Lord of the FliesWilliam Golding

AllegoryThe story and its characters are used to represent society as Golding sees it. licentious (immoral and wicked) base (corrupt, vile) savage (brutal, vicious, unrestrained).

SettingWar (WW II) - Golding takes the war a step further. All of England has been destroyed by atomic bombs, and as far as Piggy is concerned, all people are dead. Boys were being evacuated, when their plane crashes on an island. They are from an all-boys school. Very sheltered life. Uniforms=strict rule of conduct. Obedience is a must.

SettingBegins as a typical Robinson Crusoe adventure story; but, we soon see, it is anything but this. Golding shows us the inevitable breakdown of humanity from a civilized attitude to one of complete savagery. It is his contention that humanity is basically evil. Golding shows how it is necessary for man/woman to keep himself/herself within boundaries, rules, and responsibilities, or he/she will destroy himself/herself.

MoodAt first, the idea of TOTAL freedom is exhilarating for the boys. It's a game; but, there are images preparing us for the total breakdown of this new society.Ralph strips himself naked. He has cast away the weight of his clothes. Still in the innocent, pure stage of pre-puberty, casting off his clothes, he rejects civilization as he know it and jumps into the "blood-warm" water. Ralph stands among "skull-like" coconuts, and the cries of the birds are "witch-like. a vision of red and yellow flashes EVIL ABOUNDS; HELLISH IMAGES (FLAMES).The choir of boys perch on tree trunks like "black birds". These boys will later make up the majority of hunters. SATANIC IMAGES. BLACK=EVIL; DEATHScar plane crash; destroys the beauty of this garden of eden. It is only the beginning.

Conch

Symbol of orderOne who holds it may talkFate of this shell symbolizes the fate of civilized life on the islandBeginningPink and creamy with beautiful designs. Think of the symbolism of the color, pink. (innocent butnot pure). Golding begins to set the stage for the destruction of any innocence that the boys may come to island with in the beginning.EndTranslucent, loses its color (innocence)Crushed to pieces

Response to ConchUsed to call assembly; man with megaphone. The boys are accustomed to following the rules of the adult world. Society has taught themYoungest boys feel secure and give obedience to whomever is blowing it"blind" obedienceeven to Satan (evil).

RalphFair-haired boy; protagonist (maybe)Not perfect still ridicules Piggy. Doesnt seem to do it maliciously; however, society says fat = unpopular; glasses = nerd. Piggy is an outcast immediately; Ralph partially buys into this thought.Experiences the thrill of powerTwo problemsHow to handle the masses, ie. the "littluns"How to handle power in general

Jack MerridewFinds pleasure in powerResponsible for the eventual breakdown of order and civilized societyPersonality gives reader an immediate sense of his evilnessWalks from a distance - dark shadowsIn charge of the choir harshOnly one with last name officialTall, thin, red hair, black cloak which he sways around him as he moves. Images of Satan.Doesnt immediately become evil; but is easily swayed by jealousy of Ralph. Is encouraged to continue his ridicule of Piggy. (Ralph doesnt do anything to stop him. Possibly not strong enough. Society oftentimes is guilty through omission.) When do we truly stand up for what is right/wrong? When its easy, or difficult?

Three thoughts to considerNatural maliciousness in humanityRalph expresses a superior attitude over PiggyJack bullies his way with the choirAll enjoy teasing PiggyWhat defines human societyCommon need - signal for help to escape the islandCommon fear - fear of the "beast"Common desire - lust for powerMan's instincts; constant struggleNoble - Ralph "fair hair"Ignoble-Jack "shocking red hair"

SimonDifferent than all; innately good; the others have been trained by society that they must be good or be punished. Jack immediately brings that to the forefront. Always looking for the truth. (maybe its us) Fear of the beast ; the unknown.While hysteria grows, Simon becomes thoughtful, logical, calm.Christ-like figure ( which foreshadows ? )Does not want to "possess" the island; appreciates its beauty.

Simon, Ralph, and Jack explore the island.

Ralph and Jack fall to what they have learned - conquer and own the island.Find a field of flowersSimon sees the flowers as "candle-buds"Ralph ridicules Simon, saying that they can't be used for lightJack concurs with that they can't be used for food.Only Simon appreciates the beauty. The other two are blind to this thinking.

End of Chapter FiveBeginning of the endChaosHope is almost non-existentRalph vs. Jack