William Golding’s shocking experiences in the British Navy during World War II changed his view on human nature which is expressed in his novel Lord of the Flies. In the time spent in the war he acknowledged the way people changed gradually over time. People were killed and nobody took notice, they didn’t care that somebody was being tortured to death. “‘Nobody killed I hope? Any dead bodies?’ ‘Only two. And they’ve gone. The officer leaned down and looked closely at Ralph. ‘Two?
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